Valley Vision hosting prospective businesses
Group says it conducted three visits this year and slated three in January
Valley Vision, a not-for-profit economic development group, has conducted three site visits this year for businesses exploring relocation or expansion in the region.
Two of the visits were by the same company, which liked the area so much it wanted to see more after its first trip, said Valley Vision President and CEO Jerry Chavez.
Three more site visits are set for January, he said.
One is for the second business that was already here and is returning for another look. The others are for new prospects, Chavez said.
Those updates were part of a presentation Chavez made to the Clarkston City Council this week when it approved a revision of the city’s 2023 contract with Valley Vision.
The updated agreement reflects the present goals of the group and continues to provide $5,000 for 2023 from the city of Clarkston for the group, said Clarkston Clerk/Treasurer Steve Austin.
Among Valley Vision’s priorities are working with Clarkston businesses to support growth and maintain a strong presence in Clarkston while attracting new ventures to the city, according to a news release issued this week by Valley Vision.
At the same time, Valley Vision is pursuing construction of industrial buildings to land more manufacturing, according to the news release.
“The new contract will provide Clarkston with the resources and expertise it needs to attract businesses, support existing businesses and create jobs for its residents,” according to the news release.
The amount the city of Clarkston will contribute to Valley Vision in 2024 will be established in an agreement that hasn’t been finalized yet, Austin said.
The city of Lewiston is giving Valley Vision as much as $40,000 for the 2024 fiscal year and has expectations for Valley Vision that are similar to the city of Clarkston’s.
Valley Vision has a number of projects underway such as easing a worker shortage by helping area employers hire workers from Puerto Rico.
The group has been involved in the effort to recruit Bell Lumber and Pole, Chavez said.
Executives from the utility pole maker presented to the Lewiston Port Commission last week their plans, which may include pursuing a site in North Lewiston.
Valley Vision’s efforts to bring new ventures to the region are targeting employers from California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona and Canada.
Chavez is focused on energy and food processors as well as businesses that do computer numerical control machinery manufacturing. He’s also looking for makers of weapons, ammunition, outdoor recreation products and software for the U.S. Department of Defense.
Williams may be contacted at ewilliam@lmtribune.com or (208) 848-2261.
