Editorial: Event shows what networking can do

The package of activities was a good sell to visitors and likely to entice residents to be out and about.

The chamber partnered with the Mid-Columbia Health Foundation to sponsor the 5K run/walk and split the proceeds. The foundation will use its share to upgrade the weight room at The Dalles High School and promote wellness among students and staff.

This is another example of how well things work out when entities collaborate and come up with a plan to build community.

Participants in the run are likely to have eaten at area restaurants, purchased fuel and beverages, in addition to getting a glimpse of what The Dalles has to offer.

We commend the chamber for working so well with other organizations to improve the quality of life for area residents and attract new visitors.

By networking, groups make sure that services are not being duplicated and limited resources are stretched as far as possible.

It is important to build a community brand that carries a uniform message and can be pushed far beyond Wasco County’s borders.

Economic recovery in rural areas of Oregon is sputtering along and local entities need to ensure they are stretching every dollar as far as they can.

Work needs to continue on fine-tuning an economic development strategy that reflects broad public interest and is reality-based with achievable goals.

Public and private sector roles need to be clearly defined so innovation is not discouraged by too much red tape.

Toward that end, the city should be commended for reducing the cost of residential development, which makes the town a more attractive place for workers to live.

That same hard look needs to be given toward the fees paid by commercial and industrial customers.

Kudos also go to the port for constructing 26 shovel-ready lots to accommodate new or expanding companies.

More intensive networking could now be key to selling Wasco County as a great place to do business.

Like-minded individuals getting together and planning activities to promote civic pride could end up being worth millions.

Our nation was built by people with an entrepreneurial spirit who took risks and weren’t afraid to try new things. That spirit is reflected in the history of The Dalles where pioneers braved great hardship to find a new and better life.

Networking doesn’t have to be grim or too self-sacrificing. The chamber and health foundation provided the example this weekend for how things can get done in a spirit of fun.