by Richard Uhlhorn
The city has received a $75,000 state CERB grant to study ways of diversifying the community’s economic well-being. City Administrator Laura McAloon asked council what it might look like if Chelan could diversify its economy to truly make Chelan economically sustainable year-round.
This grant will support a $115,000 project which includes a $40,000 local match from the City. The grant is designed to identify opportunities for sustainable economic growth, higher wage employment and long term economic resilience.
“This grant represents an investment in Chelan’s future,” said Mayor Erin McCardle. “Tourism and agriculture will always remain important parts of our community, but this work will help us identify additional economic opportunities that can strengthen our local economy, create family-wage jobs, and support long-term prosperity for future generations. With CERB’s partnership, we can make informed decisions about the opportunities that best fit Chelan and our community values.”
Chelan’s current economy is highly dependent on tourism dollars. This year, the Little Giant Fire disrupted Chelan’s busiest revenue source throughout the month of August leaving businesses down 30 to 70%.
On the other hand, agriculture certainly helps maintain Chelan’s economy through property tax dollars from businesses like Chelan Fruit, but the community itself has little farming activity left with a scattering of vineyards and a few orchards.
It will be interesting to see what a $115,000 study will produce in recommendations to diversify.
Chelan competes with Leavenworth, but Leavenworth has a huge step-up over Chelan. They are closer to their primary market and have much more to offer to the visitor year round with commercial activities, recreation opportunities and a well-known reputation worldwide for being a major theme town.
Chelan offers plenty of reasons to visit during the spring shoulder season, summer months and into fall. Events draw specific visitors, many of whom are actively engaged in specific activities like car shows, trail running, hydroplane events etc. Winter months have not been advertised well. Echo Ridge Nordic Ski Area is a premiere cross-country ski area operated by the Lake Chelan Nordic Club and each year more and more skiers are discovering its attributes. Echo Valley, when it has enough snow to operate offers the winter visitor some local skiing, ski lessons and a very busy tubing hill. Locals love it and most visitors find out about it while staying at Wapato Point who advertise it widely.
This past weekend was a perfect example of how events can fuel the economy. Mahogany and Merlot, Skydive Chelan, Brews on the Bridge and other local activities draw hundreds to the valley.
Economic sustainability will depend on creating events that visitors want to attend. I’ve heard a number of events that the locals would love to see back. The biggest one is the old Harvest Festival where apple bin races drew hundreds of visitors to watch and cheer on their favorites. Other family events include the Slam n’ Jam 3-on-3 which the high school is looking at operating next year. Campbell’s Cup with club racing in October when the lake is flat and the weather is still warm.
Other activities that would attract people could be snowmobile tours, Echo Ridge Nordic Ski are events and so forth. They need to be properly advertised to the appropriate audiences. This could be accomplished by giving lodging tax dollars to the applicable organizations with an interest in developing events.
The city promises community outreach and engagement with residents, businesses and its regional partners during the grant process when the selected consultant begins next spring.
I’m sure the city would love to hear ideas from the community.
