Cowlitz Economic Development Council
The CEDC supports business expansion and retention through strategic alliances and strong community support. Serving Cowlitz County since 1979, CEDC is a proactive, results-oriented public/private partnership working with over 230 associates to assist businesses to relocate or expand in Cowlitz County. CEDC promotes job creation and investment while maintaining the county's exceptional environment and high quality of life.
Cowlitz Economic Development Council offers the ability for a client to have a single point of contact. We act as a conduit helping business navigate the challenges of expansion and relocation.
We serve both existing businesses considering expansion and those looking to relocate to the Cowlitz County region. Our core competencies include site location and acquisition, business data and demographics, and process facilitation.
Site location
– Help find the right property
The CEDC plays an integral role in a company’s site selection process, customizing a search to meet specific criteria. Cowlitz County features affordable, industrial land and facilities to serve a wide variety of infrastructure requirements. The CEDC can locate and help you procure the property you need.
Business Financing Assistance
– Help finding the financing you need!
The CEDC can help you locate the right type of financial assistance choosing from a wide variety of resources.
Incentives
– Help choosing and obtaining the proper incentives for your business
The CEDC will develop a customized package of incentives to aid in a cost effective site location. Cowlitz County offers incentives ranging from no sales tax on construction of manufacturing facilities to fast track permitting of your project. Rely on the CEDC’s years of experience to ensure your project qualifies for all available programs.
To learn more click here.
Permit and Process facilitation
– Help with building permits, infrastructure, electrical, and more
The CEDC helps you navigate through the unique challenges and complexities of business expansion and relocation to facilitate fast, affordable, and efficient business development.
Demographics
– Support for the Due Diligence Process
The CEDC provides a range of customer-specific data to help businesses make educated decisions and plan for the future.
Impact Washington
– Help increase manufacturers’ competitiveness
CEDC represents Impact WA, a U.S. Department of Commerce NIST MEP affiliate, to provide Cowlitz County manufacturers with tools necessary in today's changing economic environment. We assist businesses to improve a company's competitiveness and productivity.
Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRB)
– Market tax-exempt IRBs
The CEDC provides direct access to key decision makers to benefit the financial goals of a project. Eligible manufacturing companies can access tax-exempt industrial revenue bonds to finance real estate, machinery and equipment. Through revolving loan funds and an aggressive lending community, qualifying businesses can take advantage of attractive financing packages for your project.
Policy Development
Strategic partnerships with lawmakers and corporate leaders mean members have a hand in shaping economic policy instead of waiting for it to be
handed down.
Foreign Trade Zone
As grantee of FTZ #120 the CEDC can and will participate in your companies ability to obtain the benefits of our zone. The zone offers several advantages to companies involved in international trade and applies to all sites in
Cowlitz County.
HUB Zone Certification
The CEDC can assist your company in obtaining HUB Zone Certification. The federal establishment of Cowlitz County as a HUB Zones provides qualifying business with preferential terms when negotiating government contracts.
