Oregon State Rep. Greg Smith (GOP-Heppner) was successful in securing $1 million for the development and construction of a new Hermiston Chamber of Commerce & Western Umatilla County Community Facility.
Smith obtained the funding in an amendment to House Bill 5201 the 2018 Budget Reconciliation Bill. Smith serves as a member of Joint Ways and Means Subcommittee on Capital Construction where the amendment and bill were considered. He also serves as Co-Vice Chair of the Joint Ways and Means Committee which oversees the entire state budget.
“The growing communities of Western Umatilla County continue to need additional meeting and workforce development training space, and I believe this facility will help meet that need,” said Smith. “I am also excited this facility can serve as a new home for the Hermiston Chamber of Commerce as they continue their work in supporting local business and community activities.”
The new facility will provide space for community meetings, educational and workforce development training events for Western Umatilla County. In addition, the facility will serve as the home of operations for the Greater Hermiston Chamber of Commerce, who will also serve as the operator of the facility once complete.
“The Greater Hermiston Chamber of Commerce would like to thank Rep. Greg Smith for his unwavering support and working towards this opportunity to serve West Umatilla County in a greater capacity as we develop our new facility,” said Debbie Pedro, Hermiston Chamber of Commerce CEO.
HB 5201 will proceed to a vote where it is expected to pass and be signed into law.
Thank you Greg Smith for all your efforts in securing the funding for the Hermiston Chamber of Commerce and even though I am retired now having been in business in Hermiston my whole life and grown up here it has always been so hard to find a meeting or training location and I am so happy Debbie Pedro and her staff will have a new and permanent home soon. This will be such a bonus for Hermiston, thank you so much.
The Hermiston Chamber of Commerce and Debbie Pedro really needed a new home. Thank you Greg Smith for making that happen. I have been a resident of Hermiston since 1942. I did live in California and Arizona for about 30 years after graduating from Oregon State. Hermiston is a great community with great people and deserves a new Chamber office and Western Umatilla County Center. The Chamber is a vital part of the growth here and I am proud to be a part of that. Debbie makes it happen. A Strong Chamber makes a Stronger Community….and Hermiston has the best. Greg thank you so much for getting funding for a new home. Thanks, Donn
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