UMATILLA, Ore.-The City of Umatilla opened its new Business Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 8.
The grand opening celebration included live music from Blue Tattoo, food trucks, an official ribbon-cutting, and guided tours of the facility from City staff.
“This building is a focal point for big opportunities and community growth,” said Zach Ratkai, Community Development Director, in opening the festivities. “This is your building, Umatilla enjoy it.”
Representative Greg Smith spoke of visiting Umatilla after Saturday morning hunting trips with his family as a child, of the glory of walking up and down Main Street, and how he feels that glory coming back with the Business Center.
“Isn’t this awesome? Isn’t this absolutely magnificent?” said Smith. “This is what happens when we work together and come together as a community.”
Umatilla County Commissioner Dan Dorran also spoke of growing up in the area, and of fond memories he still has of the City.
“One thing this building represents is a huge step in the economic development for the City of Umatilla,” said Dorran, who touted the potential of the new business center to provide generational economic development and praised Umatilla’s leaders for their foresight in making the facility happen.
Umatilla Mayor Caden Sipe spoke of the resiliency of Umatilla and of how he looks forward to working with new businesses in the incubator program.
“This is deeper than just a building, the Business Center represents strides toward resiliency, and the City of Umatilla has always been resilient,” said Sipe.
Sipe and Josiah Barron, Executive Director of the Umatilla Chamber of Commerce cut the ribbon to officially open the new Business Center.
The Business Center development includes a two-story north building and a one-story south building, forming an approximately 11,500-square-foot mixed-use facility along 6th Street on the site of the old Post Office
The center’s Business Incubator Program will offer below-market space to emerging businesses for one to three years, paired with hands-on training in essential business skills to support long-term success.
The total project budget is approximately $8.22 million, funded through a combination of sources, including the Economic Development Administration, the State of Oregon, Umatilla County, American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, and City capital reserves.
creating a true city center, bringing together economic opportunity, civic use, and public space enhancements, while also expanding opportunities for entrepreneurship and cultural engagement.
Community events are planned for Village Square Park at the new business center, including Umatilla’s Saturday Market and Concert Series, which will be held the second Saturday of every month from May through August at Village Square Park at the Business Center.
The markets are family-friendly events that feature local vendors and produce, handmade goods, food, entertainment and concerts.
