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Partnerships that Strengthen Local Businesses Help Attract New Businesses

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Economic development doesn’t happen overnight, and it rarely happens without challenges along the way. Recruiting major new employers is a complex process — one that requires persistence, trust, and strong partnerships to overcome the unexpected. The new Manzana Products apple processing facility now under development in Sunnyside is a perfect example. Manzana, a subsidiary of […]

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From Infrastructure to Opportunity: Sunnyside Opens 200 Acres for Business Development

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When a new business comes to town, the excitement begins long before the doors open. It starts with earthmovers clearing a site and construction crews setting up fences. A contractor’s sign appears, sparking curiosity about what might be coming. Soon, a foundation is poured, walls rise, and the skeleton of a building takes shape. Each

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Listening to Local Businesses Is Key to Growing Yakima’s Economy

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If we want to support a stronger local economy, we need to listen carefully to the people building it from the ground up. That’s why the Yakima County Development Association, in partnership with more than a dozen community organizations and with support from a grant from South Central Workforce, conducted a countywide business needs assessment.

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Toppenish Reverse Job Fair - Nursing Students

Reverse Job Fairs Help Youth Step Confidently into the Workforce

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As part of its Workforce Development initiative, the Yakima County Development Association (YCDA) hosted two Reverse Job Fair events this past spring to help youth build career readiness and connect with local employers.  Held at Toppenish High School on April 30th and Yakima Valley Technical Skills Center (YV-Tech) on May 15, 2025.  A total of

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Washington State Brownfields Conference

From Empty Lots to Community Impact: Joe Schmitt Represents YCDA at Brownfields Conference

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What do you do with a property that’s been sitting empty for decades—maybe an old gas station, an abandoned mill, or even a drive-in movie theater that no one’s used since the ‘80s? Joe Schmitt of YCDA recently participated in a panel at the 2025 Washington State Brownfields Conference, held at the Yakima Convention Event

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Your Voice Matters: Help Shape Business Resources in Yakima County

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Small business owners, we want to hear from you! The Yakima County Development Association (YCDA), in partnership with Zocalo, has launched a Business Needs Assessment Survey. Zocalo is working to create a year-round market and business incubator to support local entrepreneurs throughout the Yakima Valley.  Whether you’re running a business from home, a store front

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Construction Accelerator Conference Attendee Photo

Building Business, Building Yakima: Construction Accelerator Conference Recap

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More than 39 businesses and industry professionals came together last Thursday at Legends Casino in Toppenish for our Construction Business Accelerator Conference to connect, learn, and build toward a stronger local construction economy. Hosted by the Yakima County Development Association (YCDA) in partnership with ACG of Washington, the day was designed to provide practical tools,

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Infrastructure Isn’t Just About Roads–It’s About Jobs, Business Growth, and Yakima Valley’s Future

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Last month, I traveled to Washington, D.C. with a group of local partners to talk about something we all rely on—but too often take for granted: transportation infrastructure. When it works, it fades into the background. But when it’s outdated or incomplete, it holds communities back. Two regional coalitions—TRANS-Action and DRYVE—have helped prioritize infrastructure projects

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YCDA Accelerates Momentum with Programs and Fairs

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By Debra Yergen, Yakima Valley Business Times, Contributing Writer, Yakima Valley Business Times, April 2025 The Yakima County Development Association (YCDA) is partnering with local agencies and businesses to launch the 2025 Business Accelerator Program. The program targets businesses that are at least two years old, have fewer than 30 employees and have active growth

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Construction Accelerator Conference

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Register for Construction Accelerator Conference Date: May 22, 2025 (9:00am – 5:00pm) YCDA invites our Construction Industry businesses to join us at our upcoming Construction Accelerator  Conference. What to Expect Industry keynote: Kick off the day with speaker Jimmy Mata, sharing insights on “Building for Success: Navigating Challenges in the Construction Industry.” Jimmy brings decades

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