Portland, OR – February 15, 2019 – Wells Fargo has awarded the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians Economic Development Corporation (ATNI-EDC) with a two-year $257,900 grant to support the expansion of a small business micro-lending program for tribal members. The nonprofit organization will use the funding to build infrastructure including hiring a loan program manager, renting office space and developing marketing materials for the loan program.

The ATNI-EDC Revolving Loan Fund provides access to capital to help Native entrepreneurs start or grow their businesses in the Pacific Northwest. The Wells Fargo grant will enable ATNI-EDC to double its lending capacity to $500,000 with a goal of 10 loans per year.

“This grant is a game-changer for our organization,” said Amber Schulz-Oliver, executive director for ATNI-EDC. “With increased capacity, we will be in a strong position to better serve the economic development needs of tribes. When we leverage the vast economic power generated by Pacific Northwest tribes, we succeed in elevating our communities out of poverty and into prosperity.”

In April 2019, ATNI-EDC will host an economic summit in Portland to help tribal leaders implement economic development initiatives, share best practices, strengthen inter-tribal relationships and advance solutions to common barriers. 

The Wells Fargo Foundation grant is part of the company’s five-year, $50 million commitment to expand its focus on tribal philanthropy to provide greater economic empowerment in Native American and Alaska Native communities. The philanthropic investment aims to increase homeownership, energy sovereignty, and workforce development on tribal lands, promote development of Native-owned small businesses, and help build capacity for nonprofits to better serve their clients in Indian Country.

“Wells Fargo has been serving American Indian and Alaska Native communities for more than 50 years,” said Jon Campbell, president of the Wells Fargo Foundation. “We believe it is important to support nonprofit and community organizations that empower tribal communities to determine their own way of life on their own lands — according to their time-honored cultures, traditions and beliefs — while also providing access to the tools and opportunities that can lead to financial success and well-being.”

National nonprofit organizations serving individuals, families and businesses in Indian Country who wish to be considered for a grant under the foundation’s commitment should contact AIANPhilanthropy@wellsfargo.com to determine eligibility. Community-based, local 501(c)(3) organizations serving the American Indian/Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian communities can continue to apply for grants through Wells Fargo’s online tool.

About Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians Economic Development Corporation  

Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians Economic Development Corporation provides community and

economic services to nearly 60 Tribes in the Pacific Northwest, including all nine tribes of Oregon, all 29 tribes of Washington, and all five tribes of Idaho, as well as four tribes in California, two tribes in

Nevada, four tribes in Montana and three tribal communities in Alaska.

About Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a diversified, community-based financial services company with $1.9 trillion in assets. Wells Fargo’s vision is to satisfy our customers’ financial needs and help them succeed financially. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, Wells Fargo provides banking, investment and mortgage products and services, as well as consumer and commercial finance, through 7,800 locations, more than 13,000 ATMs, the internet (wellsfargo.com) and mobile banking, and has offices in 37 countries and territories to support customers who conduct business in the global economy. With approximately 259,000 team members, Wells Fargo serves one in three households in the United States. Wells Fargo & Company was ranked No. 26 on Fortune’s 2018 rankings of America’s largest corporations. In 2017, Wells Fargo donated $286.5 million to 14,500 nonprofits and Wells Fargo team members volunteered a record 2 million hours. Wells Fargo’s corporate social responsibility efforts are focused on three strategic priorities: diversity and social inclusion, economic empowerment, and environmental sustainability. News, insights and perspectives from Wells Fargo are also available at Wells Fargo Stories. 

Celebrate 32 years of Waterfront Blues during the 

July 4thholiday weekend

Preliminary line-up announced, passes on sale February 15 for the award-winning event
 July 4 - 7 at Waterfront Park in Portland, Ore.

Portland, Ore. (February 15, 2019)– Join blues legends, up-and-comers and regional favorites to mark the 32nd  Annual Waterfront Blues Festival July 4-7, 2019 at Tom McCall Waterfront Park. 4-Day passes go on-sale Friday, February 15. 

This year’s festival will feature more than 100 acts on four stages. Highlights include:

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue • St. Paul & the Broken Bones • Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe • Vintage Trouble • California Honeydrops • Shemekia Copeland  • Cyril Neville • Roy Rogers & the Delta Rhythm Kings with special guest & Carlos Reyes 
Christone “Kingfish” Ingram  • Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band • Sugaray Rayford • Songhoy Blues • Southern Avenue • Brother Yusef • Lucious Spiller • Kevin Burt • Feu Follet • Curley Taylor • Vanessa Collier • Sarah Grace of The Voice…

…and many more to be announced, including additional headliners!

This year’s lineup includes new, as well as some festival favorites from years past. Closing headliner Troy“Trombone Shorty” Andrewsmade his first public Northwest appearance at Waterfront Blues Festival more than a decade ago, playing on the festival’s Front Porch Stage and on a late-night cruise. “We’ve been trying to get Shorty back to our main stage ever since,” said festival Artistic Director Peter Dammann, who first encountered a scrawny Shorty, then in his mid-teens, busking on a street corner more than 15 years ago in New Orleans’ French Quarter. “Even in those days, playing for tips on the sidewalk, Shorty was already considered by those-in-the-know to be one of the major up-and-coming horn players on the planet.” In the interim Shorty has headlined major stages all over the world, including five appearances at the White House. The festival is thrilled to welcome him back this year.  

Joining Shorty on the Festival’s Sunday salute to the Crescent City will be legendary vocalist/percussionist Cyril Neville and his Uptown Rulers; and ‘zydeco junkie’ Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band who headline two-days of Cajun/zydeco dancing on the festival’s Front Porch Stage. 

Newcomers this year include the high voltage, horn-driven soul-rock of Alabama-based St. Paul & the Broken Bones; the swaggering rock-soul of Vintage Trouble; North Africa desert grooves of Songhoy Blues; the powerful Oakland bluesman Kevin Burt,winner of the 2018 International Blues Challenge in threecategories; Arkansas/Mississippi Delta bluesman Lucious Spiller; the masterful, up-and-coming vocalist/saxophonist Vanessa Collier (“Amazing!” – Buddy Guy); Louisiana’s ‘future of Cajun music’, Feufollet; and Houston’s 16-year-old “pint-sized powerhouse,” Sarah Grace, whose soulful vocals carried her into the final 10 on this season’s The Voice.

Returning are some of the festival’s favorites from years past, including: the bluesy soul/funk of Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe; the California Honeydrops (“the most refreshing act to roll down the blues highway in some time.” – Living Blues); the searing vocalist Shemekia Copeland (“A powerhouse, a superstar, she can do no wrong,” Rolling Stone); slide guitar virtuoso Roy Rogers(“One of the rare guitar heroes who values feeling over flash” - Rolling Stone) in a collaboration with Parguayan violinist/harpist Carlos Reyes; young Mississippi guitar phenom Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, about to release a debut album produced by Buddy Guy (festival fans may remember Guy brought Kingfish on stage for his headlining WBF set four years ago); ‘Fatback Blues’ master, Brother Yusef,a favorite of swing/blues dancers.

“Stay tuned, we have some more announcements to come,” said Dammann, “including of course our world-class soul and blues acts from the Northwest.”

“This is the concert deal of the summer,” continues Dammann. “Four days, four stages, more than 100 eclectic performances, starting at just $50 for a 4-day pass—that’s only $12.50 a day!”

The following four-day passes offered this year: 

4-Day Fan Pass($50—just $12.50 a day!) — Four-day pass, priority re-entry.

Blues Buddy Pass($75 early bird discount) — Four-day pass, EARLY entry, priority re-entry, and discounted admission to Waterfront After-Hours Concerts in the Marriott Ballroom (just $5 each, these after hours shows are otherwise $20 advance; first-come, first-served).

Gold Pass($350) — Four-day EARLY entry and priority re-entry, access to Main Stage shaded seating, access to central stage shaded seating, admission to After-Hours concerts, four meal and drink vendor coupons, festival T-shirt and poster, parking pass & more! SOLD OUT LAST FEW YEARS!

Platinum Pass($1,250) — Four-day EARLY entry & priority re-entry, priority access to on-stage seating at Main Stage and Blues Stage, access to central stage shaded seating, access to VIP Hospitality Pavilion with catered buffets and VIP restrooms, admission to After-Hours concerts, parking passand many other VIP perks. SOLD OUT LAST FEW YEARS!

Also on sale now are tickets to the Festival’s exciting After-Hours Shows in the Marriott Ballroomacross Naito Parkway from the festival site. Featured this year:

Friday, July 5: California Honeydrops • Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe presents “Eat Lots of Peaches” Allman Brothers tribute

Saturday, July 6: Southern Avenue with special guest Christone “Kingfish” Ingram • Vintage Trouble.

Tickets and lineup information for the popular Blues Cruisesaboard the Portland Spirit, will be available in early April. 

For artist bios, preliminary schedule, videos and music samples, visit the newly updated: waterfrontbluesfest.com.    

About Waterfront Blues Festival:

Since 1988, the Waterfront Blues Fest has raised funds and awareness to fight hunger in our region. Since its inception, the festival has raised nearly $11 million and more than 1,000 tons of food to fight hunger in Oregon. Last year Oregon Food Bank, producer of the event since its inception, turned over ownership and production responsibilities to its long time production company, Waterfront Blues Production LLC, so the agency could refocus on its core hunger mission. The 2018 festival featuring George Thorogood, The Revivalists and Beth Hart was the first under the management/ownership of WBP. The Festival again this year welcomes as its Community Partner, the Portland Sunshine Division, which will run the event’s food drive to help stock its two emergency food pantries.

This Portland flagship festival has become a treasured tradition for locals and visitors alike, and has served as downtown Portland’s signature Fourth of July Celebration. It is the largest blues festival west of the Mississippi, the second-largest blues festival in the nation, and one of the most revered festivals of its kind in the world. It is a recipient of numerous awards, including the Memphis-based Blues Foundation’s coveted Keeping the Blues Alive Award for ‘Best Festival.’ Since its inception, the festival has been committed to elevating the presence of local non-profits through fundraising and exposure. 

Major sponsors: Buick GMC of Beaverton, KGON radio, KOIN-TV, The Oregonian.

More information: waterfrontbluesfest.com 

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Peter Dammann, Festival Artistic Director
503-283-3225, 503-341-2068 c
damray@europa.com

Chocolate offers instant gratification, but lower fees, great rates, and member perks last longer.

SEATTLE (Feb. 12, 2019) – With Valentine’s Day approaching, it’s a great time to remember all the sweet deals from your credit union. Members enjoy a variety of money-saving perks that are better than a box of chocolates, whether you’re treating yourself or someone special on the big day.

If your idea of a romantic dinner out is more steak-and-lobster than burger-and-fries, try a free financial education course, such as budgeting, to align your finances. Hoping to take a romantic sunset drive in a new car sometime soon? Credit union members save big on auto loan financing, an average of $91 per year. Want to start a long-term financial relationship with a low-interest credit card? You could be enjoying a credit card rate as much as 3.09 percent lower than those offered at other financial institutions. All of these benefits are available for the 4.3 million Washington credit union members and joining a credit union is easier than you think.

These perks and savings aren’t just candy-coated promises. They exist because of credit unions’ not-for-profit structure. Credit unions are owned by their members, so they do not pay Wall Street stockholders. Instead, they return profits to their members in the form of favorable loan rates, better returns on savings accounts, and lower fees.

Washington credit unions love their members and Valentine’s Day is a great time to remember all the sweet deals waiting for you at your credit union. Want to join a credit union? Find one that best suits your needs at www.asmarterchoice.org.


Washington Benefits of Membership Report, a, Credit Union National Association study based on Datatrac, NCUA, and CUNA comparison of bank and credit union rates, for 12 months ending in Sept 2018.

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The Northwest Credit Union Association is the not-for-profit trade association representing over 180 credit unions in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, and their 7.3 million consumer members. Northwest Credit unions are not-for-profit cooperatives, owned by their members. Credit unions help members achieve their financial goals.  All earnings in excess of operating expenses and required reserves are returned to members in the form of lower loan rates, fewer fees and higher interest paid on savings. For information on how to join a credit union, please visit http://www.asmarterchoice.org.

WASHINGTON – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is seeking nominations to fill three positions on its National Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board.  Selected Board members advise the BLM and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) from the perspective of a particular interest in wild horse and burro management. The call for nominations released today is for the positions that represent humane advocacy, livestock management, and wildlife management interests.

The board plays an important role in the Department of the Interior’s efforts to be a good neighbor in states where the BLM and USFS oversee wild free-roaming horses and burros. The advisory board advises the BLM and USFS on the protection and management of wild free-roaming horses and burros on public lands administered by those agencies. The board typically meets twice annually, but the BLM may call additional meetings when necessary. Members serve a three-year term without salary. Members are reimbursed for approved travel and per diem expenses related to their activities on the board.

The advisory board is comprised of nine members who represent a range of interests. Individuals qualify to serve on the board because of their education, training, or experience that enables them to give informed and objective advice regarding the interest they represent. Successful nominees will demonstrate experience or knowledge of the area of their expertise and a commitment to collaborate in seeking solutions to resource management issues.

Any individual or organization may nominate one or more persons to serve on the Board; individuals may also nominate themselves. Federal and state government employees are not eligible to serve on the Board. 

Interested parties should submit an application packet that includes at a minimum a resume and nomination letter. Provide the following information as part of the application packet:

• The nominee’s first, middle, and last name.
• Position(s) for which the nominee wants to be considered.
• Business and home addresses and phone numbers.
• E-mail address.
• Present occupation/title and employer.
• Education (colleges, degrees, major field(s) of study).
• Career highlights (significant related experience, civic and professional activities, elected offices, including prior advisory committee experience or career achievements related to the interest to be represented).
• Relevant education, training, and experience.
• Experience or knowledge of wild horse and burro management.
• Experience or knowledge of horses or burros (equine health, training, and management).
• Experience in working with disparate groups to achieve collaborative solutions.
• Identification of any BLM permits, leases, or licenses held by nominee or employer.
• Indication of whether the nominee is a federally registered lobbyist.
• Explanation of interest in serving on the Board.
• Reference letter(s) from special interests or organizations the nominee desires to represent.

References may include, but are not limited to, business associates, friends, co-workers, and local, state and/or federal government representatives or elected officials. All nominations must include at least one letter of reference.

Submit nominations by e-mail to Dorothea Boothe, acting Wild Horse and Burro Program Coordinator, at dboothe@blm.gov. To send by U.S. Postal Service, mail to the National Wild Horse and Burro Program, Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, 1849 C Street, N.W., Room 2134 LM, Attn: Dorothea Boothe, WO-260, Washington, DC 20240.  To send by FedEx or UPS, please mail to the National Wild Horse and Burro Program, Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, 20 M Street, S.E., Room 2134 LM, Attn: Dorothea Boothe, Washington, DC 20003.

Nominations must be received no later than 45 days after the notice has been published in the Federal Register, or postmarked by the same date. The BLM request for nominations appears in the February 13 edition of the Federal Register.  For more information on the National Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board, visit the BLM website.
 

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The agency's mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America's public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. Diverse activities authorized on these lands generated $96 billion in sales of goods and services throughout the American economy in fiscal year 2017. These activities supported more than 468,000 jobs.

For Immediate Release
Wednesday, February 13, 2019                                                                             

Media Contacts

Sarah Shipe, Director of Communications

(503) 977-6861 | After Hours (800) 626-6543 | sshipe@girlscoutsosw.org

Maureen A. Kenney, Public Relations and Advocacy Manager

(503) 977-6817 | mkenney@girlscoutsosw.org

Thousands of Girl Scout Cookie Booths Open February 15

Girl Scout S’mores™ cookies back by popular demand!
 

PORTLAND, OR. – February 13, 2019 – Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington (GSOSW) is about to launch the 2019 Girl Scout Cookie booth season. And, back by popular demand are Girl Scout S’mores™! Cookies can be purchased from more than 30,000 Girl Scout Cookie booths between Friday, February 15 and Sunday, March 10, 2019.

“I’m excited for girls to have this business experience, and put themselves out there,” says Chief Operations Officer, Paige Walker. “As they’re talking with community members at booths, they’re learning people skills. As they’re making decisions about their cookie business, they’re practicing skills that prepare them for a successful future.”

While the girls ask for the sale, Walker has an ask for customers, too: “When you meet a Girl Scout at a cookie booth, ask her why she is selling Cookies!”

COOKIE FINDER

Signature Girl Scout Cookies, including Thin Mints®, Samoas® and Trefoils® will be offered among the eight Girl Scout Cookie varieties at all booths throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington. Girl Scout S’mores™ cookies and gluten free Toffee-tastic™ specialty cookies are available at select cookie booths while supplies last. Customers can find a Girl Scout Cookie booth near their location with the Cookie Finder at girlscoutsosw.org/cookies or use the Girl Scout Cookie Finder app available for iPhone or Android.

THE POWER BEHIND THE GIRL SCOUT COOKIE PROGRAM

The Girl Scout Cookie Program teaches girls the skills they need to become effective leaders, manage finances and gain confidence in handling money—skills that will stay with them for a lifetime. Each box of Girl Scout Cookies sold powers real-life experiences for thousands of local girls.

“We are so grateful to the stores, businesses and organizations that host Girl Scouts at cookie booths,” says Walker. “The community partners that provide these spaces are making a valuable investment in girls’ entrepreneurial experience.”

KEEPING IT LOCAL

100 percent of the net revenue earned from cookie sales remains within the local region. Every purchase of Girl Scout Cookies helps provide for new and unique opportunities for local girls including valuable educational experiences that offer lifelong impact. Girl Scout campers in Oregon and Southwest Washington use cookie program proceeds to fund their own camp and travel adventures. And, nearly every Girl Scout troop uses some portion of their cookie proceeds to give back to their local communities.

COOKIE BOOTH SALES AND COOKIE FINDER

Girl Scouts will sell cookies at booths in front of local retailers throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington from February 15 through March 10, 2019. Customers can find a Girl Scout Cookie booth near their location with the Cookie Finder at girlscoutsosw.org or use the Girl Scout Cookie Finder app available for iPhone or Android.

ABOUT THE GIRL SCOUT COOKIE PROGRAM

A little more than a century ago, girls began participating in what would evolve into the largest entrepreneurial training program for girls in the world: the Girl Scout Cookie Program. To learn more about the history of the Girl Scout Cookie Program, please visit girlscoutcookies.org.

ABOUT GIRL SCOUTS OF OREGON AND SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON

In partnership with more than 8,000 adult members, Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington prepares 14,500 girls in grades K-12 for a lifetime of leadership, adventure and success. GSOSW’s programs in civic engagement, financial literacy, the outdoors and STEM serve girls in 37 counties in Oregon, and Clark, Klickitat and Skamania counties in Southwest Washington. The Girl Scout mission is to build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. For more information, please visit girlscoutsosw.org.

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Cathlamet, Washington -- As the Sheriff of Wahkiakum County, it is my sworn oath to uphold the United States Constitution and the laws and Constitution of the State of Washington as well as the laws of my county.  With nearly three decades of law enforcement experience I have never refused to enforce a law in this state.  And I will continue to enforce the laws.  However, when a law is passed that is in direct conflict with each and everyone’s constitutional rights, I have an obligation to step back and take a harder look.  While the constitutionality of Initiative 1639 is being challenged in the higher courts, I have instructed my Office to take information only on any incidents that arise from this initiative.  I continue to work closely with the Wahkiakum County Prosecutor.  The Wahkiakum County Sheriff's Office will continue to investigate all matters that are reported to us.

Sincerely,

Sheriff Mark Howie

Wahkiakum County