Showcasing Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the Columbia Gorge! — Columbia Community Connection News Mid-Columbia Region

Lindsey Giamei, owner of The Workshop and Woodsy Craft Co. and last year’s first-place winner, used her winnings to attend a major trade show.

“Thanks to the support from the $7,500 in pitch fest funding, over 30 new stores now proudly carry our brand, catapulting our presence into 11 new states across the country! This funding not only opened doors for us, but also paved the way for meaningful connections and invaluable opportunities,” said Giamei.

Jason Hartmann, MCEDD’s lead project manager for this event, said the event is proud to support local innovators.

“We are thrilled to showcase the incredible talent and potential in our communities, and to support the growth of promising startups that will contribute to the economic vitality and diversity of the Mid-Columbia region. We believe that by supporting entrepreneurs and fostering a culture of innovation, we can bolster the Gorge’s already-thriving startup ecosystem to benefit the entire Gorge,” said Hartmann.