People in Business
Two Clark County organizations received Workforce Southwest Washington’s Excellence in Workforce Development Awards, which were presented at its Dec. 12 board meeting. The Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce received the Innovation Workforce Development Award for its program called stemCONNECT, which aims to help high school students find high-demand careers in Clark County. Students who participate make on-site visits to local businesses. Teachers reported that 22 of the 34 students who took part in the first visit to local business Webfor enrolled in Fort Vancouver High School’s CTE web design course this past fall. Interject Data Systems received the Excellence in Building Workforce Partnerships Award for its work with various Clark County organizations. Working closely with Washington State University Vancouver, CEO Jeff Honsowetz and his team mentor and apprentice college students to help them develop professional experience while they complete their last two years of school. There are six students in the program. Honsowetz also started a free coding club for children to help them gain confidence to create technology, and this summer, WorkSource hosted an eight-week session of the club. Additionally, Interject Data Engineer Chris Hight started a nonprofit organization called Future of Code, which holds classes and clubs for students 6 to 18 years old at multiple locations in Vancouver. Special Power of Partnership Awards were presented to Clackamas Workforce Partnership and Worksystems. Learn more at www.workforcesw.org.
Three Vancouver businesses were named the Holiday Storefront Window Contest winners by Vancouver’s Downtown Association. Twenty businesses participated in the contest. Winners include:
• Most Original Window: Sincerely the Bride, 111 W. Seventh St.
• Best Lights: Leupke Flowers and Finds, 1300 Washington St.
• Most Traditional: Divine Consign, 904 Main St.
The Columbian welcomes submissions about Clark County residents or businesses, as well as regional business events. Information must be received by noon of the Tuesday preceding the intended Sunday publication date. Send to lyndsey.hewitt@columbian.com or fax 360-735-4540. Sales awards are not published.
