Clark County Business Briefing, Sept. 28, 2024

People in business

The business leadership group Identity Clark County has honored Eric Fuller, CEO of Fuller Group CRE, as director emeritus, recognizing 25 continuous years of service on its board of directors.

Fuller Group is the largest commercial real estate firm operating in Clark County with 18 licensed agents. Eric Fuller formed the brokerage in 1997 after serving as a founding principal of the Vancouver office of NAI Norris, Beggs and Simpson. He maintains brokerage licenses in Oregon and Washington and is a certified commercial investment member.

“We are grateful for the consistent leadership Eric Fuller has provided as we strive to develop a community where people want to land, live and learn for a lifetime,” said ICC Chair Mark Mantei.

New business news

On Sept.16, Educational Opportunities for Children and Families opened the Ruby Bridges Early Learning Center, just east of Fort Vancouver High School at 6907 E. 18th St. The name was voted on by a naming contest committee. Educational Opportunities for Children and Families employees were asked to submit potential names for the new center with supporting explanations centered on the organization’s mission and considering the diversity of the community and stakeholders.

In July 2019, the nonprofit was awarded grant funding from the Office of Head Start to purchase a property and building to provide school-day Head Start preschool services. The organization faced many challenges locating a suitable property with the needed space leading up to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. On Dec. 27, 2021, the property purchase was finalized. Renovation of the building to include two Head Start classrooms, a donor-supported playground and office space for staff began in March of 2024.