The Columbian

Clark County Business

Data paints picture of how Clark County’s economy is faring

January 31, 2021, 6:05am Business

In January 2020, The Hilton Vancouver Convention Center held an annual event that forecasted the year ahead. Read story

Oleg Volkov, 29, moved to the Pacific Northwest a little more than five years ago, he said. He started working in HVAC to support his family.

Working in Clark County: Oleg Volkov, install manager at Washougal Heating & Cooling

January 30, 2021, 5:00am Business Subscriber Exclusive

It only took a deadly virus and toxic wildfire smoke to put air quality in the forefront of public consciousness, according to Oleg Volkov, a local heating, ventilation and air conditioning installer. Read story

Heaters at the outdoor dining area of the Main Event in downtown Vancouver add warmth for customers Alyson Hilken, from left, Krissy Sadewasser and John Laughlin as they enjoy a happy hour drink. At top, a sign informs customers of alternative dining options at Main Event.

Clark County restaurateurs continue to wait as restrictions continue

January 29, 2021, 6:05am Business

Clark County restaurant owners hoping for a return to indoor dining are going to have to wait at least another two weeks. Read story

A worker lends a hand at a house under construction in the Felida Overlook neighborhood Wednesday morning. A set of energy code updates is set to take effect Feb. 1, and builders have expressed concern that the new rules could drive up construction costs at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has already pushed up home prices.

Clark County homebuilders decry timing of new energy standards, say home prices will go up

January 28, 2021, 6:06am Clark County Business Subscriber Exclusive

Vancouver-area homebuilders say a new round of energy efficiency standards could add $15,000 or more to the price of new houses, according to the Building Industry Association of Clark County. The timing appears to be their biggest complaint. Read story

Andy Kao, executive chef at Panda Express, tastes a meatball recipe at the company's Express Innovation Kitchen in Pasadena, Calif.

Vancouver Panda Express planned just south of Mill Plain

January 27, 2021, 6:00am Business

A developer has submitted plans to build a new drive-thru building that would house a Panda Express fast-food restaurant at 304 S.E. 123rd Ave., slightly south of the intersection with Mill Plain Boulevard. Read story

The homepage of the Washington State Employment Security Department.

Clark County sees 100-job gain in December as retail hiring offset by restaurants’ losses

January 26, 2021, 6:37pm Clark County Business

Clark County employers added approximately 100 jobs in December, capping a tumultuous year in which the county suffered a net loss of 12,300 jobs since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and 10,800 jobs over the whole year. Read story

Mike Wallace, co-founder and CEO of Perfect Company, demonstrates a touchless food pickup cabinet at Perfect's downtown Vancouver lab space.

Vancouver company aims for food pickup that’s Perfect

January 25, 2021, 6:05am Business Subscriber Exclusive

Vancouver-based Perfect Company is launching a new product for restaurants that is basically the “Amazon locker” for hot foods. The local technology company’s executives believe the possibilities for expansion are global. Read story

Touchmark at Fairway Village Resident Care Manger Jessica Pacora received her first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine a few weeks ago, along with many other residents and staff at the assisted living facility in east Vancouver. "I'm really hopeful that this vaccine will allow my residents to get their lives back," she said.

Working in Clark County: Jessica Pacora, resident care manager at Touchmark at Fairway Village

January 23, 2021, 6:00am Business

Getting the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine was an emotional experience for local assisted living facility employee Jessica Pacora. Read story

Guests eat indoors on Tuesday at Uptown Barrel Room in Vancouver's Uptown Village.

Challenges continue for Clark County restaurant owners under new ‘open-air’ guidelines

January 22, 2021, 6:30am Business

For restaurant owners, the latest COVID-19-era adaptation is a number: 450 parts per million. That’s the maximum level of carbon dioxide permitted in the ambient air of any enclosed dining structure under the new “open-air” dining guidelines released last week by Gov. Jay Inslee’s office. Read story

Giving Realty Group campaign: Sponsor a senior, rescue a restaurant

January 22, 2021, 6:05am Business

Giving Group Realty has launched a campaign that will support local restaurants and feed hungry seniors at the same time. Read story