BIAW leaders stopped by the Stevenson Downtown Association on Tuesday, Sept. 30, to deliver a $10,000 donation to support small businesses in Skamania County.

Past President, NAHB State Rep and Member Services Corporation (MSC) director Tracy Doriot and BIAW Vice President of Business Development Bart Hansen traveled from Clark County to visit with Stevenson Downtown Association Executive Director Kelly O’Malley-McKee and her team.

(Photo caption (l-r): Tracy Doriot; Kelly O'Malley-McKee, Executive Director; Dawn Nielson, Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives; Denise Russell, Administrative Assistant; and Bart Hansen.)

Revitalizing downtown

The group took a photo with an oversized check then took a tour of downtown projects to learn ways the Stevenson Downtown Association works to support local businesses.

“The Stevenson Downtown Association, a volunteer-powered non-profit Main Street organization, works to promote and revitalize Downtown Stevenson and enrich the local heritage through placemaking and business support,” McKee said. “Thank you to everyone for your generous support through the Main Street Tax Credit Incentive program. We will put it to great use revitalizing our downtown.”

Proud to represent

McKee toured the group through its Stevenson Streatery, a public gathering space for residents and visitors to use throughout the season in downtown Stevenson. The Streatery features downtown takeout from nearly 20 different restaurants, pubs, coffee shops and stores.

The Stevenson Downtown Association also offers business grants, a Farmers’ Market, Savor Stevenson, Spruce Up Stevenson, Plaid Fridays and more.

Doriot said he was proud to be a part of the event.

“It’s important to tell the story and let people know how builders support the small communities we build,” Doriot said. “By contributing to the work of the Stevenson Downtown Association, we’re showing how we build a better world together.”

$50,000 Boost for Local Main Streets
Each year, BIAW-MSC directors award five $10,000 grants to Main Street organizations in communities where BIAW members live, work and build. This year’s recipients, along with the local home building association in their area, are:

• Stevenson Downtown Association (Building Industry Association of Clark County)
• Roslyn Downtown Association (Central Washington Home Builders Association)
• Downtown Issaquah Association (Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties)
• Experience Chehalis (Olympia Master Builders)
• Mount Vernon Downtown Association (Skagit/Island Counties Builders Association)

Investing in communities
Since 1984, Main Street Washington, part of the national Main Street America program, has championed community-led economic revitalization. More than 40 Main Street programs now operate statewide, preserving local charm while driving growth.

By investing directly in these programs, MSC directors also take advantage of the Main Street Washington Tax Credit Incentive Program. Washington businesses can donate up to $250,000 each year to local Main Street organizations or the statewide trust fund to receive this valuable tax credit.

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