UEC closes business center to focus on broader based community efforts
By Terry Murry on Friday, July 18th, 2025 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
HERMISTON – (News release from Umatilla Electric Cooperative) Umatilla Electric Cooperative (UEC) has officially closed the UEC Business Resource Center (BRC) effective June 30, marking the end of a successful five-year effort to support local businesses through one of the most disruptive economic periods in recent memory.
Located on North First Street in Hermiston, the BRC was launched in April 2020 as an emergency response to business disruptions and quickly grew into a support hub for the region’s small business community.
What began as a rapid response to a crisis evolved into a trusted and versatile business support center. The BRC provided no-cost, confidential services, assisting local small businesses in things ranging from business planning, marketing training, financial analysis, and website development.
“The Business Resource Center was a vital part of UEC’s response to a once-in-a-generation economic shock,” said Lisa McMeen, Vice President of Administration at UEC. “We are incredibly proud of the work it accomplished and the hundreds of business owners it supported during one of the most challenging times in recent history.”
The center expanded its focus as the business disruption progressed, offering free business advising, brand identity workshops, budgeting support, and access to UEC’s Revolving Loan Fund. Its efforts helped strengthen the economic resilience of Eastern Oregon’s small businesses and demonstrated the cooperative’s deep-rooted commitment to its members.
“Our community’s small businesses were resilient, and the BRC was honored to walk alongside them through that journey,” said McMeen. “We’re especially grateful to the staff, local partners, and advisory professionals who made this work possible.”
As the economic landscape continues to grow and the need for business support has diminished, UEC is committing its focus toward new, forward-looking ways to help strengthen communities and support members. This includes enhancing economic development partnerships, exploring workforce training initiatives, and investing in local infrastructure that can drive long-term growth.
“The closure of the BRC is not the end of our commitment to economic support—it’s a pivot toward new opportunities,” said McMeen. “We’re taking what we learned and applying it to more flexible, community-wide strategies that align with today’s needs and tomorrow’s challenges.”
UEC extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the BRC’s success—especially the small business owners who trusted the center as a resource. As the cooperative turns the page, it remains focused on its core mission: to empower the communities it serves through reliable energy, innovative programs, and meaningful partnerships.
