The Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments (CWCOG), in conjunction with Washington State University Extension and the Cowlitz Economic Development Council, will host a virtual kick-off meeting of the Local Investment Network on September 23 from 3-5 p.m. RSVP via email to cwcog@cwcog.org. The meeting link will be sent once an RSVP is received. All interested in local investment in the Cowlitz-Wahkiakum region and individual communities are encouraged to attend. Presentation slides from the informational meeting held on September 2 are available at cwcog.org.

This is an opportunity to bring residents from the community together around a common goal: to build wealth by keeping local capital rooted in the local economy. For businesses this is an alternative to banks or other commercial lenders. The post-recession credit market has tightened, and offers businesses an alternative to borrow money from neighbors, customers and others interested in their success. For investors the Network is a way to see where your money is going and who it is helping. It enables you to invest in the local businesses that make your community the unique place it is.

The Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments is a multi-purpose association of governments that delivers a diverse array of federal, state, and local programs while fulfilling its primary function as a regional planning organization.

Those needing special accommodations to participate in this process should call 360-577-3041 and ask for the ADA Coordinator. For TDD users, use the state's toll-free relay service, (800) 833-6388, and ask the operator to dial 360-956-7575.