Tag: City of St. Helens

Meet Our RARE AmeriCorps Participant: Andrew Barbier

Andrew Barbier RARE Resource Assistance for Rural Environments

Andrew Barbier received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science with an emphasis in History from McKendree University. As a student, Andrew was a member of many selective honor societies such as Phi Kappa Phi and Phi Alpha Theta. After attaining his Bachelor’s degree, Andrew went on to work with Quiktrack Inspections and Audit as a Quality Analyst where he inspected reports for banks, credit unions, and loan agencies. Andrew applied to RARE AmeriCorps – Resource Assistance for Rural Environments in hopes of further developing a skill set that will allow him to find work in his most desired career field – planning and community development. Following his year with the RARE Program, Andrew plans to apply to Portland State University’s Urban and Regional Planning Graduate Program.

Andrew is placed with the Columbia County Economic Team (CCET), which is Columbia County’s one-stop shop for business services. CCET acts as a trusted local partner for businesses looking to relocate or expand within Columbia County. CCET specializes in site location and acquisition, business and economic data, public incentives and financing, and process facilitation.

With CCET, Andrew will work with an array of organizations and businesses to restore Columbia County’s economy. Specifically, Andrew will create a working database of zoning information for businesses to utilize when carrying out preliminary sighting activities. Andrew will also work with an array of community partners to create a YouTube channel devoted to the publicity and marketing of the St. Helens community.

 

Organization: Columbia County Economic Team

Community: St. Helens, Oregon

Population: 12,900

County: Columbia

Meet RARE AmeriCorps Participant: Jenny Dimsho

Jenny Dimsho, RARE AmeriCorps, Resource Assistance for Rural Environments

Jenny Dimsho received her Bachelor of Science in Community and Regional Planning from Missouri State University. As a student, Jenny interned with the SW Missouri Council of Governments where she helped develop the 2012-2013 Human Service Transportation Plan for the 10-county region. After attaining her Bachelors Degree, Jenny decided to move to Portland, Oregon in order to establish residency for in-state tuition. Jenny plans to use her year with  RARE AmeriCorps  Program – Resource Assistance for Rural Environments to improve her planning skills through first-hand experience while allowing her to further define her career path. Following her year with the RARE Program, Jenny plans on attending graduate school to further her studies in planning and community development.

Jenny is placed with the City of St. Helens where she will assist in the creation of two important planning documents that will improve the attractiveness and livability of the St. Helens Community. Specifically, Jenny will update the 1996 Parks Master Plan to integrate connectivity of non-motorized access with emphasis on connecting public spaces and access to the Columbia River waterfront. Additionally, the Jenny will assist in developing the The Hwy 30 Corridor Plan; an equally exciting project that will ultimately redefine the appearance and function of the Hwy. 30 corridor through St. Helens.

St. Helens is located in southeastern Columbia County, on the Columbia River, approximately 30 miles northwest of Portland, Oregon. Near the riverfront, the Old Town portion of St. Helens features a Nationally Registered Historic District encompassing 10 blocks, which includes residences and civic buildings dating back nearly a century. Currently, the community is in transition shifting from the historic “mill town” to now determining its future. One defining characteristic is that 70 percent of the workforce commutes outside the County to work. The City’s emphasis has been to preserve the small town character, charm and quality of life.

Organization: City of St. Helens
Community: City of St. Helens
Population: 12,900
County: Columbia

Learn more about the St. Helens Community and Jenny Dimsho