Business Expansion Continues In Falls City Despite Coronavirus Pandemic Economy

 

 

FALLS CITY – While the novel coronavirus pandemic is impacting  economic activity in Falls City, the economic expansion projects there are still on track.

Economic Developer Beckie Cromer said Falls City Mercantile is modernizing its business and Falls City Foods is making a major investment.

Cromer: “Falls City Foods, which is one our industrial tenants, is also working on a multi-million freezer expansion that will allow  them to work with their product. Instead of freezing beef in two days, it will be done as short as two hours. That will allow them to add a second shift, as well as add investment to the Falls City community.”

 

Cromer’s EDGE organization conducted a business impact survey in the early stages of the pandemic shutdown. She said the pandemic is impacting everyone a little bit differently.

Cromer: “Some of our businesses are seeing an upturn in their business and other have seen a decline because of the product that they make or maybe their end user has closed for a couple of weeks due to the pandemic, but right now everyone is pretty steady.”

She said some businesses expect the pandemic impact to be felt in the third and fourth quarters, but said Falls City is well positioned for the future.

Cromer: “Our industries are small to mid-sized. Our largest employer, employs about 150 people, but, on average, they employ anywhere from 10 to 50 people, which kind of allows for them to accommodate social distancing measures and other mechanisms to help keep their workforce safe.”

She said the total impact on the transportation and logistics sector is yet to be seen.