WSU Tri-Cities

Emergency Messages as of 5:36 PM, Thu. Jun 4

No information currently posted.

logo

Subscribe to receive FlashAlert messages from WSU Tri-Cities.

Manage my existing Subscription

News Release

New Partnership Launches Training Network For Entrepreneurs And Businesses - 06/04/26

RICHLAND, Wash. — Washington State University Tri-Cities Cougar Tracks and the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce have partnered to launch the Resilient Business Builders Network, a new initiative that will provide training, networking opportunities and professional development for entrepreneurs, small business owners and nonprofit leaders across the Tri-Cities.

 

The initiative is designed to help organizations adapt to changing workforce and economic conditions while strengthening the region's long-term economic vitality.

 

“Cougar Tracks exists to be the workforce training partner for this region — not just for one industry, one career stage or one kind of organization, but for all of us,” said Cougar Tracks Director Michelle Hrycauk‑Nassif. “This joint undertaking with the Tri-Cities Regional Chamber is how we bring that commitment to life in a way that is collaborative and directly connected to the Tri-Cities community.”

 

Under the partnership, Cougar Tracks will develop and deliver seasonal programming, while the Tri-City Regional Chamber will provide workforce and economic data and promote opportunities through its network of more than 900 member organizations.

 

“Partnerships like the Resilient Business Builders Network are essential to the long-term economic vitality of the Tri-Cities,” said Austin Regimbal, vice president of the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce. “By joining forces with WSU Tri-Cities Cougar Tracks, the Chamber is advancing our mission to support small business growth and ensuring that high-quality workforce training is accessible to organizations of all sizes across our region.”

 

Workshops are expected to begin this fall and will center on planned topics such as practical AI adoption strategies for business and teams, leadership development and other workforce-related skills. Cougar Tracks will also host networking events to facilitate connections between Tri-Cities professionals and the next generation of regional leaders.

 

Community feedback will shape programming

To help identify emerging workforce needs, the network will gather input through a regional survey and a team of volunteer "Business Catalysts."

  • Workforce needs survey: Tri-Cities business leaders, professionals and community members are invited to share their training needs and priorities. Survey responses will directly shape upcoming workshops. Participants who complete the workforce needs survey will be entered to win a $200 Cougar gear gift bag. Survey link: https://wsu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8uhJZTFFCOrBssm
  • Business Catalyst application: Business Catalysts are local professionals committed to supporting small business success. They help identify timely workshop topics and may serve as instructors, facilitators or panelists. Application link: https://wsu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9GjTJ1i7YtNKFyS

“Business Catalysts are the force behind the Resilient Business Builders Network experience,” Hrycauk‑Nassif said. “They spark ideas, accelerate connections and help ensure our programming reflects the real needs of the Tri-Cities business community.”

 

Community members interested in learning more about Cougar Tracks and the Resilient Business Builders Network can visit the Tri-City Regional Chamber's Small Business Fair from 3 to 6 p.m. on June 9 at the Tri-Cities Business and Visitor Center, 7130 W. Grandridge Blvd., Kennewick.

##

 

About WSU Tri-Cities Cougar Tracks

Cougar Tracks is the professional and workforce development program of Washington State University Tri-Cities, providing non-credit, hands-on learning experiences for working adults, businesses, and organizations across the Tri-Cities region. Cougar Tracks partners with local employers and industry experts to deliver practical, high-impact programming that strengthens the regional workforce and expands opportunity for all.

 

About the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce

The Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce is the leading advocate for business in the Tri-Cities region, supporting economic growth, small business development, and a thriving regional business community through advocacy, networking, and member services.

New Partnership Launches Training Network For Entrepreneurs And Businesses - 06/04/26

RICHLAND, Wash. — Washington State University Tri-Cities Cougar Tracks and the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce have partnered to launch the Resilient Business Builders Network, a new initiative that will provide training, networking opportunities and professional development for entrepreneurs, small business owners and nonprofit leaders across the Tri-Cities.

 

The initiative is designed to help organizations adapt to changing workforce and economic conditions while strengthening the region's long-term economic vitality.

 

“Cougar Tracks exists to be the workforce training partner for this region — not just for one industry, one career stage or one kind of organization, but for all of us,” said Cougar Tracks Director Michelle Hrycauk‑Nassif. “This joint undertaking with the Tri-Cities Regional Chamber is how we bring that commitment to life in a way that is collaborative and directly connected to the Tri-Cities community.”

 

Under the partnership, Cougar Tracks will develop and deliver seasonal programming, while the Tri-City Regional Chamber will provide workforce and economic data and promote opportunities through its network of more than 900 member organizations.

 

“Partnerships like the Resilient Business Builders Network are essential to the long-term economic vitality of the Tri-Cities,” said Austin Regimbal, vice president of the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce. “By joining forces with WSU Tri-Cities Cougar Tracks, the Chamber is advancing our mission to support small business growth and ensuring that high-quality workforce training is accessible to organizations of all sizes across our region.”

 

Workshops are expected to begin this fall and will center on planned topics such as practical AI adoption strategies for business and teams, leadership development and other workforce-related skills. Cougar Tracks will also host networking events to facilitate connections between Tri-Cities professionals and the next generation of regional leaders.

 

Community feedback will shape programming

To help identify emerging workforce needs, the network will gather input through a regional survey and a team of volunteer "Business Catalysts."

  • Workforce needs survey: Tri-Cities business leaders, professionals and community members are invited to share their training needs and priorities. Survey responses will directly shape upcoming workshops. Participants who complete the workforce needs survey will be entered to win a $200 Cougar gear gift bag. Survey link: https://wsu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8uhJZTFFCOrBssm
  • Business Catalyst application: Business Catalysts are local professionals committed to supporting small business success. They help identify timely workshop topics and may serve as instructors, facilitators or panelists. Application link: https://wsu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9GjTJ1i7YtNKFyS

“Business Catalysts are the force behind the Resilient Business Builders Network experience,” Hrycauk‑Nassif said. “They spark ideas, accelerate connections and help ensure our programming reflects the real needs of the Tri-Cities business community.”

 

Community members interested in learning more about Cougar Tracks and the Resilient Business Builders Network can visit the Tri-City Regional Chamber's Small Business Fair from 3 to 6 p.m. on June 9 at the Tri-Cities Business and Visitor Center, 7130 W. Grandridge Blvd., Kennewick.

##

 

About WSU Tri-Cities Cougar Tracks

Cougar Tracks is the professional and workforce development program of Washington State University Tri-Cities, providing non-credit, hands-on learning experiences for working adults, businesses, and organizations across the Tri-Cities region. Cougar Tracks partners with local employers and industry experts to deliver practical, high-impact programming that strengthens the regional workforce and expands opportunity for all.

 

About the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce

The Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce is the leading advocate for business in the Tri-Cities region, supporting economic growth, small business development, and a thriving regional business community through advocacy, networking, and member services.