Coast River Business Journal
BUSINESS NEWS
May 2021 • 5
Business in Brief
CMH adds primary care assistant
ASTORIA — Columbia Memorial Hospital has added
physician assistant Tom Haigler at the Astoria Primary Care
Clinic.
Haigler has more than 30 years in the field, including the
last 17 years in primary care in Wyoming. He spent 14 years
seeing acute patients as a physician’s assistant in the Army,
earning several awards and decorations as a combat veteran.
Haigler got his bachelor’s degree as a physician asso-
ciate at University of Oklahoma and his master’s degree in
physician assistant studies from the University of Nebraska.
He specializes in wellness and treating hypertension, thyroid
disease, diabetes and mental health.
“I am excited to work with the caring team of provid-
ers and specialists at CMH, as well as develop a partnership
with my patients so we can work together to provide them
Tom Haigler
with the care that they not only expect, but they deserve,”
Haigler said in a statement from the hospital.
Haigler moved to Long Beach, Washington, with his wife, Emily, and their four dogs. In his spare time,
he likes to hunt, fish, barbecue and camp.
Wauna Credit Union breaks ground in Astoria
ASTORIA — Wauna Credit Union broke ground on its new Astoria location in April. The new branch,
at 595 Marine Drive, will join the credit union’s nearly 50-year history of serving the community’s finan-
cial needs. It will include a full-service financial center as well as a virtual and call center, and two video
tellers and ATM machines.
The completion of the new building is expected to be in late October. It is modeled after the design of
the new Wauna Credit Union in Forest Grove.
“We sincerely appreciate the long-term partners who work behind the scenes to get things going,” said Debi Smiley,
the credit union’s chief operations officer. “The Credit Union is pleased and excited to be able to give back to the
community by enhancing the area with an attractive facility complete with modern technology and service.”
JEFF TER HAR
A sunset near the Prom in Seaside.
Travel Oregon awards Seaside with grant funding
SEASIDE — The City of Seaside Visitors Bureau received $14,000 in grant funding through Travel
Oregon’s 2021 Competitive & Recovery Grants Program in May.
The visitors bureau and its partners, the Seaside Museum & Historical Society, Seaside Public Works,
Travel Oregon, and Formations Inc., will use the funds to make and install five interpretive signs along
the Seaside Promenade with history about the area, including information about “Terrible Tilly” light-
house, the Seaside Aquarium and more.
The Seaside Promenade, also known as the Prom, was officially dedicated in 1921, so the city is cel-
ebrating its centennial with a free booklet, walking tour of historic homes and a sweepstakes program.
“Experiencing the Prom is one of the northwest’s most rewarding and enduring traditions,” said
Joshua Heineman, director of tourism marketing for the City of Seaside. “Now, 100 years after its ded-
ication, we’d like everyone to understand their unique place in Seaside’s rich history, deepen the enjoy-
ment of being here now, and encourage return visits to the Prom throughout the changing seasons.”
For more information, visit SeasideProm.com.
Taking care of your business...
Just Got Easier!
Two local professionals to join tourism leadership program
Two local tourism professionals, Linh DePledge and James
Paino, will be part of the second-year launch of the Oregon
Tourism Leadership Academy. The academy is put on by The
Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association, in partnership
with the Oregon Destination Association and Travel Oregon.
DePledge is the general manager of the Cannery Pier
Hotel & Spa with Vesta Hospitality in Astoria and Paino
is the executive director of the Cannon Beach Chamber of
Commerce.
The annual learning program, led by top experts in the
tourism field, is meant to help tourism professionals hone
their leadership and professional skills. It includes a curricu-
lum, field visits and hands-on experiences.
“Our vision is to bring together tourism profession-
als from all walks of life to strengthen the interconnectiv-
ity within the industry while elevating new leaders who will
help move our state forward,” said Jason Brandt, president
and CEO for the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association.
Linh DePledge
“The academy will continue to bring lasting personal and
professional benefits to those who participate.”
The second-year class will go from July to spring 2022. The roster and more information can be
found on the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association website.
Mike Wallis, CPA
Suzanne Corliss
• Income Tax Preparation
& Planning
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& Financial Statements
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• Consulting Services for
New & Existing Businesses
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WWC Business
Solutions, Inc.
1024 MARINE DRIVE • ASTORIA • 503.325.2200