Kelso Business & Community Association

More About Us

The Kelso Business & Community Association is committed to fostering a thriving and vibrant Kelso. We actively promote business growth, strengthen community bonds, and initiate projects that enhance Kelso's appeal as an exceptional place to live and do business.

After the dissolution of the Kelso Downtown Revitalization Association (KDRA) in 2016, the ongoing need for support in Kelso was quickly discovered and in 2018, the Cowlitz Economic Development Council (CEDC) began to bring Kelso businesses and community members together to brainstorm how to work together to nurture Kelso's development. A diverse group of stakeholders from the public and private sectors, as well as Kelso citizens, have been meeting since. We meet the 4th Tuesday of the Month and rotate venues between Kelso City Hall and Cowlitz County Historical Museum. Check out our events page for the latest event updates.

What have we done so far?

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• Created the first Hilander Hustle Kids Egg Hunt scheduled for March 2026.

• Developed a Condensed Guide to Kelso for Tourism Events

• Organized the Downtown Kelso Trick or Treat Event in 2025

• Hosted the 2025 Hot August Crimes Historical Walking Tour and Progressive Dinner 

• Held the 2025 Shamrock Shuffle Adult Easter Egg Hunt with 200 participants! 

• Hosted our first Kelso Progressive Dinner and Historical Walking Tour with the Cowlitz Historical Museum titled "Bites, Brews, and Brothels" in 2024. 

• Created the Kelso Kids Bridge Market in 2024 and continued in 2025.

• Organized the Holiday Caravan to Rotary Lights in the Park in 2024

• Gave away 100 pumpkins in partnership with Grocery Outlet to local children around Halloween in 2024. 

• Grown our Business Flower Pot Program from 20 to 80 planted containers in Kelso from 2019 to 2025.

• Created the Shamrock Shuffle Adult Easter Egg Hunt at Tam O' Shanter Park in 2023 and continued in 2024. Will be held every other year for adults.

• Organized multiple Kelso Clean-Up Days starting in 2018 through the present. 

• Completed the America in Bloom Growing Vibrant Communities Self-Assessment in 2022/2023.

• In May of 2022, we officially filed to become an organized non-profit through the State of Washington.

• Helped purchase numerous banners for the light poles around the city.

• Supported the yearly Christmas Tree Lighting with the City of Kelso.

• Assisted with the implementation of a mural under the bridge with Workforce Southwest Washington and Goodwill Industries.

• Partnered with the Children's Discovery Museum for a Science Day.

• Partnered with Avery's for their yearly show and Shine VW car show.