About the Tri-Cities Local Business Association

History

Advocating for Tri-Cities Subcontractors at Hanford and DOE Sites

The Tri-Cities Local Business Association was founded as a 501(c)(3) non-profit in 2003 with six local companies as charter members. The organization’s primary goal was to persuade DOE and the Hanford prime contractors to use local businesses as subcontractors to accomplish the Hanford mission with safety, efficiency, and economy.

TCLBA members over the first two decades included businesses and labor organizations with several things in common:

  • Belonging to the Hanford technical community
  • Having livelihoods dependent upon Hanford
  • Having a personal interest in seeing DOE and Hanford succeed
  • Wanting to see Hanford cleaned up and transitioned to a new long-term mission

Successes Over Time

  • Opportunities to compete for and perform Hanford work
  • Mutually beneficial subcontracting
  • Building resumes and capabilities of local businesses

TCLBA and its leadership were involved in events and groups like:

  • Tri-Cities Connect
  • Bridging Partnerships
  • Regional Chamber of Commerce
  • myTRI2030
  • TRIDEC Mid-Columbia Energy Initiative (MCEI)
  • FUSE mentor program
  • Mid-Columbia STEM Network
  • Community Economic Revitalization Board

Participation in Organizations and Initiatives

TCLBA created an International Environmental Cleanup Alliance (IECA) to explore overseas markets that need unique Hanford expertise to address environmental contamination issues and protect soil, water, and air resources. In 2019, the group also strongly supported the DOE Proposal to Reclassify Nuclear Waste based on radiological characteristics rather than origin, including writing letters of support and letters to the editors of major Pacific Northwest newspapers, and creating a video to explain reclassification benefits.

We are an important resource for our members, providing:
  • Insights to Hanford opportunities
  • Access to DOE and contractor decision makers
  • Advocacy for member business objectives
  • Influence on the efficiency and effectiveness of Hanford procurement programs and practices
  • Support for business and community growth towards a vibrant economy and quality of life

Meetings, Speakers, and a Collective Voice

As an association of business and labor, TCLBA presented a unified voice on matters of shared importance, from procurement and subcontracting policies to clean technology and workforce development. It also provided a forum to develop programs to benefit the local and regional economy. Speakers at monthly meetings included leadership from DOE and Hanford prime contractors, local businesses and organizations, and government officials. Meetings allowed members to network with contacts outside the group, share capabilities or concerns with key stakeholders, and make business connections with fellow members.

TCLBA messaging focused on sharing the collective capabilities of member companies and the Tri-Cities region, including:

  • Center of Excellence – creating a center of engineering, technical support, and service excellence to augment the Tri-City area’s recognized scientific excellence
  • Competitive Distinction – creating and maintaining an environment that promotes high-value local business participation in competitive ventures
  • Local Business – capitalizing on significant local resources to effectively address client needs; providing better, smarter service; and ensuring a vibrant and growing community
  • Sustainability — building a base of businesses that transcend Hanford and are relevant and engaged in the community’s post-cleanup future
Transition

From Hanford Cleanup to Clean Energy Leadership

In 2022, as part of the ongoing TCLBA commitment to sustainability in the local area and beyond, and as part of the movement from cleanup to clean energy, it began doing business as the Clean Energy Supplier Alliance. TCLBA d/b/a CESA remains committed to the cleanup effort and connecting members with Hanford site opportunities, while recognizing and pursuing the regional economic growth and global environmental impact promised by the next generation of clean energy technologies.