Opportunity Happens Here
Businesses Thrive Here
Start-ups to industry-leading organizations, large and small, call the communities within the Port of Benton district home.
These doers, makers and innovators make a difference for economies and consumers in the Northwest, U.S. and beyond.
From the Targeted Urban Areas economic incentive program, public-private collaborations and vast transportation networks to incubators, research, lab and office facilities, the Port and our economic development partners are here to help you find the facilities, property, resources, capital and connections for your business to grow and thrive.
Opportunity happens here!
Meet Your Neighbors
Watch and read captivating stories of entrepreneurs, innovators and industry leaders whose companies started, relocated or expanded in the Port of Benton district, and make our region’s business community one of the best.
Chukar Cherries
Northwest dried cherries are the foundation of everything Chukar Cherries makes from its factory headquarters in Prosser, Washington. Chukar is renowned for its swoon-worthy premium chocolate-covered confections, no-sugar-added energy snacks and cherry-licious pie fillings, dessert sauces, granola, Bundt cakes, biscotti, caramel corn and more.
Dauntless Air
Dauntless Air protects people, land and property from wildfires and operates seasonally from the Richland Airport. With years of experience flying the country’s most technologically advanced Fire Boss fleet, the Dauntless Air pilots know what it takes to deliver swift, targeted aerial support to suppress fires faster.
Columbia Rail
Columbia Rail operates short-line railroads covering 150 miles in Eastern Washington and Eastern Oregon, including Port of Benton’s Southern Connection Rail Line. The Columbia Rail team provides cost-effective transportation and other rail services with an industry-leading safety record.
JR Imaging Logistics
JR Imaging Logistics performs agricultural imaging to detect crop problems early. They also perform aerial photography, and from the Richland Airport in the port district, they provide hangar services to pilots and their aircraft. JR Imaging Logistics has grown its fleet and pilot base and now operates in six states, spanning Washington to Florida.
Enodav Wine Co.
With unique varietals, Enodav Wine Co. wines include easy-to-drink whites, reds that can be chilled in the summer, and big, bold reds that are best paired with food. Enodav is building a tasting room and production facility at Port of Benton’s Vintners Village and plans to open by spring 2025.
Home to Leading Companies in Diverse Industries
Economic sectors in our region are vast. Our region’s top industries include advanced manufacturing, next-generation clean energy, nuclear fuels, technology, research and development, value-added agriculture, retail, and tourism.
Here’s a highlight of companies doing business in the Port of Benton district.
Business Impacts in the Port District
Companies in the Port of Benton district significantly impact the local and Washington state economies.
High-Tech Business Incubator
The Port in partnership with Energy Northwest, TRIDEC and City of Richland established the APEL facility to support entrepreneurship and small business start-up and business needs.
Higher Education
The Port and City of Richland donated 95 acres to Washington State University for its Tri‐Cities campus.
Wine Industry Impacts
256 direct jobs on Port development sites = 700 indirect jobs in the state
$165 million in goods and services are produced annually
The Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center grounds and facilities are owned by the Port and operated by a nonprofit educational partner.
Port of Benton’s District Encompasses
- The third fastest growing metro in Washington state
- A large industrial and research park
- Rail served by two Class I railroads
- 87% sustainably sourced nuclear, hydro, solar, and wind energy
- A highly-skilled workforce and apprenticeship opportunities
