Economic Report October 2026

Tourism is an important contributor to the Lewis County economy, generating $212.3 million in direct visitor spending in 2025, according to the latest economic impact research from Tourism Economics, prepared for State of Washington Tourism.

That spending supported approximately 1,544 direct jobs and generated $17.9 million in state and local tax revenue. The research also estimates that visitor-generated tax revenue provides the equivalent of $543 in annual tax savings per Lewis County household.

These figures demonstrate that tourism is more than a recreational activity. It is an important component of our local economy, bringing new dollars into Lewis County, supporting businesses, and creating employment opportunities throughout our communities.

Visitor spending benefits businesses across Lewis County

The economic impact of tourism reaches well beyond hotels and vacation rentals. Visitors spend money at restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, retail shops, recreational attractions, and businesses throughout the county.

From Centralia and Chehalis to Toledo, Winlock, Morton, Mossyrock, Packwood, and our smaller rural communities, visitor spending helps sustain businesses and supports local employment.

In 2025, visitors spent approximately $53.5 million on food and beverages, $52.1 million on lodging, $38.1 million on retail purchases, $24.5 million on recreation, and $44 million on transportation.

These expenditures provide important revenue for local businesses, many of which depend on customers from outside the county to supplement their local customer base.

Tourism supports jobs and strengthens communities

Tourism directly supported approximately 1,544 jobs in Lewis County in 2025, representing nearly 4% of total county employment as measured in the report.

These positions extend across lodging, restaurants, retail, recreation, transportation, and other visitor-related industries.

Tourism also creates opportunities for entrepreneurship and small-business development. From locally owned restaurants and specialty retailers to outdoor recreation providers and accommodations, businesses throughout Lewis County benefit from attracting visitors to the region.

The industry’s broader economic contribution is also significant. When indirect and induced economic activity is included, tourism generated an estimated $337.7 million in total business sales and supported approximately 2,192 jobs.

Tourism generates revenue that benefits residents

One of tourism’s most important contributions is the tax revenue generated by visitor spending.

In 2025, tourism produced $17.9 million in direct state and local tax revenue, including approximately $8.4 million in local taxes.

Tourism economics estimates that this revenue represents the equivalent of $543 in annual tax savings per Lewis County household, based on the amount of revenue that would otherwise need to be generated to maintain the same level of public services.

Tourism also helps sustain businesses, amenities, attractions, and recreational opportunities that residents enjoy year-round.

A countywide approach to tourism and economic development

Lewis County is uniquely positioned between three of Washington’s most recognizable natural landmarks: Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Adams.

These destinations attract visitors from throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond, creating opportunities for communities and businesses across the county.

However, visitors do not travel according to jurisdictional boundaries. A single trip may include shopping in Centralia, dining in Chehalis, exploring the Cowlitz River Valley, and staying overnight near Packwood.

Every community has a role in the county’s tourism economy, and every visitor represents an opportunity to support local businesses.

Recognizing this interconnected economy, Discover Lewis County, an initiative of the Economic Alliance of Lewis County, works to promote Lewis County as a unified destination.

The introduction of Discover Volcano Country builds upon this approach, connecting our communities through a shared identity that highlights our extraordinary natural surroundings while encouraging visitors to experience the businesses, attractions, and communities throughout Lewis County.

Investing in tourism is investing in Lewis County

Tourism and economic development share a common goal: supporting businesses, creating employment opportunities, and strengthening the local economy.

Through the Economic Alliance of Lewis County and Discover Lewis County, tourism promotion is closely connected with broader efforts to support entrepreneurship, business growth, and community development.

Effective destination marketing brings visitors to our communities. Strong partnerships, visitor services, recreation infrastructure, and local businesses help turn those visits into lasting economic benefits.

With $212.3 million in annual direct visitor spending, approximately 1,544 direct jobs, and $17.9 million in direct state and local tax revenue, tourism represents a substantial economic asset for Lewis County.

Continuing to strengthen that contribution requires collaboration, strategic investment, and a commitment to promoting the entire county.

When tourism succeeds, our businesses, communities, and residents benefit.

Source: Tourism Economics, Washington County Analysis, 2025, prepared for State of Washington Tourism. Employment figures and economic impacts are estimates. Household tax savings represent a modeled equivalent, not an actual household tax reduction.

Join the Economic Alliance of Lewis County for an afternoon of innovation, collaboration, and conversation about the future of woody biomass and its potential to strengthen our regional economy at the 4th Annual Woody Biomass Conference on Thursday, November 12 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Centralia College’s TransAlta Commons.

This year’s conference brings together industry leaders, researchers, policymakers, and regional partners to explore emerging technologies, sustainable resource management, and new economic opportunities for our communities.

The afternoon will feature a keynote address from state Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-20th District, who serves as the House Republican Caucus Chair, and updates from the Economic Alliance on regional woody biomass initiatives, and technical presentations from industry innovators, including:

Ken Cavallon | Ways2H

Ways2H is the technology subsidiary of Clean Energy Enterprises. They engineer and deliver waste-to-hydrogen systems and support projects from early assessment through commissioning and long-term operation. Cavallon is also co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of HydrogenXT where he leads strategy, operations, and corporate development. Ken has held senior roles at Fortune 500 firms such as Microsoft, IBM, and Lumen, and at five companies through successful exits, including Docusign, Tier 3, Blue Box, Conga, and Youreka, and brings early technology leadership in AI and data infrastructure.

Dale Smith | Cascadia Accelerator

Dale Smith is affiliated with the Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Accelerator, an initiative launched in January 2026 to position the Pacific Northwest as a global hub for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

The Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Accelerator is a public-private coalition bringing together major regional entities — including Washington State University, Boeing, Alaska Airlines, and Amazon — to scale SAF production. The organization targets a regional production goal of up to one billion gallons of SAF annually by 2035.

Brian BonlenderRenew Biomaterials

Brian Bonlender is an experienced executive, public affairs advisor, and consultant who represents Renew Biomaterials.

Before entering the private consulting sector, Bonlender had a prominent career in Washington state public policy, clean technology, and government affairs. He is currently a Principal at Lodestar Partners (and founder of Lodestar Strategic LLC), a firm advising clients across the clean tech, life sciences, tech, and maritime sectors.

He served as the Director of the Washington State Department of Commerce from 2013 to 2019 under Governor Jay Inslee. He spent several years as Chief of Staff to then-U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee in Washington, D.C., and later served as his gubernatorial campaign senior advisor and transition director.

After an introduction from Economic Alliance Executive Director Todd Chaput, a panel discussion featuring Katie Whittier, Jason Spadaro, Bob Russell, and representatives from the University of Washington will further explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of this growing industry.

As Lewis County continues to explore innovative ways to support our timber industry, create jobs, and strengthen our economy, conversations like these are essential to building meaningful partnerships and moving new opportunities forward.

Mark your calendars and join the Alliance for the 4th Annual Woody Biomass Conference.

Sound Sound Softwash specializes in exterior cleaning services that restore the beauty of your home or business. Using their safe and effective softwash system, they remove algae, grime, and buildup from siding, roofs, windows, gutters, driveways and more — leaving your property looking like new.

Sound Sound Softwash is one of the Economic Alliance of Lewis County’s newest members and the Alliance is excited to partner up with such a quality business that can offer our other members a real service, be it residential or commercial.

Their full range of services includes roof cleaning, gutter cleaning, window washing, rust removal, and other exterior surface treatments. Whether you’re a homeowner or business owner, their team is committed to delivering results that exceed your expectations.

They proudly serve communities throughout the Pacific Northwest, including in Olympia, Lacey, Puyallup, Tacoma, Lakewood, University Place, Shelton, Rochester, Chehalis, Centralia Yelm and surrounding areas.

Why South Sound Softwash?

• The best industry-trained employees
• General liability
• Locally owned and operated
• Bio-degradable cleaning solutions
• Pet safe

Their services

• Exterior building washing
• Roof cleaning
• Gutter cleaning
• Pressure washing
• Window washing
• Sidewalk cleaning
• Parking lot cleaning
• Parking lot striping
• Graffiti removal
• Snow removal

Why Softwash?

Soft washing was developed by AC Lockyer, the CEO of Droplet International, a business holdings company with international assets in six countries, with great brands like SoftWash Systems, Disruptor Manufacturing, Phantom Window Works, Stingray Hose Reels and The Wash Life Store. We strive to provide our family of businesses with the leadership they need to achieve their life goals.

With his knowledge and experience in plant sciences and horticulture. Lockyer knew that the bacteria, molds, fungi, and algae growing on the exterior of buildings were more closely associated with an infection than a stain.

Knowing this he drew from his experiences and combined the technology of treating pests and fungus on plants with compatible cleaning chemicals, thereby inventing a method of soft washing.

Now instead of the blowing and blasting of pressure washing, property owners can have cleanings done without the damages normally associated with pressure washing.

Soft washing then developed ways to clean other surfaces in differing regions of the country. Once just used to eradicate mold and mildew, SoftWash Systems developed new chemicals and techniques to take this advanced cleaning into dry, arid climates as well.

Pacific Northwest weather

Pacific Northwest weather can quickly leave commercial properties looking dirty and weathered, with algae, mold, mildew, and grime building up on exterior surfaces. Professional exterior cleaning helps keep your property looking clean, welcoming, and well maintained for customers, employees, and visitors.

South Sound Softwash provides commercial exterior cleaning for businesses throughout Western Washington. They work around your schedule — including during closed or off-hours — to minimize disruption to their customers and operations. Their quiet softwash equipment also allows them to work with minimal disturbance to neighboring businesses and properties.

They offer:

• Building washing
  Professional exterior cleaning for siding, storefronts and commercial buildings.
• Roof gutter cleaning
  Remove organic buildup and help keep your roof and drainage systems looking their best.
• Concrete and pavement
  Pressure washing for sidewalks, entryways and other durable exterior surfaces.
• Parking lots
  Parking lot cleaning and striping for a cleaner, more professional property.
• Windows and awnings
  Exterior window and awning cleaning for a brighter, cleaner appearance.
• Specialty Services
  Graffiti cleaning, rust removal, snow removal and day porter services.

How often should your building exterior be commercially cleaned?

At a minimum, exterior building surfaces should be cleaned every three years with professional grade softwash equipment in order to maintain their high quality appearance over time. Some businesses require more frequent washing and SoundWash offers maintenance schedules based on each client’s specific needs. The use of softwash solution prevents biological growths such as gloeocapsa magma — an unsightly form that breaks down structures slowly without any signs or symptoms until it is too late.

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Contact them for a free estimate 360.789.7196 or email [email protected]