01/02/2026
A message from Keep it Local's former Director, Sierra Trass:
As of December 31, the Columbia Economic Team (CET) officially let go of its staff as part of its ongoing dissolution. Because Keep It Local Columbia County is a program of CET, this change means I am no longer serving as the Director of Keep It Local. I wanted to take a moment to share a message of gratitude and reflection with this community.
It has truly been an honor to serve Columbia County as the Director of Keep It Local for the past 4.5 years. Working alongside local business owners and community leaders, growing the programβs online directory of local businesses and events, launching a countywide mobile app, expanding our annual holiday campaign, hosting free educational programming, interviewing local businesses to better understand their experiences, and leading multiple campaigns to promote local commerce have all been highlights β and genuine joys β of my career.
Above all else, I love supporting our local businesses. They are the dreamers who turned ideas into reality and the owners who show up every day for our communities. While CETβs closure is a real loss for our county, I remain hopeful that the CET Board will be able to rehome many of its programs, including Keep It Local, so that this work can continue in some form.
Regarding Keep It Local for the Holidays, the campaign is proceeding as planned! But please know, I will no longer be overseeing its completion. Responsibility for closing out the campaign has transitioned to CET Board President Tony Hyde. Please continue turning in completed Wonderland Cards by the January 7 deadline, and watch for the grand prize drawing on January 16, as advertised.
Thank you all for the trust you have placed in me, for your partnership over the years, and for your continued commitment to supporting local businesses. Letβs carry forward Columbia Countyβs strong tradition of supporting local into 2026 and beyond by continuing to uplift the local businesses that make our towns so special!
With gratitude,
Sierra Trass
Former Keep it Local Columbia County Director