The Economic Opportunity Award is an award that recognizes enhancement efforts that have improved the economic vitality of the district including job creation and retention, sales growth, and more. TwispWorks has been named the 2025 Economic Opportunity Award recipient for its work creating affordable spaces, investment opportunities, and resources ranging from childcare to education for local artists, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits.

Built in 1932 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Twisp Ranger Station served the Methow Valley for decades. When the U.S. Forest Service decommissioned the station and put the property up for auction, the community banded together to continue the site’s legacy as a critical community and economic driver. That vision came to fruition and continues to evolve through TwispWorks. Located on the same 6.4-acre campus in downtown Twisp, TwispWorks spent its first few years focused on rehabilitating the old ranger station buildings, creating spaces for entrepreneurs, artists, and the community to come together. Today, TwispWorks supports more than 35 small businesses, artists, nonprofits, and educators by providing affordable commercial space, technical support, and access to values-driven capital.

Through ongoing dialogue and community participation, TwispWorks continues to evolve as a place-based solution. In 2017, TwispWorks launched the Methow Investment Network, which to date has facilitated more than $2.5 million in local business investments, and created space for Little Star, which offers affordable early childhood education on site. In 2023, in partnership with the Methow Valley School District, TwispWorks opened the Auto Tech Facility, which supports career and technical education opportunities for local youth. TwispWorks has seen new businesses launch, artists open studios, and students gain hands-on skills in trades. By preserving historic buildings for local use and fostering community-led development, they’ve built a platform where residents can pursue their passions and build lasting local wealth.

“A key lesson is that meaningful revitalization isn’t about one-time projects—it’s about sustained, community-rooted effort,” noted Washington State Main Street Program Director Breanne Durham at the Excellence on Main ceremony. “TwispWorks teaches that access to space, visibility, and relationship-based funding are critical for rural business success and that economic development can (and should) celebrate culture, creativity, and equity.” Durham personally presented the Economic Opportunity Award to TwispWorks Communications Director Grant Eadie, who was in attendance at the awards ceremony.