When it comes to addressing Clark County's greatest economic need - more jobs with higher pay - it's hard to define 2007 as anything but a rousing success for the Columbia River Economic Development Council. This year CREDC attracted seven major businesses to Clark County. If that doesn't sound like a big number, perhaps these statistics will illuminate the council's contributions to the local economy:

- Those seven new businesses are making a combined business investment of $49.8 million.

? Because 77 percent of that investment comes from Clark County resources, that combined business investment means 580 construction jobs with a $28.4 million payroll, plus a one-time sales tax revenue figure of $4 million to state and local jurisdictions.

- Beyond this start-up commitment by the new businesses is an even more impressive long-term presence in the community. The seven businesses support 664 workers, and those people won't be flipping burgers. Their jobs will pay an average $43,400, far above the countywide average pay of $38,000 annually.

- The overall economic impact transcends the seven companies. Another 596 jobs will be indirectly created in the county.

So, for obvious reasons, we extend a warm welcome to the seven new businesses: David Evans & Associates, All Student Loans, United Natural Foods, Roadmaster Inc., Rose City Printing & Packaging, TennMax America Inc. and IMS Electronics Recycling. What's especially encouraging is the number of relatively high-paying jobs. Many other communities are so desperate for jobs - and/or the local workforce is not skilled enough - that they'll even welcome low-paying jobs.

CREDC made other significant contributions in 2007, not the least of which was collaborating with other groups to win legislative approval for an electrical engineering major at Washington State University Vancouver. The council also helped secure innovation zone designation for a parcel of land near WSUV. Congratulations to the CREDC staff (fewer than a half-dozen full-time workers), the board and the committee members for a successful 2007.