Selling their craft beers throughout Oregon and Washington, Vertigo Brewing also established a taproom for local patrons in the Portland suburb of Hillsboro. “It’s great to be able to ship our products to customers all over the Pacific Northwest, and also serve up a cold brew to our friends right here in town,” says owners Michael Kinion and Michael Hayes.

It has been harder however, to serve their friends during the pandemic. “COVID has affected our business in many ways,” says Kinion. “We’ve had to reduce our activity in the taproom and put in place many protocols that hurt business. We are lucky in that we’ve been able to keep our employees which is wonderful.”

That fortune is something the owners want to provide for others, and when asked by their banker to join in on Columbia Bank’s Pass It On Project, they didn’t hesitate. Wanting to help those that help others, Vertigo Brewing & Taproom is passing it on to health care workers and teachers and Columbia Bank is paying the bill. “We are passing it on to teachers and health care workers in our area,” says Hayes. “The work they do everyday is incredible and with Columbia Bank picking up the tab, we will be able to reach out and show our appreciation.”