2024-02-05 Economic Alliance UpdateEconomic Alliance Update
February 5, 2024
1:31 p.m.
Present: Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Ryan
Barrett, Richard DeBolt, Todd Chaput, Becky Butler
Guest(s): None
Recorder: Tammy Martin
Public comment: None
Richard DeBolt said the EA is working with the Washington Economic Development Association (WEDA)
people to keep .09 continuing. Also supporting a local property tax bill. Commissioner Brummer said the
property tax bill did not pass.
Richard said the EA banquet was well attended. The staff award was presented post-houmous to Buck
Hubbard. The renewable resources will be held tonight at the TransAlta hall at Centralia College. Richard
figures close to 130 people RSVP’d. Richard said the Women in business presentation and Hispanic
Business Owner forum in May. Richard said there is an inclusive crew fair in April, Bowling tournament
in May.
Richard says the recruitment piece of the EA has been very busy. There are seven manufacturers looking
at the region and 2 hotels to be located in Centralia. There are 2 wood manufacturers looking at the
Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone (BDO) zones in Lewis County. Richard said there are
several smaller manufacturers looking at Lewis County development.
Todd Chaput said he appreciates the more stream-lined systems for LTAC. Todd said the press release
for the strategic plan was sent out last week. Todd said there were some mailers sent as well. The EA is
looking to expand their reach with Google and social media accounts. Commissioner Brummer says he
sees excessive expenditures for social media posts and asked if Discover Lewis County would or could be
the hub of the social media presence. Commissioner Brummer feels the duplicity of the social media
sharing feels almost out of control. Commissioner Swope said that becoming a hub wouldn’t necessarily
increase bandwidth but would be supporting each center. Todd said making the connections and
building the network is what DLC has been working on.
Todd said the Career and Technical Education (CTE) team at Napavine is working on providing
internships with local area businesses. PAC Mtn is working on apprenticeship for juniors in high school
with future manufacturers. Toledo is working on grant options with the waterline and looking for grants
to begin summer construction. There is an exposed 6” water line and if it becomes damaged, the people
of Toledo will be without water.
Meeting adjourned 1:58 p.m.