2024-10-07 EA UpdateEconomic Alliance Update
October 7, 2024
11:01 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, Becky Butler, Eric
Sonnenberg, Richard DeBolt
Guest(s): None
Recorder: Tammy Martin
Public comment: None
ADO: Eric Sonnenberg said there was a conference in Wenatchee recently. Theres new reporting,
tradeshow that will be upcoming. Eric was on the panel for housing representing the Housing Alliance.
.09: Richard DeBolt said contracts have been signed by the City of Napavine and from the Chehalis River
Basin Flood Control Zone District.
Tourism: Todd is currently attending a tourism convention in Vancouver this week. Richard said there is
an influencer from Portland reporting about Discover Lewis County and that the Call of Duty gaming
group has chosen to film for the next video sight in Packwood. The Economic Alliance is working with
Twin Transit for an electric vehicle charging station in Mineral and that all the individual Discover
brochures are just about complete.
Events: Richard said the Economic Forum had about 93 people. Looking for a CPI. This will cost about
$10,000 to create. This will not be government sanctioned and not being used by Lewis County. Richard
said Olympia City Council is pushing for a $24 minimum wage. The EDC of Thurston County is opposing
the increase. Eric said the Economic Alliance will be meeting with several industrial corporations and ag
groups about how properties are being valued. Eric said he feels this will affect home-based businesses.
Rob McKenna and other lawyers to speak with the Assessor.
Richard was proud to announce the recent golf tournament raised almost $50,000. These funds will be
used for an economist.
Recruitment: Eric said the EA is working closely with energy and manufacturing groups. The more events
the Economic Alliance attends, the more word gets out about what Lewis County has to offer. There are
a couple solar panel projects the Economic Alliance is looking into. Richard discussed a site location
partnership for trade locations in Texas. This allows for the sharing of information.
Richard said the Economic Alliance is also looking to shift retail and hotel businesses within the Centralia
area. The Economic Alliance is partnering with CDA for a Makers Market. Local makers within the Lewis
County area will have a pop-up market November-February. The goal is to get some local artisans to
become a brick a mortar location.
Becky asked about the comp plan requirements and wanted the group to be aware that the official list
of the .09 is an officially adopted list that is maintained by the Economic Alliance.
Meeting adjourned at 11:20 a.m.