2025-06-02 Economic Alliance updateEconomic Alliance Update
June 2, 2025
11:04 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Ryan Barrett, Todd Chaput,
Lanae Langdon, Richard Debolt, Becky Butler
Guest(s): Kirk Pearson director of the USDA Rural Development
Recorder: Tammy Martin
Public comment: None
Richard Debolt expressed gratitude to Troy Weiss for the lobbying work performed in 2025.
Richard announced a retail study for Centralia, which is being conducted in partnership with Centralia
Outlets. He said Lanae Langdon successfully secured the grant for this study, which is expected to be
completed by the end of summer.
The next .09 meeting has been canceled. The following meeting is scheduled for September.
Commissioner Brummer raised concerns about smaller water districts in desperate need of repairs and
suggested they be considered as future applicants for funding or support.
Richard introduced Kirk Pearson. Kirk said that he is doing self-assessments around Washington State for
rural projects. He said there are committee projects and programs for rural communities.
Richard highlighted ongoing recruitment initiatives.
Todd presented Q1 2025 visitation data, showing an increase in total trips from visitors traveling more
than 50 miles to Lewis County. However, the average duration of stays is approximately four days. Todd
also reported that the annual meeting was well attended. He said efforts are underway by the EA to
establish a Tourism Promotion Area (TPA) tax. For the TPA to be implemented, support from at least
60% of lodging businesses is required. This initiative would fund Discover Lewis County without the use
of LTAC funds.
Meeting adjourned at 11:40 a.m.