2022-04-04 Update Economic AllianceUpdate Economic Alliance
April 4, 2022
1:30 p.m.
Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, Commissioner Grose, Dolly Tardiff, Austin Majors,
Richard DeBolt, Tiffanie Morgan, County Manager Erik Martin
Guests: Isabel Vander Stoep, Kyle Heaton
Recorder: Tammy Martin
Richard DeBolt announced all state agencies must work with the Economic Alliance for the Dig-Once
Program. This is in effort to coordinate projects to minimize construction disruptions and to maximize
costs spent to complete the project. Richard said there will be a stakeholder meeting to have final map
discussions. The Economic Alliance will then be able to coordinate construction projects recommended
by the stakeholder group.
Dolly Tardiff is the business director of the Economic Alliance. She helps those wishing to start a
business. Dolly said they have created a Gary Stamper scholarship fund. Dolly said one scholarship will
be awarded each year in the amount of $1,500. Dolly said the Economic Alliance has a micro-lending
fund for local businesses. This is a small, short-term loan with a prime interest rate in the amount of
$1,500.
Richard said there have been seven local companies that have fallen victim to ransomware hacks. He
encourages everyone to be diligent about opening unknown attachments.
Richard said the EA has contracted work to help complete the Fox Theatre. There will be a tour May 19,
2022. The economic Alliance is in the works of putting on a hydrogen workshop for May 17, 2022
Richard said the Economic Alliance is working on three Distressed Counties applications, and that
Chehalis, Pe Ell and Vader have all applied.
Richard said the Economic Alliance has been working with the Department of Commerce for grants to
install curbs.
Meeting adjourned at 1:57 p.m.