2022-10-03 Economic Alliance UpdateEconomic Alliance Update
October 3, 2022
1:30 p.m.
Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Grose, Commissioner Swope, Nic Scott, Todd Chaput,
Dolly Tardiff, Eric Sonnenberg, Lee Napier, Erik Martin, Eric Eisenberg
Guest(s): None
Recorder: Tammy Martin
Public comment: None.
Richard DeBolt said members with Economic Alliance and Josh Metcalf are working on providing large
scale projects for pre-design of their Dig Once pilot project. These projects will then be presented to the
Commissioners for confirmation before submission to Legislature for additional funding options. Eric
Sonnenberg said members from Economic Alliance are working with the Lewis County GIS team. Richard
said he would like to see similarity when applying for permits from Centralia and Chehalis.
Dolly Tardiff said her focus has been on the business development center to help find grants and
buildings for local businesses. Dolly has also spoken with Joy from Eagles Nest about a non-profit agency
in Lewis County.
Richard said the annual banquet will be in February of 2023. Eric said there was a great turn out for the
Alliance Open Golf Tournament. He said there have been a few smaller manufacturers seeking advice for
business and the Port of Chehalis has seen building interest at properties within the Port.
Todd Chaput said that Economic Alliance submitted their tourism grant for LTAC. They have also applied
for grant funding for strategic planning.
Richard said the Economic Alliance met with the Washington Economic Development Association
(WEDA) for new opportunities to utilize different matching sources of funding for projects. Todd said the
most recent .09 funding meeting had approved four projects and those will be presented to the Board
for consideration. They are in process of updating the CEDS lists and will be asking for Commissioner
approval. Richard said future applications will be asking for more reporting requirements. Commissioner
Grose would like to see the dollar amounts removed from the application.
Meeting adjourned at 1:59 p.m.