Meeting Minutes

Meeting was called to order at 7:32am. Guest speaker, EDC Exec. Director, Bob Schroeter, led the flag salute.

Guests

Bob, Janine, Sharon, Jim, Todd, Mike, Erica, etc.

Minutes

Jon F. moved and Edna P. seconded acceptance of June 13th minutes. Motion carried.

Announcements:

City Councilwoman, Cherie Kidd said a delegation would be going from Port Angeles to Victoria, B.C. on Canada Day, July 1st.  Delegates will be given a red T-shirt to wear in the living photo of the Maple Leaf Flag.

Edna Peterson–yes that Edna–announced a new big 4th of July celebration. It will feature an Apple Pie Baking Contest, $250.00 to the First Place winner, fireworks, food, and a new parade route.

Dan G. reminded all that the “Wings of Freedom” event will be this week on the 21st and 22nd.  The event is sponsored by the Collins Foundation, a non profit organization. Entry fee is $15.00.

Danielle T. said an Apprenticeship program on Construction Equipment and Heavy duty repair, will be held in Ellensburg. For dates and more information contact www.oetraining.com or call (509) 968 3203.

George B. said July 1st, Canada Day, will also include the 28th annual Bike to the Ridge event.

BOARD OF NATURAL RESOURCES LETTER:

Copies of Jim McEntire’s letter, to the BNR on items we wish to have considered in upcoming months were  circulated to members. Matthew R. moved and Julie Hatch seconded acceptance of letter and its remittance to the Board of Natural Resources. Motion carried.

PABA BOARD VACANCY:

Edna P. moved and Jon F. seconded that Julie Hatch be appointed to the PABA Board, for the remainder of the year, to replace outgoing member Ted Simpson.

Program

Bob Schroeter, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Clallam Economic Development Corporation, presented a power point presentation outlining his plans to help create a climate for those who want to move to the area.

He highlighted Roadblocks to Progress and the Road ahead. He said he looks forward to a bright future with the Board as it changes it focus.

The EDC is a 501c6 non profit entity, administers the opportunity Fund and this year plans to ask for less funding while still connecting people and the community. He plans to “build bridges” by listening, energizing, and facilitating dialogue. He said first the EDC needs to build trust, listen, learn and then develop a network of support. He does feel that it is a positive thing that Clallam County’s economy is rolling along.

The EDC plans three town halls that will give business/people a chance to voice their views, concerns and interests.  Attendees will be asked two questions, “What are your thoughts on the EDC” and “What is the most effective role of the EDC?” The meetings will be on July 20th, in Forks, at the RAC; on July 26th, in Sequim, at the Transit Center; and on July 27, in Port Angeles, in the BOCC Meeting Room. All meetings are from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. E-Surveys will follow the meetings to get further information. Bob feels that EDC can help LEAN efficiency, non profits, community wellness, community building and economic opportunities. They will do what they can through Communication, Cooperation and Collaboration.

Q & A and Comments

Q: When will training be available?
A: Non-profits in August and Business/LEAN in September. LEAN experts and in-house experts will help with the training.

Q: Investment in local business expenses?
A: COIN and internet links to local investors.

Q: How get cooperation among businesses?
A: Coopetition can help businesses help each other even though they compete against each other.

Q: Five year plan?
A: Airline Service, Thriving Port, upgrading and beautifying Lincoln, Fifth,  Eighth and Race Streets. Growth of Tourism, new hotels, Robotics, IT growth, Peninsula College growth and expansion, and non profits working together.

Q: Nonprofits vs. Business, which comes first?
A: Leadership training should be to businesses first since it is their growth that will help non profits.

Q: How build the “big tent” when a community is not interested?
A: Health Services, Business, Civic, and non profits can be helped first with communication and then education and then CLT.  He hopes to find ways that all can agree and then work on those area.

Q: Intellectual property?
A: Small scale software business such as in Sequim are a start.

Q: How help business students before they graduate?
A: Peninsula College classes could utilize local experts who could share their education and experiences.

Q: Skills Center?
A: Will see what can be done to save it.

Q: 5G technology?
A: EDC does not have a committee at this time but recognizes that speed is important. Must work with the PUD to use their poles.

Q: Local Business Expansion?
A: EDC answers questions/problems/ challenges almost every day. it tries to match problems with  those who have the answers and can help.

Q: Recycling/Waste/Renewal/Solar?
A: He feels that sustainability is important yet is not being met.  Need of more encouragement without more local, state or federal requirements. (Jim Stoffer, Sequim School System, invited people to the July 28th, Grey Wolf reopening, to see what can be done with Cross Laminated Timber.)

Q: Rayonier?
A: He will continue to talk to Ecology.

John B. moved and Edna P. seconded to extend meeting another 15 minutes. MOTION CARRIED.

Cindy Kelly said the School Board will be meeting on Thursday, at the Skills Center, at 5:30pm, to discuss the future of the Center.

Edna encouraged all to attend the Chamber after hours on Thursday at 5:30, at Fanaticus.

Meeting adjourned at 8:36am.

Upcoming Meeting

June 27: Candidates for City Council position one