This month’s CEO Message reads a bit like a “To Do” list for the coming months. In the absence of being able to see you all in person and gather to discuss these issues the methods and the importance of the delivery of this information has become all that more important. Since we are also monitoring the Washington Legislative Session, I have provided an update on some of those issues in a separate blog piece on our website.

Economic recovery and grant relief remain a high priority for Greater Grays Harbor, Inc. We are actively updating our COVID-19 Resource page with up-to-date information, resources, and guidance.  Please do not forget to check on this page regularly as resources continue to be announced.  Some of the most noteworthy relief options right now are the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Fund for Local Government, Tribes and Non-Profit Organizations, the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Fund for organizations run by and serving marginalized populations, the SBA administered Shuttered Venue Operators Grant and most recognizable the Payroll Protection Plan (PPP).  We also are excited to announce the launch of a new website that provides a one-stop shop for economic and financial recovery resources. Check out SmallBizHelpWA.com for all your funding questions and resources.

With the start of the new year there are a lot of annual traditions and events emerging on the GGHI calendar.  Be sure to visit the Event Calendar to register and set reminders so you are in the know.

  • Legislative Committee Weekly Calls – An exclusive member benefits these weekly calls during Legislative Session bring together local industry leaders, association policy makers and public officials for informal and timely discussions on what is happening in Olympia. This week’s (2/3/21) speakers include Childcare Action Council of Washington.  There are some bills impacting the childcare industry both to providers and users. Please join us for this discussion as well as any updates on the many issues coming out of this legislative session.   Next week (2/10/21) we will welcome John Lane, Director of Local Government Affairs from the Washington Hospitality Association for a discussion related to the legislation surrounding not only the hospitality industry, but other small businesses issues.
  • Greater Grays Harbor, Inc. Annual Meeting – Every year GGHI presents a recap of what has been accomplished and what remains to be accomplished in the coming year. This year we have a lot to share!  We will also be providing an overview of our three-part business outlook survey. Join us on February 23rd for this event.
  • Leadership Grays Harbor – A ritual for the start of a new year is the kickoff of Leadership Grays Harbor. This 7-session program enhances leadership principles in working professionals as they develop for their current role or next state of leadership. As most things that happen in 2021 the coursework will take place via Zoom and will present an opportunity for participants from farther areas in the county to take advantage of the course. The priority deadline for registration is February 12th. To learn more, click here. If you are a Leader’s Circle member and need to register your complimentary participant(s) contact Candie at candie@graysharbor.org
  • Lunch with the Mayors – The March Business Forum (3/23) will feature the annual tradition of Lunch with the Mayors of Grays Harbor County. Stay tuned to the event page for speaker confirmations.
  • Leaders Banquet – The 2021 Leaders Banquet will look different this year. We will have a keynote(s) event in concert with an online auction.  Stay tuned for more details but watch for upcoming Save the Date notifications for a late April event.  In the coming weeks, our procurement effort will begin.  Please be thinking about how you would like to connect your business to the Grays Harbor community through a donation of an item, certificate, or experience.

At the time of writing this Grays Harbor County had moved into Phase 2 of the Roadmap to Recovery opening guidelines. The sense of excitement amongst our local businesses and the community alike was palpable.  It has been fun to watch the enthusiasm for local business spread and we hope that the community makes the decision to invest locally as part of their consumer lifestyle.  You can check out our online directory to find a local food establishment to support or visit our Discover Grays Harbor website, Facebook and Instagram pages to learn more about exploring the area.

Lastly, before I let you go, I wanted to take a moment to recognize two business leaders in our community.  Recently Renewable Energy Group (REG) was recognized as the 2020 Q4 Business of the Quarter recipient. REG has been a leader in the community and is a proud champion of what Grays Harbor County has to offer.  You can read more about REG’s recognition on our blog. This award is voted on by the GGHI Ambassadors which are the enthusiastic volunteer PR and outreach arm of the organization. The Ambassadors are comprised of the area’s most passionate and resourceful business leaders in the community and have recently recognize Lynn Csernotta, Grays Harbor Community Hospital Commissioner as the Q4 2020 Ambassador of the Quarter.  Lynn was one of the driving forces behind the Heroes of the Harbor event this past fall.  Thank you to Lynn and REG for your hard work and commitment to a strong local economy.