Greetings Community Members,
I hope everyone is doing well, it sure seems like time is flying by, the first quarter of 2025 is already half over, and we are not too far off from the start of spring. However, before we can enjoy the warmer and longer days, we have a lot going on here at GGHI that we are working on, so I will get right to it.
Government Affairs:
As the 2025 Legislative Session just completed week five, we have been active in Olympia testifying on bills that we feel are important to our businesses, as well as our public partners. All the hearings we participate in, as well as any other hearings conducted in the House of Representatives, and Senate, can be viewed on tvw.org. Some bills we are paying close attention to are listed here, and you can search for hearings that are associated with these bills, either already conducted, or upcoming.
SB 5422 - Public Hearing – Allowing bargaining over matters related to the use of artificial intelligence.
SHB 1175 - Public Hearing – Allowing small business establishments in residential zones.
HB 1902 - Public Hearing – Convening a work group regarding the streamlining of permitting for transportation projects.
HB 1517 - Public Hearing – Providing a revenue stream to fund digital equity programs.
HB 1561 - Public Hearing – Providing labor market protections for domestic workers.
SB 5682 - Public Hearing – Concerning the Washington customized employment training program.
HB 1930 - Public Hearing – Reforming the fish and wildlife commission.
SB 5732 - Public Hearing – Creating greater accountability for increasing the supply of housing consistent with growth management.
SB 5273 - Public Hearing – Concerning the availability of community violence prevention and intervention services.
HB 1558 - Public Hearing – Concerning broadcasters.
HB 1913 - Public Hearing – Repealing the public utility tax credit for home energy assistance.
HB 1406 - Public Hearing – Concerning associate development organizations.
SB 5731 - Public Hearing – Creating a tenant assistance program.
HB 1806 - Public Hearing – Ensuring that commercial fishing revenue benefits communities most dependent on the industry.
I want to take the opportunity to thank our Senators and Representatives of the 19th and 24th districts for all the work they are doing for us in Grays Harbor, and for being so welcoming at our meetings in Olympia.
2025 Business Recognition Awards – Nomination Survey:
It’s time to nominate businesses and organizations in our community that demonstrate exemplary services, standards and commitment to our region. Nominations are open through February 28, 2025: Find the nomination form here.
Leadership Grays Harbor:
Our 2025 Leadership Grays Harbor classes began on Friday, February 7th, with a completely full class. I want to thank our CFO, Candie Gleason, for her efforts in getting this class schedule set, as well as organizing our class locations with our keynote speakers. This program is a wonderful opportunity for tomorrow’s leaders to learn the basics of leadership, with over five hundred participants completing the program since its inception.
Hire Me First Program:
We are in the process of kicking off the return of the Hire Me First Program with the Aberdeen School District, Co Superintendents Lynn Green, and Traci Sandstrom. Lynn and Traci have developed a program through the AHS CTE Program, and partnerships with Grays Harbor College, Greater Grays Harbor, Inc., and Grays Harbor High Schools for Hire Me First which is designed to grant high school students possible priority interviews, improved chances for employment, recognition, and healthy relationships between school and work. Participating students are pre-screened and qualified to become high school job applicants that have gone through an extensive program to be eligible.
For more information contact:
Loretta Thomas, Director of Business Development
Greater Grays Harbor, Inc
360-532-7888
Upcoming Events:
NEW: Join us for our first Morning Madness networking event with GGHI! Registration and event details here.
Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings:
- OlyPen- New Office: 411 N 3rd St., Elma WA @ 4pm
- CMD Signs: 227 Wynoochee Valley Rd., Montesano WA @ 11am
- The Refined Man: 301 W Main St., Elma WA @ 10am
Find out more information on these events and many others across Grays Harbor by visiting our GGHI Events Calendar.
Warmest Regards,
Darrin C. Raines
Chief Executive Officer
Greater Grays Harbor, Inc.
Greater Grays Harbor, Inc. Contact Information
Darrin Raines, CEO
Phone : 360-532-7888, Email: draines@graysharbor.org
Candie Gleason, CFO
Phone: 360-532-7888, Email: candie@graysharbor.org
Kelsey Norvell-Williams, Marketing Director
Phone: 360-532-7888, Email: knorvell@graysharbor.org
Loretta Thomas, Director of Business Development
Phone: 360-532-7888, Email: lthomas@graysharbor.org
Stephanie Conway, Director of Member Services
Phone 360-532-7888, Email: sconway@graysharbor.org