With the lifting of COVID related restrictions and the addition of David Faro to the Greater Grays Harbor, Inc (GGHI) team the past month has brought a much-welcomed opportunity to visit with many of our stakeholders. David and I have visited with leaders from the Port of Grays Harbor, all three Port Cities and the local PUD. Couple that with the July Congressional recess and we’ve also been able to welcome both Senator Cantwell and Representative Kilmer.

This summer’s Listening Tour of stakeholders, investors and key economic partners in the region is providing GGHI leadership the opportunity to hear what our employers, local government and community leaders feel is essential to our economic recovery and priorities. This feedback is essential as GGHI charts the path forward.

The consistent feedback is overwhelmingly in support for the north and west shore levy projects impacting both Aberdeen and Hoquiam and the Aberdeen Hwy. 12 Rail Separation. These projects are transformational to our region’s economic future but also to enhance the livability of the area. Concerns about how local municipalities and service providers will respond and recover from the lifting of eviction and utility moratoriums remain high. The relief systems designed to help provider and consumer are still being defined, tested and deployed which creates uncertainty for all involved parties. Workforce needs and supply chain interruptions are impacting every single industry in some way shape or form. Employers are still looking for talent and offering highly competitive wages and benefits to attract and retain talent. These strategies are working for some and with that comes the influx of new residents on the Harbor further stressing our housing system. All these topics are being discussed in our listening tour visits as these issues are deeply intertwined and need attention to support our immediate and long-term economic health.

In August David and I will be in both the North and South Beach areas as well as multiple days in East County.  We are adding more businesses and community leaders to our schedule and if you want us on site to discuss economic development, workforce or other issues related to your ability to contribute to a healthy local economy please let us know. After a year of being unable to get out and meet the community I welcome the invitations.

For members of GGHI, I welcome you join us at our annual Member Appreciation BBQ on Thursday, August 26th from 11am-1pm. Meet staff and your fellow GGHI members at this casual Open House event hosted at our office.