Explaining Greater Grays Harbor, Inc. (GGHI) is sometimes hard to do, especially if the inquiring party isn’t familiar with the broad lane of activities involved in economic development. When asked, the GGHI team and Board members quote our website, “Greater Grays Harbor works to cultivate the necessary conditions for business successes and community prosperity” or, simply put, “build a healthy local economy”.
But what does that look like in action?
Supporting Small Businesses
We take calls every day providing support, resources, and information to small businesses. Any business of any size should feel welcome calling us to seek information and support.
Business Recognition
Currently we are preparing to celebrate the businesses of the county at our annual Leader’s Banquet & Business Recognition Awards. On October 28th we’ll be recognizing our Small, Large, New and Non-Profit organizations of the year. GGHI members will have an opportunity to vote on the finalists next week (watch your email for a voting ballot from me!). If you want to attend this fun and exciting auction and awards ceremony you can register and learn more here.
Business Training and Seminars
Thanks to generous funding from the Grays Harbor Community Foundation, GGHI has been able to launch a six-part series of workshops designed to help local businesses improve their marketing, workforce, finances, and operations. These seminars are free to attend and include lunch. Two more sessions, Customer Service (featuring Damon Gleason from Five Star Automotive) will take place on September 12th and Knowing Your Financials and Building Resiliency (featuring Enterprise for Equity) will be conducted on September 19th. There is still time to register!
Networking and Connections
We’ve all missed seeing our friends, colleagues, and peers. Last month’s successful Member Appreciation BBQ invigorated the networking spirit. Now that Business After Hours has returned you can keep the good times rolling. Join us on September 13th from 5:30-7:00pm at Windemere-Real Estate Aberdeen. Food, drink, and networking awaits. Visit this link to read more and set a calendar reminder!
Address Issues Hindering Business Expansion
Local Infrastructure
The effort by the cities of Aberdeen and Hoquiam to build an 11-mile levy to protect our communities and economy is something that both communities as well as local, state, and federal government should take a lot of pride in. GGHI has been proud to be by their side and lend our assistance by way of letter writing, public speaking engagements and funding advocacy. So much of this largely goes unseen until a major milestone like the recent FEMA grant award and subsequent press conference celebrating the achievement.
Encourage a Favorable Business Climate
Representing Business Interests with Government
GGHI engages with local, state, and federal government on many levels, but as the old saying goes… “all politics is local” and connecting our local businesses with their elected leaders is important. At the end of September, we’ll be hosting a Candidate Forum for County Commissioner District 3 (candidates confirmed) and additional races. At the time of writing candidates in the additional races were not confirmed. You can visit the event page to register and keep up to date on participating candidates.
Attract and Assist Relocation of New Business
High Quality of Life
Like many communities across the country our region is battling its own concerns related to healthcare and public health to include homelessness and substance abuse. Our medical systems and public health agency are dealing with theses issues daily and working hard to address the challenges and make a meaningful impact. Join us on November 1st to discuss “Health in the Harbor” and the business community’s interest in the system, services, and outcomes. To learn more and register click here.
Celebrate Success
It’s no secret amongst the GGHI team that I am big fan of Westport, the marina, the seafood, and the donuts…what’s not to love! No offense to our other great communities, but as a kid the Westport Marina was a playground to me and holds a dear place in my heart. My latest bragging point has been the success of our fishing industry and the little told tale of our impact on our state’s food supply and Westport’s place in the world of fisheries. Last month GGHI was invited to small ceremony to celebrate a big accomplishment. American Tuna, a buyer of much of the tuna landed in Westport, was awarded an Ocean Sustainability Award. To learn more check out this article.
This is just a small snapshot of what our mission in action looks like. Everyday is different at our office and it makes for exciting times. If you want to get involved with GGHI as a member, please consider contacting Stephanie Conway at sconway@graysharbor.org. If you are seeking business assistance, referrals and resources please contact Loretta Thomas, lthomas@graysharbor.org. Our team is small but mighty and thrive on supporting our local community through economic development.
– Lynnette Buffington, GGHI CEO
