On Wednesday, May 3, 2023, local businesses, Washington State Legislators, County Commissioners, and community leaders welcomed Laura Ives, Economic Development Representative for Washington State at U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) with a full-day tour of Grays Harbor County.
Greater Grays Harbor, Inc. (GGHI) organized the visit as part of their effort to re-establish the regional Economic Development District (EDD) that formerly existed across a multi-county region. The EDA’s mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness, preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.
Ms. Ives’ tour began at Summit Pacific Medical Center where Commissioner Jill Warne joined the group to help present local workforce development efforts as well as tour the state-of-the-art facility. The next stop was at Grays Harbor College (GHC) where incoming President, Carli Schiffner and other staff discussed GHC’s many programs, construction projects, and the role they play in local economic development in our area.
Following the visit to GHC, Ms. Ives’ tour moved to the Grays Harbor PUD. With over 20 people in attendance including Representative Jim Walsh, Senator Jeff Wilson, and Commissioner Vickie Raines, Ms. Ives was able to gain insight into large scale infrastructure projects in Grays Harbor, many of which were recently funded in the 2023 Legislative Session. These included: Aberdeen-Hoquiam Flood Protection Project, Port of Grays Harbor’s Terminal 4 and AGP Expansion, Quinault Indian Nation’s Reservation Relocation, and Quinault Enterprises’ Wellness Center, followed by additional briefings from the Public Utility District, Grays Harbor County, and the City of Ocean Shores.
The final stop of the tour brought the group to Westport with a mini tour of the Marina and Ocean Gold Seafoods’ processing plant, concluding with a group discussion at the Westport Maritime Museum under the historic Fresnel Lens.
After each visit, Ms. Ives and the attendees engaged in robust conversations on the EDA’s role, how they can support local projects through their funding efforts, and what the EDD would look like back in Grays Harbor.
“Hosting Ms. Ives was a highlight for our county,” said Lynnette Buffington, GGHI CEO. “Effective economic development relies on informed and healthy relationships with public agencies and funding partners. Leaders from across the county provided the EDA with valuable insight into projects, growth and broad economic opportunity. GGHI is thankful for the collaboration from all our partners supporting the success of the visit.”
For more information on Laura Ives’ visit to Grays Harbor County, please contact GGHI at info@graysharbor.org.
