To clarify, Julie Shaffley is, without a doubt, an excellent choice to retain as Port Commissioner District 2.
Under the direction of current board chair, Julie Shaffley, several companies have relocated, or are relocating to Centralia resulting in creating several hundred family wage jobs and providing annually several hundred thousand dollars in tax revenue. The $100 million United Natural Food distribution warehouse alone has created in excess of 350 jobs. The announcement of signing Winco foods to open a store in Centralia Station is another example of what Julie is capable of. Julie’s interaction with current and potential business owners and leaders is extremely well thought out. Julie’s business relationship and oversight of Executive Director, Kyle Heaton and staff is allowing for continued expansion of the port and the mixed use development, Centralia Station.
In answer to a few comments I have heard:
Yes, Fred Meyer would have been an excellent anchor tenant for Centralia Station. Despite the aggressive and continued efforts of the Port, the deal with Fred Meyer fell through. This was directly responsible due to continued and frustrating local government permitting process’s, not any lack of partnership with the Port. Thanks to the Board, Centralia Station development is happening, Winco Foods beginning construction in 2020.
The Port is extremely proactive in traffic mitigation. Mellen St. overpass was a partnership with the Port and DOT and now that Centralia Station is beginning to develop, the addition of an eastward continuation from the overpass to the stores is already approved by DOT. In addition, the Port board and staff is in continued interaction with DOT on the possible addition of another exit North of Centralia.
Lastly, I continue to hear comments on how when UNFI opens, traffic will become horrendous. Julie and the port work continually on current and future improvements and schedules to reduce/mitigate traffic nightmares. It should be of interest to those anticipating gridlock and voicing such concerns that UNFI opened a couple of months ago.
Re-electing Julie Shaffley benefits the citizens of Centralia and continues to have a positive impact on growth and income. Julie takes her roles as a 30-year business owner and a member of a vibrant and progressive port board responsibly and the city and citizens will definitely benefit from your re-electing her.
Bob Jackins
Chehalis
Chairman, Board of Directors
Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce
