Lewis EDC Chairman’s Corner: Vaccinations Key as Washington State Reopens Following COVID Clampdown

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Note: The following content was produced by the Lewis Economic Development Council, which publishes a special section in The Chronicle monthly. 

We just might be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel as Washington state is poised to move to a full reopening June 30 after 15 months of various lockdown stages due to the pandemic.

Here in Lewis County we need to be part of the solution that helps with a permanent reopening of businesses and social outlets. That means getting the vaccination, if you haven’t already.

At essence is our ability to help not only open up our economy now, but to keep it open, so we can get back to normal life, and that includes local businesses that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 virus.

It is important to note that in all the history of mankind, all pandemics eventually evaporate.

The easiest way to get a vaccination is through the website vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov. You simply go to the site, enter your zip code and then click on find appointments. A list of vaccination outlets within 50 miles of your zip code pops up, complete with the type of vaccination available.

My hope and belief is that as Lewis County emerges from under the shadow of the virus, we will see a strong local economic rebound as people and companies from out of the area start to understand the viability and attraction that our corner of the Northwest has to offer.

 

In this month’s The Economic Report we return with the Property Spotlight, highlighting one of the many commercial properties for sale and/or lease in Lewis County. For a complete look at all the properties available, go to lewisedc.com and select the Properties tab.



We also take a look at the $3.55 million awarded via the state Legislature’s Capital Budget for a Winlock power substation. The project, led by the Lewis County PUD, will help build electrical capacity for the expected growth in South Lewis County.

We also take a look at the interesting times businesses find themselves in these days, from supply chain disruptions, the difficulty in finding quality employees and the high cost of materials.

 

I would also like to thank all of the new and renewed members of the Lewis Economic Development Council.

These past few months, under the invigorated leadership of new Executive Director Richard DeBolt, the LEDC has seen significant growth in membership, adding about 30 new patrons.

For those who haven’t signed up as a member, you can contact LEDC External Relations Manager Eric Sonnenbert at 360.748.0114 to join or for more information on the benefits of membership.

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Ben Kostick is chair of the LEDC and owner of Ben M. Kostick CPA Inc.