The following content was produced by the Lewis Economic Development Council, which publishes a special section in The Chronicle monthly.
First, I am extremely excited to be the new Executive Director of the Lewis Economic Development Council, where we are ultra-focused on developing jobs and helping boost the local economy.
I’m honored and floored for the opportunity to help find good paying jobs for Lewis County.
My first tangible effort is the upcoming LEDC Post COVID Economic Summit set for Thursday, May 6 at the Jester Auto Museum & Event Center in Chehalis. The Summit will bring local and state leaders in to discuss tips and forecasts for businesses emerging from the end of the pandemic. See the story on the Summit and how to sign up in this issue of The Economic Report.
Also in this report is an update on the extension on the Paycheck Protection Program to May 31. This federal program helps businesses secure forgivable loans of under $150,000. If you are struggling, specifically from impacts from the virus, please log on to the Washington State Small Business Recovery Working Group’s website for assistance in applying for these funds.
The Report also delves into the emerging boom hitting East Lewis County’s far-end community of Packwood. The town is “on fire” with a first-ever water and sewer system on its way and housing prices setting record highs. Perhaps a distinguished brewpub is in the works for the East Lewis County Public Development Authority’s vacant property up for lease.
One aspect I will focus on in the coming months is the upcoming booming business environment sweeping its way to Lewis County. We will be growing, but we need to grow right. We need to focus on bringing in businesses with family-wage jobs, and also creating the needed infrastructure to facilitate companies that want to locate and relocate into Lewis County.
I have been meeting with business leaders and decision makers these past few months in my new role with the LEDC, and find a vibrant, inviting attitude for economic success. We need to help both existing businesses and also provide solid reasons for those businesses looking to relocate from the overloaded urban areas of the state.
One of my main goals is to build consensus, to promote unity among the various stakeholders of Lewis County, from the county to the cities to the ports to the various help agencies that do so much for our corner of the state. For too long Lewis County has found itself divided in its efforts to promote economic success. This focus on unity and coming together in a singular direction is well underway and I appreciate all who have embraced this concept.
Finally, as LEDC Chair Ben Kostick said in last month’s column, I am fortunate to have a strong staff in External Relations Manager Eric Sonnenberg and Office Manager Marrianne Schumacher, who have made my transition to Executive Director both a smooth and pleasurable experience.
• Richard DeBolt is a former longtime state House representative and current Executive Director of the Lewis Economic Development Council.
