Port of Douglas Economic Roundtable celebrates third year

EAST WENATCHEE -- The Port District of Douglas County celebrated its third year of hosting an Economic Leadership Roundtable (ELR) in July. The program featured Western Washington University's Dr. Hart Hodges, an associate professor in economics and business research.
Headlining the program along with Hodges was WWU Director of the Center for Economic and Business Research James McCafferty.
Also presenting was Jeff Smith of Mead & Hunt (architectural, engineering and planning consultants), Jim Fletcher with the Small Business Development Center as well as an update of Port of Douglas activities by Port Executive Director Lisa Parks.
Occurring quarterly, the ELR brings together an often eclectic grouping of local business leaders, non governmental organization directors as well as private citizens and civil servants including mayors and commissioners from several county boards.
"When we started the Economic Leadership Roundtable we wanted to bring the public and private sector together and share information on what is happening in our region in regards to the economy, employment and housing. We feel that this has been successful and have been very happy with the turn out to the lunches and the split between the private and public sectors. Our plan going into next year is to keep the lunches fairly close to what they are now. We plan to feature a business and a non-profit in our community at the lunches as well as continue to bring relevant information about projects that are going on," said Port of Douglas Economic Development Manager Ron Cridlebaugh.
The next Economic Roundtable is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 19 at Wild Rivers banquet room (downstairs), 560 Valley Mall Parkway here. RSVP Esther McKivor by calling 509-884-4700.