PORT TOWNSEND — A panel of four local authorities will review the area’s strengths and weaknesses and discuss efforts that are being made to keep it vibrant and sustainable during an Economic Report Card for Port Townsend and Jefferson County set at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19.
The public is welcome at the free program at Quimper Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 2333 San Juan Ave. Refreshments will be offered beginning at 9:30 a.m.
“National news stories blare about the challenges facing our U.S. economy, but looking locally brings a more positive picture of what is happening,” said Normandie Anderson, spokeswoman for the Port Townsend branch of the Association of American University Women, which is hosting the program.
Panelists
David Timmons, Port Townsend city manager; Larry Crockett, Port of Port Townsend executive director; Marty Gay, president of the Economic Development Council/Team Jefferson; and Heather Dudley Nollette, Port Townsend Main Street board president, will present a comprehensive view of the local economy, Anderson said.
The panelists will discuss job growth and retention, career path jobs, commercial tax base, quality-of-life considerations, outreach and marketing efforts for the city and the county, business success stories and opportunities for desired growth.
Timmons, Port Townsend’s first city manager since 1999, has worked with the Northwest Maritime Center to promote the waterfront.
“Under his leadership, Port Townsend became the first community in the state of Washington to obtain approval of its shoreline management plan,” Anderson said.
Crockett, who has served as port director since April 1999, is responsible for lease negotiations with more than 175 tenants and businesses, leads a staff of 26 people and oversees operations of three marinas, boatyards, industrial parks and the Jefferson County International Airport.
Gay, who is the CFO of Quimper Mercantile, has served as an executive with Olympic Finance Development Authority, a regional economic development initiative to help small businesses find capital for expansion.
He is also a co-owner of Windermere Port Town-send.
Nollette came to Port Townsend to manage a historic preservation and overwater development project for the Hastings Estate Co. following several years as a project manager for King County government.
She also is an EDC/Team Jefferson board member.
For more information, phone 360-385-5129 or visit http://pt-wa.aauw.net.
