PORT TOWNSEND — EDC Team Jefferson is looking to hire a deputy director to help move the county up to the next level of business success — and that’s an indication of economic growth, according to the organization’s executive director.
“This is the right time,” Peter Quinn said.
“We’ve had a lot of success and are looking to do this for continuity and as part of a succession plan.”
The organization, which was created in 2009, has gained strength in recent years and has made contact with at least 400 businesses since Quinn signed on in 2011, he said.
This includes individual consultations free of charge, business classes and matching people who want to own a business in Jefferson County to those that might be for sale.
One of Team Jefferson’s biggest accomplishments, Quinn said, is attracting boat builder Armstrong Consolidated to a location in the Boat Haven, which expects to create 30 family wage jobs and build six new aluminum boats during its first year of operation.
Quinn works part time as will his deputy. They will share an office and together will add up to one full-time position, Quinn said.
The job description says that the organization’s strategic goal is to net 1,000 new jobs in the next 10 years, requiring the deputy to “possess exceptional business skills and the ability to work with business owners of all sizes and types, helping them to start, grow or sustain their business with effective, pragmatic, tools.”
The salary is undetermined and will depend on the applicant, Quinn said.
“We will ask them what they cost and then decide whether we can afford them or not,” he said.
“Someone who can bring in 300 new jobs a year and create $12 million in sales tax will get more money than someone who can just help out in marketing.”
EDC Team Jefferson has an annual budget of about $105,000 with allocations from the state of Washington, Jefferson County, the Port of Port Townsend and grants, Quinn said.
The job posting closes Monday. The next step will depend on the pool of applicants, Quinn said. If there are no outstanding applicants, the group will widen the search.
“This is a place where small businesses have a real chance,” Quinn said of Jefferson County.
For more information go to edcteamjefferson.com.
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
