PORT ANGELES — Washington’s Lt. Gov. Cyrus Habib plans to visit Port Angeles on Wednesday in an effort to promote regional job growth.
Habib will meet with representatives in local government, higher education, tourism and economic development as he tours Port Angeles, said Bob Schroeter, executive director of the Clallam County Economic Development Corporation.
“It’s incredible to have the lieutenant governor take the time to really focus on the issues of Clallam County,” he said.
“I can’t think of a better way to show how one cares than to listen to the folks on the ground.
“This is a big opportunity.”
Habib will first meet with Luke Robins, president of Peninsula College, to discuss his higher education effort to expand the college pipeline and re-engage non-credentialed adults.
Efforts to reach Robins’ office and the college’s public information officer were unsuccessful Monday.
While on the college campus, Habib will tour the Allied Health Building and hear about the region’s health care workforce development needs. He’ll also meet with Olympic Medical Center CEO Eric Lewis, Schroeter said.
In the afternoon, Habib will meet with the Clallam County Economic Development Council, along with officials from state and local government, and leaders in business and education, to discuss opportunities for collaboration in regional economic development and workforce training.
“Several school districts will talk about career and technical education, to see if we can get more emphasis from the state … so we can get young people focused on vocation as early as possible,” he said.
Habib will then tour the Angeles Millwork and Lumber Co. and Hartnagel Building Supply Inc. in Port Angeles, where he will meet with CEO Kelly Fox to discuss the company’s approach to workforce development and employee ownership.
Habib will conclude his Port Angeles tour by delivering a speech on economic development at the Port Angeles Lions Club meeting.
Schroeter said that since Habib’s election, the lieutenant governor has been focused on working with the state Department of Commerce, which the EDC works closely with.
It’s “without question” one of Habib’s goals to bolster economic development in rural Washington, Schroeter said.
“This is just a great opportunity for businesses to know the lieutenant governor is focusing on how he can bring greater economic opportunities to Clallam County,” Schroeter said. “We’re looking forward to putting together a plan to make that development happen.”
________
Reporter Jesse Major can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56250, or at jmajor@peninsuladailynews.com.
