PORT HADLOCK – A new partnership has been formed between Peninsula College and the Washington State University Jefferson County Extension site in Port Hadlock to offer higher education opportunities and to spur economic growth on the North Olympic Peninsula.
“[Thomas] Keegan [Peninsula College president] presented some exciting new programs that would be the basis of this new partnership,” said Katherine Baril, WSU Jefferson County Extension director.
Baril said the two agreed that their agencies are “also economic development drivers for the Peninsula, and this is a high priority community partnership for both Peninsula and WSU’s new economic development program.”
Team Jefferson, Jefferson County’s designated economic development agent, which is structured under the WSU Extension site, will coordinate Jefferson County economic development in a two-year contractual agreement with the state Community Trade and Economic Development.
One of it’s goals is to build strong regional partnerships with Peninsula College, which is based in Port Angeles and has centers in Port Townsend and Forks; Incubator@Lincoln Center, the Clallam County business incubator; Battelle Marine Sciences Laboratory in Sequim; and businesses on the peninsula.
“Partnering with Peninsula College will significantly advance Team Jefferson’s efforts in work force, business and leadership training,” said Wise.
“As we double our efforts to improve the economic climate of Jefferson County, we will in effect be able to deliver many more important business services and training programs that will be vital to our economic success.”
“It will be a great asset.
“The best part of all is the Jefferson County business community comes out the winner in this collaboration.”
For more information about the partnership, phone 360-379-5610, or click on http://tech.jefferson.wsu.edu/.
