05/01/1995 - Work Study - MinutesPort Orchard, Washington
May 1, 1995
Council of the City of Port Orchard, Washington, called to order for Special
Study Session by Mayor Leslie Weatherill at 7:30 PM at City Hall, 216 Prospect
Street. The purpose of this Study Session is to provide an opportunity for
Councilmembers, Port of Bremerton Commissioners, Economic Development Council
staff, Chamber of Commerce representatives and interested citizens to discuss
ways to strengthen and diversify the economic vitality of our community.
Councilmembers present: Clauson, Geiger, Powers, Van Zee and Grable. Staff
present: City Planner Brown, City Engineer Curles and City Clerk Parks.
Donna Brown, City Planner, opened discussion with introductions of all present
and outlined purpose and agenda of meeting.
Chuck Klein, Port of Bremerton Real Estate Development Director, summarized the
Port's activities and proposed expansion projects, highlighting the heavy
industrial park located across the highway from the airport, the proposed light
industry -technical park (south of the airport) and other projects which will
provide additional employment opportunities for the area.
Fred Schoneman, Port Commissioner, reviewed the Port's intent to extend the
airport runway to allow use by any size airplane. Thus, expanding economic
opportunities.
Norm McLoughlin, President of EDC Board, introduced Bonnie McDade, EDC Director
of Business Development and Abigail Cooke, Business Manager of the Bremerton
Electronic Commerce Resource Center (ECRC). Mr. McLoughlin enumerated contracts
brought into area by the EDC's efforts and the resulting dollar value to the
community.
Bonnie McDade gave presentation of EDC's marketing concept, emphasizing economic
diversity must be visualized as promoting the entire Kitsap Peninsula with
everyone participating with joint commitment, cooperation and communication.
In response to questions on transportation issues, Norm McLoughlin assessed the
unique geographical resources of the area and how this effects the economic base.
Ms. McDade stressed importance of rolling out the welcome mat to visitors who may
return to live or relocate businesses.
Jim Hall, Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce complimented Ms McDade on her 3 C's
philosophy - commitment, cooperation and communication. He commented on past
local history of competition between various entities and urged everyone to put
past differences aside and work together in a cooperative atmosphere.
Ron Rada, Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce, related the efforts of 15 local
service organizations who have met to discuss mutal concerns, developed a unified
calendar and their ongoing efforts to support each other.
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Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce representatives Jim Hall (Economic Development
Committee), Barbara Seitz (Tourism Committee) and Tony Otto (Governmental Affairs
Committee) discussed the Chamber's actions to work together to diversify economic
base, attract visitors, educate businesses on serving visitors and working with
other organizations to promote our community.
City Planner Donna Brown voiced appreciation to everyone in attendance and agreed
that communication between all organizations, including governmental, service and
community organizations was paramount to successful achievement of economic
diversity.
Meeting adjourned at 9:17 PM
/LC
PATRICIA PARKS, CITY CLERK
LESLIE J. WEATHERILL, MAYOR