Washington Economic Development Association wraps up summer conference in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — Putting 52 like-minded people in the same place for two days of tours, panel discussions and brainstorming is bound to generate new ways of doing business. That’s what the Washington Economic Development Association was counting on with its summer conference in Moses Lake.

Economic development representatives from around the state converged on the Columbia Basin to discuss such topics as data centers and drones, developing business relationships through sister city programs, advanced manufacturing and aerospace on the east side, to name a few of the topics discussed at the semi-annual conference.

“One of the great benefits of these conferences is being able to learn from each other,” said Emily Braunwart, Grant County Economic Development Council’s business recruitment manager. “It’s an exciting time and to be able to network ideas is important. One of the best things about this one was being able to brag about Grant County, about the industries and the successes.”

Representatives toured the Columbia Basin Skills Center. They also had a chance to see the BMW/SGL automotive carbon fiber plant in Moses Lake. For recently-appointed EDC executive director Linda Martin, it was the first opportunity to see the plant, which added a second line of production in 2013.

“It was impressive with the technology that they have,” Martin said. “It demonstrates the high-tech industry Grant County can attract. It’s a joint venture. They can make things here and sell them outside, and it’s all good.”

John Thornquist, director of Washington State Office of Aerospace, led the discussion on aerospace on the eastside panel. Rob Monster, CEO of DigitalTown.com, led the discussions on lean smart cities. Carolyn Honeycutt, director of the Ellensburg Downtown Association, led discussions on reviving rural downtowns and Jesse Uman with the Boeing Company outlined plans for the Boeing Centennial Celebration.

Allan Peterson, Moses Lake Small Business Development Council, highlighted the recent trade mission by five Grant County-business representatives to Gunpo, South Korea during his Developing Business Relationships Through Sister City Programs presentation. International trade specialist Vern Jenkins was also a part of those discussions.

The Data Centers and Drones panel was led by Pat Ford of Big Bend Community College and Nick Parker with the Port of Quincy.