Avista hosts seminar for local rural communities
Rachal Pinkerton/Sun Tribune Participants of the Avista-sponsored 13 Ways seminar toured historic downtown Ritzville on Friday, Sept. 20.
Rachal Pinkerton/Sun Tribune Dennis Chamberlain (far right), of Ritzville, talks about Ritzvilles historic downtown. He is actively involved in the restoration of downtown buildings and owns one himself, named Uniquely Washington. He is a member of the Ritzville City Council.
Ritzville — Having small, rural towns thrive is important to Avista. Last week, they hosted a seminar to help local communities do just that.
“At Avista, we love to be an integral part of our communities,” said Ian Eccles, rural engagement manager for Avista. “If they thrive, we thrive.”
Avista brought in the 13 Ways seminar, based off the book “13 Ways to Kill Your Community” by Doug Griffiths. The seminar was held in both Ritzville and Potlatch, Idaho on Sept. 19 and 20.
The 13 Ways seminar looks at different factors that cities should think about to promote growth. Factors include having enough good water, promoting to businesses, attracting youth and seniors, aesthetics, the way the past is viewed and trying new things. The accompanying workbook asks attendees questions about their town to help them honestly reflective on their town and the areas that need improving. It is put on by Griffiths and Heather Thomson.
Avista invited representatives from 21 Washington and Idaho communities to attend. Over the next few weeks, they will be offering an online survey to residents of these same small towns. The survey will be looking at the issues addressed in the seminar.
Once the survey results are in, Avista will compile the data and give the cities the results with actionable steps they can take. The results are expected to be available by the end of the year.
The project is the brainchild of Paul Kimmell, the regional business manager, Palouse region, for Avista. This is not the first time that Kimmell has worked with Griffiths.
“I’ve done this in a number of communities with Doug,” Kimmell said.
Avista and its subsidiaries serves over 200 communities throughout Washington, Idaho, Oregon and Alaska.
“A lot are small,” said Kimmell. “They are all so different. There is desperation out there. We want to give them hope and vitality.”
Kimmell’s goal to help get communities become self-sufficient. He envisions some rebranding from some towns, even if the branding is a little quirky. If it gets people visiting his small towns, he will be happy.
“We want to give them some direction, vision and actionable items,” Kimmell said.
Rachal Pinkerton may be reached via email at rpinkerton@suntribunenews.com.