Taking Charge of East County Growth - Business Leaders Start New Organization...

Lacamas Life Magazine

Taking Charge of East County Growth

Business Leaders Start New Organization
By Ernie Geigenmiller

Editor & Publisher

Nearly 100 local civic and business leaders gathered Tuesday, January 9, at Camas Meadows Golf Club to lunch and learn more about the newly-formed Business Development Association of East Clark County (BDAECC). The organization, whose leadership includes Chair Linda Huff, Vice Chair Steve Bang and Interim Director Sean Guard, has been in the formative stages for months as business leaders grapple with increased business and residential development in East Clark County, specifically in Camas and Washougal. Bang said the group is focused on East County economic growth and seeks influence on growth management. “We know growth and development are inevitable,” says Bang. “We just want smart growth, so we look at what other organizations have done, what they’ve accomplished, and we’re going forward.” Bang says the BDAECC is designed to work in tandem with public and private leaders and will establish relationships with city councils and businesses to coordinate “smart growth” plans and policies. John McKibbin, a principal at Riverwalk, LLC and former president of the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, was the event’s keynote speaker. McKibbin addressed the need for public and private partnerships as the county has shifted from a manufacturing-based economy to a service-based economy in recent years. He highlighted the successes of Identity Clark County, which was founded to reshape the vitality and overall image of Clark County. Specifically, the group has been the foundation for major changes in downtown Vancouver, including the construction of the Hilton Hotel and Convention Center, as well as the renaissance of the Esther Short Park area. He said the three pillars of ICC’s success are: Private sector leadership. Investment "because money and leadership get a lot done." Measurable outcomes, such as the Hilton Hotel. McKibbin pointed out that the mayors of Camas and Washougal are “doing a fine job and they need the support of the private sector.” “There’s a need for public and private partnership and that’s what we’re doing,” he added. He said the BDAECC will be successful if it follows the following criteria: Sustained focus on its goals. Build the community, inn a broad sense, and always have something concrete happening. Have a long-term, multi-year effort. Collaborate with all local entities, including chambers of commerce and civic organizations. Huff said she’s “excited about the potential of what can happen in East County.” Guard said he’s very enthusiastic about “creating the absolute best business climate possible.” “I want to encourage people who live here and conduct business elsewhere to move those businesses into East County,” Guard said. “And we seek a lot of input from the community.”
	`Business Development Association of East Clark County Chair Linda Huff addresses a large audience at Camas Meadows Golf Club.`


	`John McKibbin, a principal at Riverwalk LLC delivers the keynote address at a meeting of the Business Development Association of East Clark County.`


	`Sanford Jones, a board member of the Business Development Association of East Clark County, listens to a speaker a meeting on January 9.`


	`Mike Nerland (left), superintendent of Camas Public Schools, talks with Paul Dennis (right), the mayor of Camas.`

The loaded question of the day was why isn’t the local chamber doing these things?

Some accused the organization of being a bully against the small Camas-Washougal Chamber, but others chimed in saying the chamber acknowledges its role as a networking and social organization and welcomes the work of the new pro-growth organization.

Guard’s response: “We don’t want to run over the chamber or get in the way of the chamber or anyone else. Our focus is economic and business development. The chamber sees its role differently, which is to facilitate the community coming together.”

Huff said, “We’re all working for the same goals.”

BDAECC operates as a corporation, and is not a non-profit.

Carol Keljo, chair of the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce was in attendance and appreciates the focus on brining quality businesses to the area.

“I think the businesses are going to come,” she said, “so it’s good to seek quality companies. As far as the organization goes, it’s going to be a tough sell – there’s a lot of competition, but they have a lot of talent here and I think they can pull it off.”

In its first year, BDAECC wants to expand its volunteer board, set budgets, recruit members, conduct a comprehensive existing business inventory, conduct a public survey of business needs, organize a speakers group, hold monthly seminars and maintain a more public role.

During the next five years, they expect to see tangible results from their efforts that began in earnest Tuesday.

To learn more, go to www.bdaecc.org.

Click to close window

LacamasLife.com