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Dear Friends and Colleagues,
I'm delighted to share with you about my new assignment as the Executive Director of the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance.
KEDA is the Washington State sanctioned public - private economic development organization charged with working with local government and businesses to attract investment, grow jobs, and develop economic opportunities throughout Kitsap County (393 spectacular square miles situated on the western shores of Puget Sound).
Kitsap is home to the very enterprising Suquamish and Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribes, our nation's third largest naval base, and 250,000 citizens living, learning, working, recreating and enjoying an exceptional quality of life in some of the most beautiful environs on planet earth. Kitsap plays a strategic role in our national defense, a vital role in the Puget Sound regional economy, and an ever more important role in Washington State's future. Kitsap is an exceptional community, in an exceptional place, with an exceptional future.
In pursuit of my passion for "economic development", over the past decade I have come to know "it" as the crucible in which the essential elements of a healthy, prosperous community are forged together to bring forth a better, stronger, brighter future for all. Essential elements include: human capital; financial capital; innovation capital; infrastructure and institutional capital; and, social-political capital. Kitsap possess an abundance of these economic development assets; and, KEDA is committed to collaborating with its many partners, both public and private, to further develop, diversify, connect and leverage these assets to enhance the economic future of Kitsap and the region.
KEDA has an excellent team of experienced economic development professionals who, day in and day out, execute a solid "client based" strategic business retention, expansion, and attraction plan (producing measurable results even in these historically challenging times). Team KEDA includes: Kathy Cocus, Business Development Director; Becky Newton, Research, Communications, and PTAC Manager; Mary Jo Juarez, Certified PTAC Advisor; and, Susan Veach, Financial Manager and Small Business Advisor. As Executive Director, I am honored to lead and support the work of this outstanding team.
KEDA's work is guided by a distinguished board comprised of business leaders and elected officials from throughout the County and lead by a dedicated executive committee consisting of: Elliot Gregg, CEO Kitsap Credit Union; Julie Tappero, President West Sound Workforce; Jim Carmichael, CEO Kitsap Bank; Russell Steele, CEO Port Madison Enterprises; Charlotte Garrido, Commissioner Kitsap County; Lary Coppola, Mayor Port Orchard; Tom Danaher, PAO Naval Base Kitsap; and,
Ed Stern, Councilman Poulsbo.
As I assume my responsibilities, I want to acknowledge the outstanding work of my predecessor, Bill Stewart, a real economic development pro, who has left some awfully big shoes to fill. Bill, we will do our very best to continue to build upon your many contributions and valued legacy.
Finally, I want to thank the Board of Directors for inviting me to become part of the Kitsap community and to work with KEDA's many partners, public and private, in advancing the critical mission of the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance - a mission to retain, expand and attract jobs and capital investment to strengthen and enhance economic opportunity and quality of life throughout Kitsap County.
Best Regards,
John Powers
Executive Director
Kitsap Economic Development Alliance
PH: 360-377-9599
MOBILE: 360-536-0996
powers@kitsapeda.org
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