On March 20th, Class XXVII got a crash course in Economic Development in the Tri-Cities. 

The objective of the session was to provide an overview of the various economic development trends, programs, and needs of the community, as well as the needs of businesses—and their employees—that may be considering relocation to our area. Class XXVII participants also had the opportunity to learn more about the challenges our community leaders are facing and the steps they are taking to overcome these issues. 

Finally, the goal was to increase awareness of community partnerships and ways we can all contribute to the enhancement and diversification of our community.

The session featured an immersive agenda courtesy of our three Session Day Sponsors: 

• Port of Kennewick
• Port of Benton
• Port of Pasco

We would also like to thank the Session Director, Shauna Sanders (Class III alumna), and Session Director -Shadow, Beau Ruff (Class XXVI alumnus), for organizing the agenda. 

The Agenda

The session included the following:

• Economy and Workforce by Numbers – presented by Ajsa Suljic, Labor Market and Economic Analysis from the Employment Security Department
• Introduction to Economic Development – presented by Karl Dye, President and CEO of TRIDEC
• The importance of Air Transportation – presented by Buck Taft, Director of the Pasco Airport and Class XXIII alumnus
• Local Transportation – presented by
  • Gabe Martin, Manager of Transit Planning with Ben Franklin Transit
  • Brian Lubanski, Senior Manager of Customer Experience with Ben Franklin Transit
• Revitalizing the Waterfront and Transforming an Airfield – presented by Tim Arntzen, Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Kennewick
• Partnerships Foster Growth | Port of Pasco discussion – presented by Stephen McFadden, Director of Economic Development & Marketing with the Port of Pasco
• PNNL Discussion – presented by Christina Lomasney, the PNNL Director of Commercialization
• Port of Benton Overview – Diahann Howard, Executive Director of Port of Benton
• Kennewick PFD, What Does it Mean To Me? – presented by
  • Calvin Dudney, Board President, Three Rivers Convention Center and Class IV alumnus
  • Corey Pearson Executive Director, Three Rivers Convention Center
• Tour of Toyota Center & Three Rivers Convention Center – tour by
  • Calvin Dudney, Board President, Three Rivers Convention Center and Class IV alumnus
  • Corey Pearson Executive Director, Three Rivers Convention Center
• Entrepreneurs – Meet Small Business & Developers
  • Brett Spooner, Founder at Gravis Law, Fuse and Solar Spirits
  • Scotty Smiley, Development Coordinator, Retter & Co. Sotheby’s
  • David Retter, Owner, Retter & Co. Sotheby’s