The Kitsap Regional Economic Development Council’s (KREDC) 2002 annual meeting will feature Jim Andersen, CEO of Poulsbo’s Steelhead Productions, who will share his marketing insights. Steelhead is a 3-D marketing company with clients ranging from Fortune 500 firms to up and coming small businesses across the United States. His presentation will be part of a multi-faceted program.

The event will be held from 7:30 to 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 21, at the Silverdale Hotel. The cost is $20 for KREDC member-investors and $30 for non-members. Breakfast is included.

Following the introduction and election of KREDC board members, the meeting will include presentations by Kitsap County Commissioner Tim Botkin; Norm McLoughlin, Executive Director of the Kitsap Consolidated Housing Authority; Jon Rose, President of Olympic Property Group; and Jim Robinson, CEO of James H. Robinson Company. They will discuss their perspectives on why they believe economic development is important in Kitsap County and the KREDC’s role in that process.

The KREDC will also honor selected local companies with its “Companies to Watch” Award, recognizing primary employers experiencing significant growth. The award winners are selected by the KREDC based on an evaluation of seven criteria: A company’s place in an industry sector with promise for future growth and expansion, business practices which lead to employment growth; sale of products and services outside of Kitsap County; employment that contributes to family-wage jobs; business practices that contribute to sustaining a clean and desirable environment; an effort in place to use local suppliers and support local economic growth; and community involvement.

The KREDC will also honor one or more individuals with its annual Community Economic Development Support Awards. Past winners include Ron Sciepko, of Northwest Corporate Campus; Karl Jonietz, formerly of Olympic College; Linda Niebanck, of McCormick Land Co.; Jim Robinson, of James H. Robinson Company; Tim Arnold of Bradley Scott; and Rick Leenstra of Applied Technical Services.

In addition, the Kitsap Business Journal will present its Annual Business Leader of the Year Award to an individual selected by the Kitsap Business Journal, Olympic College, and the KREDC.

Space is limited and advance registration is required. The registration fee is payable in advance by check, cash or credit card. Call (360) 377-9499 to register or visit www.kitsapedc.org for more information.