Trained teams comprised of community members and Kitsap Regional Economic Development Council staff members begin this month to conduct interviews with more than 30 local firms in the manufacturing, technology and defense industries to identify needs and concerns. Results will allow the KREDC to make policy, program, and resource allocation decisions with the objective of creating and maintaining a positive business climate.

“We are excited about talking to the business community about what makes doing business in Kitsap County great and also hope to gain insight on what goals to set to make that business climate better,” said Tim Arnold, CEO of Bradley Scott and chair of the Kitsap Regional Economic Development Council’s Business Assistance Committee.

The information gathered during interviews will be reviewed and used to seek solutions to problems identified through surveys and face-to-face meetings. Issue identification and information gathering will be accomplished by using a survey instrument developed by a national economic development organization that has been used successfully in communities across the country.

Aggregated results of the Business Enhancement Program will be made public at the KREDC’s annual meeting in March 2003.

The KREDC thanks the volunteers making the interviews: Eric Anderson, Art Anderson Associates; Tim Arnold, Bradley Scott, Inc.; Pete Crane, Smith Barney; Peter Dachel, Sage Advisors; Chris Endresen, Kitsap County Commissioner; Jim Freeman, Coldwell Banker; Blaine Highfield, Windermere Real Estate; Larry Keller, Kitsap Mental Health Services; Darlene Kordonowy, Mayor, Bainbridge Island; Theresa MacLennan, Olympic College; Linda Niebanck, McCormick Land Company; Eric Pfefferkorn, Olympic College; Julie Tappero, West Sound Workforce; Jan Williams, Olympic College; and Elizabeth Wilson, Port Blakely Communities.

For more details about the program, contact Kathy Cocus at (360) 377-0180 or cocus@kitsapedc.org.