Piper Jaffray and the Kitsap Regional Economic Development Council (KREDC) recently announced the award of a grant from the Piper Jaffray Foundation to KREDC in the amount of $3000 to augment KREDC’s recently launched Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) program. The funds will be used to sponsor a “Business Showcase” in the spring 2005.

James Hamner, Poulsbo branch manager pointed out that, “Piper Jaffray has a history of leveraging its talents and resources through partnerships and collaboration with local nonprofit organizations in the communities it serves. We were impressed with the organization’s new leadership and encouraged KREDC to apply for funds as part of a regional competition. We celebrate the award.”

The BRE program has three goals:

• To encourage business and entrepreneurial development in Kitsap County.
• To insure local business have access to the resources necessary to sustain viability.
• To showcase local enterprises in ways that increases their presence in regional as well as local markets.

   KREDC Executive Director David Porter noted. “We share with the Foundation a commitment to building a more vibrant business and economic community in Kitsap County.”.