The Annual Meeting of the Kitsap Regional Economic Development Council (KREDC) has been set for Thursday, March 10 at the Silverdale Red Lion Hotel. It will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The cost is $20 for investor-members and $25 for non investor-members, and includes lunch.

The much anticipated annual event’s keynote speaker will be Juli Wilkerson, Director, of the Washington State Department of Community, Trade & Economic Development (CTED). She will speaking on “The Message is Everything,” and will offer her insights about economic development and community.

Also, the KREDC will nominate and elect and/or re-elect seven board members. Nominated for re-election are Jim Carmichael, president and CEO of Kitsap Bank. He is also the current treasurer of the group; Jim Nall, President and CEO of Paladin Data Systems; Dwight Sutton of Islandwood, who is serving as the groups current board chairman, and Elizabeth Wilson of Port Blakley Communities.

Nominated for board positions are Jessica Kennedy, a partner in Windermere Real Estate/Westsound; Elizabeth Gilje, President of KPS Health Plans; and Don McDaniel, Government and Community Relations manager for Puget Sound Energy.

Also on the agenda will be the group’s annual Economic Development Awards; information on case management over the past year, presented by Kathy Cocus, Business Recruitment and Retention Manager; a financial report by Treasurer Jim Carmichael; reports on membership development and marketing and business development, presented by Executive Director David Porter.

A new slate of officers for 2005-2006 will also be elected, and under discussion at the meeting will be a proposal to change the organization’s name as well as several other measures.

Register to attend online at www.kitsapedc.org.