The KREDC’s mission is to keep, grow and recruit primary jobs for Kitsap residents.

We aim to:

• Support existing businesses, diversify our economy and provide more choices for work.
• Give our children and commuters the chance to remain in Kitsap.
• Enhance our quality of life and standard of living.
• Integrate our local economy into that of the world.

   Toward these goals, KREDC works in a balanced set of categories. We:

• Advocate that land for future business park, high technology and light industrial uses be designated now.
• Support education, medical services, housing choices and recreation for employees.
• Marshal information, persuade private parties, locate sites, test the labor market, intercede with public officials and educate about economic development.

   To do these things well, we draw together people and organizations with diverse perspectives on “how” economic development can be accomplished in Kitsap.

KREDC annually recognizes “friends of economic development” — leaders we can depend on to contribute to a collaborative effort. In 2002, the awards went to: Ed Stern for his work in telecommunications; Tom Donnelley for focus on quality of life; Tim Botkin for his efforts to revitalize our “front door,” Downtown Bremerton; and, Norm McLoughlin for his creativity in using scarce public dollars for housing and economic development. In future years we expect to call on and honor leaders of similar quality.

Here are KREDC’s current programs:

• Telecommunications: Now in its third year, this program committee, chaired by Board member Ed Stern, can point to success: greatly expanded private and public efforts to install broadband, including the “last mile,” throughout all of Kitsap.
• Land use and Infrastructure: Now in its tenth year, chaired by Board member Jon Rose, this committee can claim that, whereas ten years ago there was little land available for light industrial and business park use in Kitsap, there are now (or soon will be with approval of the South Kitsap Industrial Area) a substantial numbers of acres formally designated for these uses.
• Marketing and Business Assistance: New this year, chaired by Board member Tim Arnold, this committee has researched current marketing of Kitsap, target audiences and “branding” through message and media. A revamped website (www.kitsapedc.org) is designed to inform national site selectors, and a seminar series on marketing techniques assisted local businesses. We are promoting “Kitsap County, Washington, the ultimate business place – naturally” to businesses inside and outside the community.

   KREDC’s programs evolve through time. Today, we are the only regional economic development organization in Kitsap, serving all communities. We serve as a sort of “business roundtable” about the many paths to Kitsap’s economic expansion. We count on ourselves — and leaders and volunteers from all sectors — to achieve the shared goal, more jobs for Kitsap!

(Editor’s Note: Linda Niebanck is president of McCormick Land Company and the current president of the Kitsap Regional Economic Development Council).