More than 300 economic development professionals and elected officials were in attendance at the annual forum, established by Governor Locke to celebrate the state’s economic development success stories. The Satsop Development Park was the winner in the Infrastructure category, one of just four awards given statewide. The Park was nominated for the award by the Columbia-Pacific Resource Conservation and Economic Development District.  The Grays Harbor Public Development Authority also received a plaque for honorable mention in the Entrepreneurship and Innovation category, having been nominated by the Grays Harbor Chamber of Commerce.

Prior to presenting the awards, Locke summed up his accomplishments in economic development throughout his tenure and saw reason for optimism. “We have Washington right on track for a bright future,” Locke said.

He then passed out awards in four categories: Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Marketing, Leadership and Planning, and Infrastructure.

“It was very gratifying to receive this award. We have worked very hard to make the dream of a vibrant business park on Fuller Hill a reality. While there is still much work to be done, the award recognizes the courage and vision of our community to take on this challenging project,” said Tami Garrow, CEO of the Public Development Authority, which owns and operates the Satsop Development Park.

The award is a plaque carved in the shape of Washington state and reads: “In recognition of promoting a growing economy by undertaking or facilitating a strategic infrastructure investment that has brought measurable benefit to your community.” It is signed by Locke and Juli Wilkerson, Director of Washington State’s Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development.

This is the third year the Governor has presented Economic Development Awards to highlight achievements, success stories, partnerships and leaders in Washington communities.

The awards program was preceded by panel discussions on these four topics, which were identified by the Governor’s office as priorities essential to the economic future of the state.

The panel discussion, “Investing in Infrastructure,” examined how different infrastructure projects around the state were accomplished and the effect they had on the community.

Garrow was a presenter on the infrastructure panel with a 15-minute presentation on the development and refinement of infrastructure at the Park, all of which led to the creation of more than 400 family wage jobs at the site. “I was very pleased to do it; it was a great opportunity to tell the Satsop story,” Garrow said.

Panel moderator Cary Bozeman, Mayor of the City of Bremerton and former Mayor of Bellevue, was impressed by the Park’s success in five short years. “The Grays Harbor PDA has demonstrated masterful leadership in this project,” Bozeman said. Other projects which were highlighted included the Spokane SIRTI Center as well as a redevelopment project in downtown Renton.

A contingent of Grays Harbor economic development professionals were on hand for the panel discussions and awards presentation, including Jack Thompson, Port Commissioner and Chairman of the Grays Harbor Public Development Authority; Bob Beerbower, County Commissioner also serving on the PDA Board; Joel Rett, Project Manager at the PDA; and Michael Tracy, Executive Director of Grays Harbor EDC and president of the Washington Economic Development Association.

“It was a great honor for the Grays Harbor PDA to be number one in the state for this award,” said Thompson. “Tami and the staff have done an outstanding job, and they have created something all of Grays Harbor County can point to with pride,” he said.