County board considers funding options for economic development

As the merger of the Wahkiakum Chamber of Commerce and Lower Columbia Economic Development Council (EDC) approaches, one question that becomes clear is, "Who's in; who's out?"

Leaders of the two organizations began considering a merger this fall. The EDC is losing much of the funding it receives through state economic development service contracts, and the groups thought their similar missions of promoting business, economic development and community activities could be combined into a streamlined organization able to operate in the new world of diminished revenues.

As the groups near the end of the process, they are essentially folding the EDC into the Chamber. They plan to have a part-time executive director and a full-time administrative assistant. They are planning to leave separate offices in the Scarborough Building in Cathlamet and establish a new office down Main Street in the Julia Butler Hansen House, which is now owned by the Wahkiakum Community Foundation.

Some traditional supporters, however, may not take part in the new organization.

The Cathlamet Town Council is holding a special meeting this morning (Thursday) to complete work on a 2011 budget that could shift money traditionally allocated to the EDC to new town-operated programs.

And in Tuesday's meeting of the Wahkiakum County Board of Commissioners, two members expressed questions and reservations about the new EDC-Chamber organization, and one suggested the county could contract with Washington State University and Wahkiakum Cooperative Extension for economic development sources. Commissioners have budgeted $19,000 for economic development activity, which normally would go to the EDC.

The commission hasn't yet signed a contract with the EDC-Chamber, and members of the new group will visit the commission's meeting next Tuesday to present their plans and budget for 2011.

County commissioners expressed concern about the merger during their meeting Tuesday.

Chair Blair Brady suggested the board consider naming Cooperative Extension the county's associate development organization (ADO) instead of the EDC. ADOs contract with local government to receive state economic development revenue to conduct economic development activities. Brady said the idea was his, not that of Extension staff, but he added that he had discussed it with local and regional Extension personnel.

"There are some problems with the way things are going," he said. "I believe the entire county would be better served by doing this."

He added that he felt the Chamber isn't as representative of the public as the EDC has been and that the move to new quarters "is just an end run to get money for the JBH House.

"I just think the money could be more efficiently spent," he said.

Commissioners Lisa Marsyla and Dan Cothren indicated they had questions and concerns about the direction of the EDC, but they wanted to discuss the issues with EDC personnel before taking action.

"If it stays where it's at, there have to be changes," said Marsyla, who has represented the commission on the EDC board of directors.

"I believe the Chamber/EDC is the best setup to promote tourism," she said. "I would like to leave it (funding) where it is but make it very clear they're on a very thin rope."

Marsyla disagreed with Brady's comment about the Hansen House move. "The JBH House move is not an end run," she said.

"I agree with you both," said Commissioner Cothren. "When it (the merger) all came out, I was pretty disturbed. I guess I want to see what direction they're taking."

Marsyla commented that the board should go over the new organization's plans and budget with a "fine tooth comb" and that any funding would be given under strict guidelines for usage.

After more discussion, the board voted to withhold its appropriation until they were satisfied with how the funds would be used.

Members of the Chamber and EDC met Monday to start forming a provisional board of directors and settle other details for the merger.

Richard Erickson, a retired executive director of the EDC, said he has volunteered to serve as a half-time, interim executive director of the new organization without salary.

He added Tuesday that he had talked to commissioners about their discussions that day and said he would visit the board next Tuesday to go over the situation.

The group also voted to hire Lynda Gerlach, the current Chamber administrator, as the new organization's full-time coordinator.

The EDC's current executive director, David Goodroe, and administrative assistant, Donna Westlind, are leaving their jobs. Westlind has worked for the EDC for approximately 16 years.

The group also voted to move the Chamber office to the Hansen House by mid-January, subject to negotiating a lease with the Wahkiakum Community Foundation.

Erickson said the move should help preserve the Hansen House. The Foundation has lost its funding sources and is going to have a hard time maintaining the house; if the Chamber can use it as an office and visitors' center, the historic house can continue to be open to the public, he said.

The new organization is forming a new board of directors. It will include representatives of funding organizations, Erickson said, and there will be some at-large members.