Economic development should be encouraged

To The Eagle:

Just for the record, in the nine years I have lived here and been involved with Chamber and Economic Development Council, there have been inquiries every year by employers seeking manufacturing space. They are looking for 2,000 or more square feet, with concrete floors, power and sewer, and easy access for trucks. I certainly realize that filling the Main Street store fronts is a major objective, but manufacturing is as well. Last week, the Chamber received such an inquiry for 5,000 square feet from someone with a home on Puget Island, who presently has his business in Oregon. We could have this employer if we had such space and local government willing to work with new business.

In addition, again, just for the record, the salary of the Chamber director Lynda Gerlach is paid out of state economic development funds. The Chamber Coordinator Marti Kintigh is paid from a portion of state sales tax returned to each county solely for economic development purposes.

Economic development, including tourism, as well as agriculture, forestry, manufacturing and service providers is a good thing and we need more of it.

Sandi Benbrook Rieder

Cathlamet