Last week, yours truly joined the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Puget Sound Regional Council for a study mission to Southwest Washington.
The study mission started bright and early on Thursday at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and wrapped up Friday afternoon at the Port of Vancouver. Along the way, the delegation of business and government leaders gained insights into the breadth and depth of the regional economy. The delegation was also joined by a number of state legislators, representing the Puget Sound area, and Southwest Washington.
From workforce needs at Weyerhauser’s Longview production facility, to innovations in composite materials at Christensen Shipyards, to the economic development strategies employed at the region’s ports, the agenda was jam-packed with information and a chance to build relationships with leaders in the local communities we visited.
For a snapshot of the agenda, read The Columbian’s write up on a panel of high-tech leaders we heard from on Friday morning in Vancouver.
Below the jump are some photos and additional highlights.
Panel discussion w/ regional port leaders on importance of intl. trade to state econ. #swwa2013 pic.twitter.com/6SpYlClHVd
— UW Government & Community Relations (@UWGOV) August 2, 2013
Hearing about Lean process improvements at Christensen Shipyards. #swwa2013 pic.twitter.com/D4WE3H69Ck
— UW Government & Community Relations (@UWGOV) August 2, 2013
Checking out the cool programs @WSUVancouver #swwa2013 pic.twitter.com/Jan0DjjbvE
— SeattleMetroChamber (@SeattleChamber) August 2, 2013
Panel presentation by SW Wash. semiconductor industry leaders. Education partnerships are key. #swwa2013 #wastem pic.twitter.com/9v4b2zrGNb
— UW Government & Community Relations (@UWGOV) August 2, 2013
https://twitter.com/sallyjclark/status/363039991074521088
The delegation taking over the Stryker vehicles at JBLM #swwa2013 pic.twitter.com/qiEUqcfoyB
— SeattleMetroChamber (@SeattleChamber) August 1, 2013
JBLM is the 2nd largest employer in WA, behind Boeing, and by far the largest employer in Pierce Co. #swwa2013 pic.twitter.com/yHVm08UJ5T
— UW Government & Community Relations (@UWGOV) August 1, 2013