Greater Grays Harbor, Inc. is one of five regional economic groups to participate in the Regional Economic Forecast and Innovation EXPO at the Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound on Thursday, Dec. 5.
The eight-hour event is put on by the Thurston Economic Development Council and Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council.
In addition, Grays Harbor College President Dr. Carli Schniffer is one of the featured speakers. Head to the Main Stage at this year’s Regional Economic Forecast and Innovation EXPO to hear from the presidents of our region’s leading colleges — Centralia College, South Puget Sound Community College, Grays Harbor College and Olympic College — as they dive into innovative workforce development strategies designed to meet today’s business challenges head-on.
This year’s focus: How regional colleges are equipping the workforce of tomorrow to thrive in emerging sectors, navigate workforce shifts, and harness the potential of AI — all while ensuring diversity and inclusivity in an evolving economy.
If you pick only one conference to attend in the Pacific Northwest, choose the 2024 EXPO to learn where our local economy is headed, network with “Who’s Who” in our surrounding five-county region, and acquire new skills to take your business to the next level.
New Market Skills Center Executive Director Matt Ishler believes the EXPO is extremely worthy. New Market is a consortium of 12 school districts including Adna, Centralia, Napavine, North Thurston, Oakville, Olympia, Rainier, Rochester, Shelton, Tenino, Tumwater and Yelm.
“What a great event to bring regional stakeholders together to network, learn from one another, and be exposed to insightful economic data,” Ishler said. “I’ve made connections that have already opened doors for collaboration between my organization and others.”
About the EXPO
The five-county region’s economic development groups, Greater Grays Harbor, Inc., Economic Alliance of Lewis County, Economic Development Council of Mason County, Pacific County Economic Development Council and the Thurston Economic Development Council, will be convening to showcase emerging economic sectors. The EXPO is excited to share stories that interweave the primary and emerging sectors together into one robust economic fabric.
Experts on the state of the economy from each of the surrounding five counties will be on hand to share their knowledge and beyond.
This highly anticipated networking event attracts over 350-plus key decision-makers, community leaders, and innovators from across various industries in Thurston, Mason, Grays Harbor, Lewis, and Pacific counties, along with participants from surrounding areas.
The conference brings together businesses from multiple industry sectors, as well as leaders from non-profit organizations, education and the public sector. Exhibitors will showcase cutting-edge technology, products and innovations. Attendees can network, attend breakout sessions and gain insights from a regional economic forecast.
An economic development leaders panel, including Alliance Executive Director Richard DeBolt, will present solutions and strategies that businesses can use in the planning and operation of their business, and how to build a strong, resilient and inclusive community.
Breakout sessions will focus on the very real issues and opportunities facing our five county region — first and foremost among these — the needs for workforce and housing.
A strong focus will also be placed on how policy is affecting small business success, and how better awareness and information (including optimal data) can provide an advantage. Additional breakouts will focus on telework, extending rural broadband networks and building regional-scale supply chains to assist with resiliency in the face of economic disruptions.
Intent will also be given to how diversity, equity and inclusion are woven into these themes/innovations. Showcasing the actual leaders in the region addressing these issues, the sessions will approach topics in engaging, enlightening and fun ways.
The EXPO is from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Cost is $100.
