John Powers, Executive Director Kitsap Economic Development Alliance
Leadership Kitsap’s Economics Day was held at Watson Furniture on December 4, 2015. Clif McKenzie, CEO of Watson Furniture Group, gave an inspiring presentation of the guiding principles behind the sustainable, local manufacturing company. McKenzie, Kitsap born and raised, credits his people as his greatest asset. The class had the privilege of receiving a guided tour the facility.
Rick Tift, Executive Director of PSNS & IMF
Patricia Graf-Hoke, Executive Director of Visit Kitsap Peninsula, enlightened the class on how tourism strengthens economic development and has a positive impact on our community. Kitsap Economic Development Alliance’s (KEDA) Executive Director, John Powers, presented a compelling case for the exceptional value of economic opportunity in Kitsap County: in life, education, work, creativity, recreation, and in a bright, healthy, prosperous, and sustainable future for generations to come.
Executive Director of PSNS & IMF, Rick Tift (LK00), expanded on the importance of a military and government presence to maintain Kitsap County’s economic stability. Silvia Klatman, Public Affairs Officer at Naval Base Kitsap, presented the class with the latest demographic statistics of the county.
Julie Tapparo, Kellie LeTexier, Clif McKenzie, & Robert Baglio
A panel of local CEOs in Kitsap County shared their leadership experience and economic insights with the class. The panel included; Robert Baglio, President and Owner of BJC Group (construction); Kellie LeTexier, Senior VP and COO Kitsap Credit Union; Clif McKenzie, CEO Watson Furniture Group; Larry Nakata, Owner of Town and Country Markets; Julie Tapparo, President and Owner West Sound Workforce.
Leonard Forsman, Suquamish Tribal Chairman
Russell Steele, CEO of Port Madison Enterprises (PME) and Leonard Forsman, Suquamish Tribal Chairman, described the impact PME and the Tribe have had on the economy over the last several years including their many commercial activities and the expansion of the Clearwater Casino Resort. PME employs over 750 employees in fields ranging from information technology to hospitality and is becoming one of the largest employers in Kitsap County.
Dora Summers-Ewing (LK12) lead a group reflection of the Positive Leadership capacity of Advocacy. The day concluded with a lively Advocacy activity facilitated by Poulsbo Councilman Ed Stern.
It was a very engaging day! Thank you to our Economics Day Sponsors: Advantage Nissan and Kitsap Building Association.
Ed Stern leading participants in an interactive Advocacy exercise