Leadership Kitsap’s Economics Day was held at Watson Furniture, Poulsbo on December 10, 2022. This was our first all-day, in-person Challenge Day since February 2020. It was an engaging day learning about Kitsap’s many economic drivers, change leaders, and pandemic response.
Clif McKenzie, CEO Watson Furniture Group, shared the story, products, and guiding principles behind the local, award-winning manufacturing company and the challenges of building office furniture when many have still not returned to traditional office space. The class had the privilege of taking a guided factory tour to see first-hand the execution of soulful design, guided by the functional needs of their clients with a respect for materials, processes, and planet.
Port of Bremerton Executive Director Jim Rothlin shared the important role of the Port in Kitsap’s economic future and the many projects in the works for the Port’s two marinas, general aviation airport, and industrial park. Kitsap Economic Development Alliance’s Executive Director Joe Morrison shared the economic advantage of doing business in Kitsap County, and Executive Director of PSNS & IMF, Rick Tift (LK00), expanded on the importance of the Navy and government’s presence to Kitsap County’s economic vitality.
A panel of local business leaders shared their experience and economic insights in relation to their industry’s pandemic response. The panel included: Clif McKenzie; Larry Nakata, CEO Town & Country Markets (Retired), Jaime Forsyth, Certified Business Advisor, Western Washington University Kitsap Small Business Development Center; Trinh Nguyen, Owner/Founder, Ba Sa Restaurant. Lowell Sweet (LK09) facilitated the discussion. One class member remarked, “Listening to leaders from the community & how they navigated through the pandemic” [broadened my perspective about Economics in Kitsap County.]
Irene Carper (LK10), Port Madison Enterprises (PME) COO; Leonard Forsman, Chairman of the Suquamish Tribe; Luther (Jay) Mills Jr. (LK05), Suquamish Tribe Council Member and PME Ambassador; Rion Ramirez, Esq., CEO PME; described the impact the Tribe and PME have on Kitsap’s economy including their many commercial activities, and how the Tribe gives back to the community.
The day concluded with a group reflection on the Positive Leadership capacity of Advocacy facilitated by Dedra Miller (LK15).
Thank you to our Economics Day Sponsors: PSNS Chapter of the Naval Civilian Managers Association, Port of Bremerton, Trillium Employment Services, and our host Watson Furniture Group.