The Knox County Area Partnership for Economic Development laid out their plans today to boost jobs, wages and investments in the area.
Before a speech by Walla Walla Community College President Dr. Steven VanAusdle on how the Washington community revitalized itself, Partnership Director Ken Springer announced to a packed Knox College Lincoln Room how Knox County should move forward.
“We need to get more businesses and more organizations involved,”Springer said. “If you have friends, or customers, or colleagues that truly care about the future direction of this community and this economy, we encourage you to take that and engage with the partnership. We need everybody’s support.”
Specifically, he mentioned bolstering existing businesses, bringing in new businesses, encouraging entrepreneurship and community improvement.
VanAusdle, who comes from an area that lost its timber and ag industry only to reinvent itself as a wine hotspot, said a standout people — of any background — make strong economies.
“Those countries, those states, those communities that can attract and grow the most talent will win the 21st century,” VanAusdle said. “I think that’s the game we’re in today.”
Over the next four years, Springer hopes to create 650 full-time jobs, launch 20 new companies and generate $60 million in capital investments.
