Submitted by Thurston Economic Development Council
The Thurston Economic Development Council is pleased to announce the 2012 Regional Economic Forecast and Innovation Expo, which will take place on Thursday, December 13, 2012, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Great Wolf Lodge, 20500 Old Hwy 99, Centralia WA, 98531.
The 2012 Regional Economic Forecast & Innovation Expo, which is being presented by TwinStar Credit Union, is an event focused on setting the economic stage for the coming year. The Expo will showcase companies from around the region who represent innovative industry solutions and have developed a market niche that sets them apart. Whether your interest is the economy, understanding what industries drive the future of our region, or discovering how to make your business more resilient, the 2012 Economic Forecast & Innovation Expo will be sure to deliver.
Speakers for the morning portion of the event include: John Mitchell, M & H Economic Consultants, who will provide the keynote luncheon address; Hamilton Galloway, Economic Modeling Specialists Intl. (EMSI), who will provide the newly released Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council’s Industry Cluster Analysis rollout; and William Ranes, WSU Energy Program, who will give an update on the innovative new “Pac 5 Energy” model which brings together EDCs throughout the region to replicate the successes of the Thurston Energy program. In addition to the speakers, the Thurston EDC will roll out the newly released 2012 Economic Vitality Index, with economic trend updates from Pacific, Mason, Lewis, and Grays Harbor Counties.
The afternoon portion of the event will consist of three Innovation Workshops:
- Workshop A – Impact Washington
The significant elements and requirements of business innovation - Workshop B – Pac 5 Energy
Energy innovation, its impact upon business resiliency, energy incentives, and programmatic updates - Workshop C – Regional Cluster Study
How innovation and data driven economic development strategies can shape the future economic vibrancy of the region
An Exhibition Hall will be open throughout the day for attendees to meet representatives of twenty-three local and regional organizations that employ innovation in various forms. In addition, each attendee will receive a copy of the newly released 2012 Economic Vitality Index.
The 2012 Regional Economic Forecast & Innovation Expo is brought to you by the Pacific Mountain Economic Development Council’s (EDC’s) of Thurston, Mason, Grays Harbor, Pacific and Lewis counties.
To register for this event, please contact Rachel Reischman at (360) 754-6320 or rreischman@thurstonedc.com.
