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KITTITAS COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GROUP <br />Economic Development Strategic Plan -Release 1.0 <br />2 CENTRAL WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY <br />The presence of an Institution of higher education can be a "gam e-changing& asset for a <br />community. Kittitas County's greatest strength is Central Washington University (CWU). The <br />comprehensive, four-year public university is a primary economic engine driving the local <br />economy. With a student body totaling 9,000 FTE and rising, and an employment base of <br />approximately 1,500, CWU's direct economic impact (capital investment, employment, <br />expenditures) on Kittitas County and Ellensburg is tremendous. The university's indirect and <br />intangible benefits are substantial as well. In addition to offering educational opportunities for <br />existing residents, CWU provides social and political capital to the county and delivers <br />entertainment and recreation options for the local population. Equally important is the <br />university's role as a conduit for bringing young, educated people to the region. A university <br />also brings important state and national exposure to the region and can be directly related to <br />image. Strengthening the formal connection with the university and understanding its role in <br />economic development should be the central focus of this plan. <br />The following actions will help the EDG support and leverage Central Washington University <br />for economic development: <br />2.1 Engage in cooperative marketing with CWU. EDG and CWU should establish a <br />coordinated marketing message highlighting the county's economic development, <br />quality of life, and higher education assets. <br />2.1 .a EDG should incorporate Information regarding specific academic and training <br />programs at CWU in its economic development marketing materials. Training <br />and academic programs that support EDG economic development goals and <br />priority sectors (see Goal 4) should be highlighted. <br />2.1.b CWU should provide updated county-wide information, data, and events on <br />its website and in their student recruitment materials . <br />2.1 .c CWU should also consider inviting community and chamber representatives <br />to participate in student and faculty recruitment events. <br />@ TIP STRATEGIES Theory Into Practice <br />2: CENTRAL WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY <br />Page 14