Laserfiche WebLink
development ready properties. A second key element Is being able to articulate the <br />position of the Ellensburg as it relates to the fiber optic network, and its relationship to <br />economic development. <br />Education of staff and the board on funding sources and investors is a third key <br />element. Understanding what resources are available, and how they can be leveraged is <br />essential to EBDA's success. <br />Phase II is to be completed by June 30, 2018. <br />Phase III <br />Phase III creates strategies based on the findings of Phase II and indude specifics on <br />how to address existing business issues as well as targeting of identified new indusb'ies <br />and people. The Phase creates a marketing plan and materials. <br />Marketing strategies for the inventory of buildings and properties should include an <br />online database tied to other sources of outreach such as the Department of Commerce <br />database and websites such as LoopNet. <br />Connect with Choose Washington· to ensure that Ellensburg is on their radar as a <br />development ready community. <br />Phase IV <br />This is the implementcltion stage of the plan with targeted strategies for new <br />recruitment as well as reaching out to existing businesses. <br />BACKGROUND <br />The Ellensburg Business Development Authority recognizes and values the historic <br />downtown, and the importance of the downtown core to those who live and visit <br />Ellensburg. As such, a standing committee of the EBDA is called the Downtowners. <br />The Downtowners <br />The Downtowners was established as a standing sub-committee of the EBDA in 2011. <br />The Downtowners includes members of the EBDA and others in the community who <br />dedicate their time to getting economic development work done in the downtown core. <br />The Downtowners facilitated and managed the purchase of the Geddis Block, an 1889 <br />structure at the SW comer of 4th and Pearl, In January 2013. This was the catalyst <br />project for the revitalization of the downtown and over the next several years, six new <br />businesses opened or expanded into the facility. The building reverted back to private <br />ownership in the spring 2015 and The Downtowners searched for their next project.