Laserfiche WebLink
3. Will your organization be capable of supporting this position in the future without support from this fund? <br />Please describe your plan and include target dates for Implementation and completion. If no plan Is <br />currently In place andlor no plans are being made, please explain why. <br />After an extensive overhaul of financial systems, CenterFuse is now In development of a strong <br />proactive economic development organization for the City of Ellensburg and Kittitas County. <br />Currently underway is a data -driven examination of our current cash flow and assets and how best <br />to leverage those to redevelop facilities and proactively recruit business and bring jobs to Ellensburg <br />and Kittitas County. Utilizing the meager budget resources that CenterFuse has to rebrand and <br />market our communities, the organization is requesting that the county continue to assist the ADOs <br />with financing of staff, to allow resources to be used in direct recruitment of companies and <br />redevelopment of facilities. CenterFuse is now strategically investigating other sources of funds, and <br />Intends to fully fund this position within 3-5 years. The work plan is examining strategies to create a <br />sustainable revenue stream. <br />4. Win this position serve the needs and/or Interests of multiple Jurisdictions and/or organizations? Please <br />explain In detall. <br />The work of CenterFuse focuses on the 7 -square -mile area of the City of Ellensburg plus the Urban <br />Growth Area (UGA). In addition, CenterFuse recognizes that partnering in efforts to strengthen <br />economic development in Kittitas County benefits the entire region. CenterFuse plays an active role <br />to ensure Ellensburg and Kittitas County have a vibrant and prosperous local economy that values Its <br />history and natural beauty. CenterFuse strives to be knowledgeable, professional, welcoming, and <br />connected in order to support business success and growth in Ellensburg. <br />CenterFuse partners with the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce to assist with strategies, <br />business recruitment, and work pians that affect both Ellensburg and the County. Staff and board <br />have seats on their Chamber board of directors, the County Economic Development Committee, and <br />the Government Affairs group. Staff attends airport advisory meetings, meets with county <br />commissioners as needed, and offers support for initiatives such as the extension of the east 1-90 <br />project, FISH Food Bank, and CWU initiatives and construction projects. Strong economic <br />development strategies for Ellensburg, and partnerships with other county organizations will benefit <br />the entire county, offering new and better jobs for all residents. <br />G. What goals and deliverables have you set for this position? How will you measure success? <br />The move of the ESDA back to the City is a strategic investment that has granted CenterFuse the <br />opportunity to reevaluate its priorities and strategies. Some of the major goals that have been <br />accomplished in the last year include: <br />Establishing stronger financial systems and oversight <br />• New Mission, Vision, and Core Principals <br />• Successful application in partnership with the Chamber for two Opportunity Zones <br />• Hiring of a part-time economic development professional <br />• Recruitment of strong CenterFuse board members <br />• Renaming and rebranding of the EBDA to CenterFuse <br />