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PROJECT NARRATIVE 1. Request Deacriptlon: Pfeue describe the work this position wlll perfonn. Include a Job d•criptlQn and any other pertinent Information. These funds wtll be used to help fund staffing for the Kitt Co Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Department. The core functions of the department are to provide assistance to the businesses that are looking to locate within the county, to provide assistance to those businesses already doing business here, and to assist individuals who are looking to start a new business. The department also tracks and maintains information pertinent to the business community such as incentives, grants, and demographics. Multiple staff members share responsibilities to support and accomplish these functions and tasks. The funds requested will also support staffing, management and operation of the two catalyst Co-working Spaces in Ellensburg and Cle Elum. 2. I• this I new poettlon for your organlutfon? It so, please describe why this position Is needed. If not, why la It • neCffffry for IJI• ·tund to continue to 1upport thla paaltlon? The positions and related support staffing described above currently exist, but are not fully funded through other revenue sources. The Kitt Co Chamber of Commerce is the only county-wide organization offering businesses technical assistance, assi&1ance with the site selection as well as business start-up assistance. As the County's designated Associate Development Organization we maintain an inventory of business resources, track incentives, make business referrals to the State and Federal Departments of Commerce and are responsible for reporting all activity to the State Department of Commerce. We regularly conduct surveys with local businesses to keep up with the local trends and uncover barriers that Inhibit economic vitality. 3. WIii your organization ba capable of auppo~ this position lri the future without support from this fund? Please deecrlbe your plan and Include target dates for Implementation and completion. If no plan is currently in place and/or no plans are being made, pleaae explaln why. No, the Kitt Co Chamber of Commerce cannot continue to support its current efforts of business recruitment, retention and assistance without these funds. The State Legislature realized this and provided a provision in RCW 82 .14.370 section 3 c(ili) to fund an "economic development office". The legislature also recognized the importance of consulting with a local authority on economic development in making the decisions for use of these funds In RCW 82.14.370 section b •1n implementing this section, the count shall consult with cities, towns, and port dlsb"lcts located within the county and the associate development organization serving the county to ensure that the expenditure meets the goals of chapter 130, laws of 2004 and the requirement of (a) of this subsection." (Please see attachment A for remainder of answer) 4. Will this poeltiori aerve the need• and/or lnteresb5 of multlple Jurisdictions and/or organizations? Please explain In dlltall. Yes, we work throughout all of Kittitas County and with all of the munlclpalttles. We are CUIT8ntly working closely with the Sate Department of Commerce on local business assistance and funding opportunities. Through our business retention and start-up efforts we provided 64 businesses that were looking to located within Central Washington, starting a business, or expanding a culT8nt business. Additionally, we were pert of 9 site visits to Kittitas County specifically. By conducting surveys end hosting industry round-tables we have been able to Identify some of the Issues facing our businesses and channel them to the appropriate city, county or state entity. We continue our partnerships with the local munlclpelltlea, Centerfuse (formerly EBDA), Central Washington University, the Ellensburg Downtown Association, Cle Elum Downtown Association, SBDC and the Yakima Development Association with projects like Cle Elum Main Street Revitalization, Downtown Master-plan, the Enterprise Challenge Business Plan Competition and small business incubation through the Catalyst Co-working spaces. 7