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eo <br /> /,,, / / // 0/ <br /> BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT 9 <br /> AUTHORITY <br /> 2018 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY AND <br /> 2019 WORK PLAN <br /> Introduction <br /> The Ellensburg Development Business Authority(EBDA) is a public development authority as <br /> authorized by RCW. 35.21.730 and created by the City of Ellensburg on [DATE]. <br /> CenterFuse is a nine-member governing board appointed by the Ellensburg City Council.The <br /> purpose of CenterFuse is to bring family wage jobs to Ellensburg and grow the median family <br /> income as measured by the State of Washington. CenterFuse plays an active role to ensure <br /> Ellensburg has a vibrant and prosperous local economy that values its history and natural <br /> beauty. CenterFuse strives to be knowledgeable, professional, welcoming, and connected in <br /> order to support business success and growth in Ellensburg. <br /> CenterFuse strategically recruits and supports businesses and connects them with the <br /> resources they need to start, grow, and/or prosper.The work of CenterFuse focuses on the <br /> seven-square-mile area of the City of Ellensburg, as well as the Urban Growth Area (UGA). <br /> CenterFuse partners with other economic development groups and key employers to support <br /> prosperity throughout Kittitas County. <br /> This report answers two primary questions. What is the EBDA's competitive business position, <br /> and how will EBDA leverage this position to strategically recruit businesses to Ellensburg, and to <br /> connect businesses to resources so they can start, grow, and prosper. <br /> The EBDA formed a subcommittee in December 2017 to provide a framework by which these <br /> questions, and others, may be answered, as well as the strategy to reset EBDA's role in <br /> economic with a future focus. <br /> The strategy and action plan is founded on data and informational resources available in the <br /> State of Washington. Our primary communities for benchmarking competitive factors include <br /> Bellevue, Issaquah, Wenatchee, Moses Lake and Yakima. <br /> The results of our research provide critical information leading to an understanding of: <br /> • Marketable strengths that EBDA can • Development opportunities <br /> capitalize on • Issues that impact Ellensburg or the <br /> • Deficiencies that may be corrected cost- region's economic development future <br /> effectively • Obstacles to development <br />