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PROJECT NARRATIVE <br />1.Request Description:Please describe the work this position will perform.Include a jobdescriptionandanyotherpertinentinformation.The Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce <br />(KCCC)serves Kittitas County in the efforts of Economic Development.In order to provide the utmost <br />focus we will be asking for the following personnel for this 2021 funding:Director of Economic <br />Advancement,Certified Advisor SBDC,and Associate Business Development Coordinator.Thesepositions(job descriptions included)will position Kittitas County towards a healthy economy.During <br />the recovery of the most recent pandemic,KCCC has recognized the importance of small business <br />retention,especially sole proprietor businesses,yet at the same time the need of expansion which is done <br />by the SBDC Advisor.Additionally,communication has been crucial for businesses during theGovernor's updates,public health mandates,workforce struggle and many other items.The position ofDirectorwillpivotthecountytobemorestrategicinthoughtprocess,oversee outreach to existing <br />businesses,communicate regularly with our elected officials,and drive objectives towards relocation orrecruitmentofnewbusinesses.Priorities will be formed with these positions ready to serve from <br />Snoqualmie Pass to Vantage.This position will help oversee the other two in order to serve all needscounty-wide. <br />The Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce works to strengthen partnerships and resources to supporteconomicopportunities;these positions will seek opportunities to grow and sustain qualified workforce.They will promote the retention and expansion of existing businesses;and support new businesses.TheDirectorwillbeset-up to develop,recommend,and implement the county's Economic Development <br />Strategy &Work plan.They will identify and keep inventory of properties county-wide for economic <br />development projects.They will serve as the leader in the county to recruit and assist relocation ofbusinessestoKittitasCounty.They will assist and advocate for businesses during permitting efforts.They will research,analyze and report to the COG committee on economic market trends.They willperformpublicrelationsrelatedtasksonbehalfofKittitasCounty,including physical and digital press <br />releases,press conferences,and social media.They will monitor the county's actions/policies pertaining <br />to Economic Development.The Director position will have the additional two positions (listed above)tohelpmanagebusinessesatalllevelsofneed. <br />2.Is this a new position for your organization?If so,please describe why this position is needed.Ifnot,why is it a necessary for this fund to continue to support this position?Previously,the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce has asked for these positions,just not simultaneously.We request that you continue to support these positions,especially now.We have seen great success in therecentadditionoftheSBDCCertifiedAdvisorandourAssociateBusinessDevelopmentCoordinator.Wehavebeenabletoassistover350localbusinessesduringthepandemic.In years past,we have asked for thefundingofaDirector.We are ready to add this position into the trio of positions to fulfill what we areprojectingas"needed"in this year to come and in the future.Our county has been growing fast and in orderforustostayaheadofthegrowthcurveweneedthesepositionsmentionedabove,particularly the Directorposition. <br />Local businesses are in a time of crisis,we need to be able to help maintain the current owners and operators <br />that we have.Additionally,we need to be able to support the influx of businesses that are leaving the KingCountyareaandrelocatingtoourcountywhichisprovidingmoreattractivesettings.Our assets are diverseandservemanydifferentindustriesthatarelookingforaccesstomajorinterstates,educated workforce,lower-costs of utilities and rent,commute options,and healthy lifestyles.