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;;�i`T y �"1`• t� N;'r„ �a =rr-�: :ti. ^:si'� "u 7" M=i. '�®I�`'li9F� P: ©���tW�� <br />The Central Washington University Strategic Plan calls for continued public service and <br />community engagement, with emphasis on the level of collaboration between the University <br />and local communities to contribute to the education, social, and economic progress of <br />Washington communities. <br />Tourism <br />Ellensburg is home of the Kittitas County <br />Event Center which hosts the Kittitas <br />County Fair and Ellensburg Rodeo. The <br />Fair and Rodeo is held each Labor Day <br />weekend and records between 65,000 <br />and 70,000 visitors each year. The event <br />is continuously ranked in the top 10 <br />rodeos in the nation. <br />The Event Center is located on 21 acres <br />and is valued at about $8.2 million. The <br />Event Center hosts more than 1,500 <br />events throughout the year providing <br />service to community organizations, trade shows, expositions, equestrian and livestock events, <br />and other special events. The Center includes conference and event spaces, an indoor arena, <br />stock pens, barns, RV hookups, and on-site parking. <br />With some structures built over 90 years ago, the Kittitas Valley Event Center is listed on both <br />the Washington State and National Register of Historic Places, offering both cultural and <br />economic opportunities for Ellensburg and the surrounding region. <br />Technology sector <br />While the technology sector is not a significant portion of Ellensburg's current economy there is <br />potential to grow this sector of Ellensburg's economy. The technology sector tends to offer <br />well -paying jobs and is attracted to good schools, high quality of life, and recreational <br />amenities. Due to Ellensburg embodying these characteristics as well as the City of Ellensburg's <br />telecommunications utility (see Capital Facilities and Utilities chapter) the technology industry <br />may be an area of focus for future economic development. <br />Arts and Culture <br />The arts play an important role in the economy in Ellensburg; home to many artists, designers, <br />creative entrepreneurs, and art nonprofits that often get classified under other sectors of <br />income. The creative sector includes nonprofit arts organizations such as Laughing Horse <br />Foundation who serves as a fiscal sponsor for seven performing arts related organizations such <br />as Jazz in the Valley and the Ellensburg Film Festival. With over 12 participating businesses and <br />year round monthly events, the First Friday Art Walk serves as a regular economic contribution <br />to Ellensburg's economy. <br />CITY OF ELLENSBURG COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 9 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT . PAGE 125 <br />