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F CONOMIC DEVELOPME f.'JT The Central Washington University Strategic Plan calls for continued public service and community engagement, with emphasis on the level of collaboration between the University and local communities to contribute to the education, social, and economic progress of Washington communities. Tourism Ellensburg is home of the Kittitas County Event Center which hosts the Kittitas County Fair and Ellensburg Rodeo. The Fair and Rodeo is held each Labor Day weekend and records between 65,000 and 70,000 visitors each year. The event is continuously ranked in the top 10 rodeos in the nation. The Event Center is located on 21 acres and is valued at about S8.2 million. The Event Center hosts more than 1,500 events throughout the year providing service to community organizations, trade sho6 expositions, equestrian and livestock events, and other special events. The Center includes conference and event spaces, an indoor arena, stock pens, barns, RV hookups, and on-site parking. With some structures built over 90 years ago, the Kittitas Valley Event Center is listed on both the Washington State and National Register of Historic Places, offering both cultural and economic opportunities for Ellensburg and the surrounding region. Technology sectar Whlle the technology sector is not a signlficant portlon of Ellensburg's current economy there ls potential to grow thls sector of Ellensburg's economy. The technology sector tends to offer well-paylng Jobs and is attracted to good schools, high quality of life, and recreatlonal emenitles. Due to Ellensburg embodylng these chCracterlstlcs ss well as the City of Ellensburg's telecommunlcatlons utllity (see Capltal Facllities and l,ftilities chapterl the technology industry may be an ar€a of focus for future economlc development, Arts ond Culture The arts play an important role in the economy in Ellensburg; home to many artists, designers, creative entrepreneurs, and art nonprofits that often get classified under other sectors of income. The creative sector includes nonprofit arts organizations such as Laughing Horse Foundation who serves as a fiscal sponsor for seven performing arts related organizations such as Jazz in the Valley and the Ellensburg Film Festival. With over 12 participating businesses and year round monthly events, the First Friday Art Walk serves as a regular economic contribution to Ellensburg's economy. CITY OF ELLENSBURG COMPREHENSIVE PLAN r ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT r PAGE 125