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20 | Old Heat CERB Feasibility Study <br />TASK 3: PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT <br />On June 26, 2025, Amy McGuffin, Kittitas County ADO and President and CEO <br />of the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce hosted a roundtable to discuss <br />potential uses for the Old Heat building. Bill Provaznik and Rob Ogburn from <br />CWU Business and Community Services provided an overview of various <br />business types and an analysis of economically beneficial and non-beneficial <br />businesses and answered questions. They included IMpact Analysis for <br />PLANning based examples (IMPLAN). IMPLAN is an economic modeling system <br />used to measure how changes in one part of the economy affect the rest of the <br />economy and is referenced throughout this study. <br />A diverse attendee list included representatives from local businesses and <br />organizations Trace, Peers Rising, Cashmere Valley Bank, Associated General <br />Contractors of Washington, Central Washington University, Gallery One, Hotel <br />Windrow, TM Construction Group, INC, The Original Hot Dog Stand, Ellensburg <br />Downtown Association, City of Ellensburg, Laile Fletcher (Independent <br />Insurance Agent), Manastash Media, Jerrol’s, Figgins Craft Spirits Group Ltd, <br />Accolade, and Kittitas County. <br /> <br />Comments during the discussion included concerns that the building is historic <br />and needs to be preserved to maintain the historic nature. One attendee noted <br />that Ellensburg has a funky vibe – cowboy boots and poetry. Old Heat could <br />reflect that. The need for a big-name company to anchor the building was <br />discussed. The need for a port district came up as a public entity that can make <br />investments on a long-term basis. <br />A written questionnaire was distributed during the meeting and responses were <br />discussed. <br />They included: <br />QUESTION 1 How might the Old Heat building best serve the community and <br /> give the community a competitive advantage? <br /> <br />• Consolidate CWU’s wine studies and brewing programs into Old Heat and <br />add distilled spirits studies under one roof to operate along commercial <br />lines much like WWCC in Walla Walla has at their teaching winery. <br />• The creative design sector would be great. <br />• Diversification beyond “Eds and Meds” jobs for above average wages <br />• This may be off topic. I talked with a number of my coworkers in my bank. <br />Most brought up an area that includes a meeting space or some form of <br />venue. This is needed in town. Not entirely a competitive edge. Rather an <br />opportunity for community involvement. Rent space. <br />• Anything that can provide tech or creative jobs for our graduates at the <br />university and preferably creates a transient drive of contract workers also. <br />Image Credit: CWU Website <br />TASK 03