Contact: Dodd Snodgrass
Port of Bellingham
(360) 676-2500
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 20, 2006
PORT HOSTS WHATCOM ECONOMIC FORUM
Special Guest Speaker will Discuss Competitive Economies and Entrepreneurship
[Bellingham, Wash.] “Preserving the Flavor of the Whatcom Economy in 2006” will be the topic of a special breakfast meeting presented by the Port of Bellingham and Western Washington University’s College of Business and Economics. On May 4, the community is invited to learn about the latest research on the local economy and hear perspectives on successful economic development efforts. This meeting is free and open to the public.
At the event, guest speaker Dr. Michael Luger, Director for the Carolina Center of Competitive Economies at University North Carolina-Chapel Hill will present a look at “planting for our economic future.” His applied research is on topics in economic development, science and technology policy, infrastructure finance, and regional economics. Dr. Luger’s experience in North Carolina and other states will provide insight on challenges and opportunities for the Whatcom economy, primarily natural resource transition and international trade complexities. In addition, the development of the Research Triangle Park area of North Carolina will offer insight on leveraging the research, higher education and workforce capacities of that area, similar to those of Whatcom County. Dr. Luger’s specific expertise is entrepreneurship, which relates well to the local small business economy.
Dr. Hart Hodges, Director of the Center for Economics and Business Research at Western Washington University will pose the question “Can growth be good?” and share his outlook of the local economy and the many current efforts underway in the county. Hodges will provide an update on a significant industry study he is completing on Whatcom County.
Preserving the Flavor of the Whatcom Economy in 2006
Thursday, May 4
7:30 a.m. Registration/Continental Breakfast
Hotel Bellwether Ballroom, One Bellwether Way, Bellingham
Space is limited and people are asked to RSVP by Friday, April 28 to Diane McClain at 360-676-2500 or email at .
A panel discussion on growth management is scheduled to take place later that afternoon on Western’s campus at Parks Hall room 441. Members of the private sector, Huxley College, the College of Business and Economics, the Port and City of Bellingham will offer their perspectives on growth management as it relates to Whatcom County. The panel discussion is open to the public.
The Port of Bellingham operates Whatcom County’s major transportation terminals including the Bellingham Airport, Fairhaven Transportation Station and the Bellingham Cruise Terminal. The Port also serves about 2,000 moorage customers in its Blaine and Squalicum Harbors.
In addition, about 300 businesses operate on Port properties, which are managed by the Port Real Estate Division. The Port of Bellingham is a countywide independent special purpose government.
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