KEY PENINSULA BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

Meeting July 16, 2004

At Horseshoe Lake Golf Course

 

 

The meeting began with introductions.  In attendance were Marv and Myrtle, Ed Taylor, Derek Kilmer from the EDC, Terry and Delia Kaas, Al Twidt with his two grandsons Alex and Hayden, Fred and Mary Ramsdell, Marty Marcus, Bek Ashby, June Williams and Lois McMahon.

 

Derek Kilmer was the guest speaker.  He was representing the Pierce County Economic Development Board and himself as a candidate for the state House of Representative from the 26th district.

            Derek reported the Franciscan Health System’s plan for a new hospital in Gig Harbor was moving forward.  The hospital is expected to create 450 family-wage jobs.  Many of these people will come from the Key Peninsula area. 

            Derek’s responsibilities with the EDB include recruiting and retaining businesses in Pierce County.  He hears a consistent message from employers of how difficult it is to find skilled labor. Washington State has one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation. Yet, businesses still have challenges finding skilled labor.

            Derek talked about expanding access to higher education.  He advised us that the universities and community colleges have more applicants than they can accommodate.  The U of W is not accepting transfers from the state community colleges until next spring.  Derek expressed his personal concern if the state does not address education issues.  As a citizen, he is part of a basic reading after hours tutoring program. 

            In a question and answer period, Derek let us know he does not agree with the toll on the Narrows Bridge.

 

The secretary’s report from the July 2nd meeting was amended to read “Ashes was holding a rummage sale and the firefighter’s association was sponsoring the breakfast.”  The Angel Guild was not involved with the rummage sale.

 

The Treasurer provided the balance sheet and a profit and loss statement as of June 29, 2004.   The current assets total $4034.93.   The report was accepted as submitted.

 

The agenda items:

 

·        In memory of Zac West and his wife, it was agreed to donate $100 to their

memorial fund at Sound Credit Union. 

 

·        Mike Kruger from Pierce County is seeking a business person from the Key Peninsula to sit on the comprehensive plan committee.  We will see if our group can find a representative.

 

·        Fred gave a report for the Key Peninsula Fair.  Everything is coming together and stress is appropriate for all that is going on.

 

o       Fred did report that as he has been promoting the fair many neighboring communities are unsure where the Key Peninsula is.  Road signage on Highway 16 is needed.  Lois indicated she would see if she can arrange for road signs.

o       Scones, real scones, will be available this year.

o       Ed is looking for security patrol volunteers.

 

·        Key Peninsula Community Council has not held its first meeting.

 

·        Business/Economic Development Committee meeting this month focused on the downtown merchants.  They expressed concerns about the cost of rent as new buildings are constructed.

 

·        Ed brought to our attention the troublesome service provided by the Pierce County Health Department.  Terry Kaas offered to document the difficulties specific area businesses are having.  We will then address the issue with Terry Lee.

 

·        A community presentation was given by the new hospital group at the Key Center Civic center last Thursday.  The hospital is scheduled to open in late 2007 or 2008.  It will be named St. Anthony Hospital.  It was approved for 80 beds.  There will be a 24 hour emergency department.

 

·        The editor of the Key Peninsula Newspaper has resigned giving 60 days notice.  Over 30 applications have been received for this position.  The newspaper board is working to maintain a stable environment for the paper and remaining staff.

 

·        The 1st Army National Guard is having a welcome home party at the Dregers on Lackey Road, August 27, 28 and 29.   Several thousand invitations went out with a great response.  We have been requested to put out signs in support of the event.  Ruth moved with a second by Lois to donate $75 for sign production.  Terry agreed to make and distribute signs.

 

In the individual reports, everyone talked about their fair preparations. 

            Marv has his business settled back home at Lake of the Woods.

            Ruth has tickets to the Longbranch Church salmon bake.

            Al is selling honey and lavender at the University Place farmers market.

            Fred mentioned the fire department is doing driver’s training on the new rigs.

            Mary invited everyone to the rummage sale and pancake breakfast at the Key Center fire station August 7th.

            Marty is staffing for the fair and Olalla Bluegrass festival on the same weekend.

            June has vacation plans for Salt Lake City.

            Lois has moved her annual BBQ and auction to the Knights of Columbus in Port Orchard, July 22nd.

 

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned until 7:30AM August 6 at the Homeport Restaurant.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Bek Ashby

Substitute note taker