2009 Economic Summit Report

This past December, the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce, along with Cowlitz Bank and the CEDC, sponsored the Cowlitz Economic Summit of 2009. Both Karen and myself were able to attend, and now we can report back on the “state of the union”, so to speak!

A very informative evening, the attitude was a mixture of anticipation and wariness. Everybody knows there was just no use in dancing around the current economic hardships, but were eager to see and hear what the reports were from various individuals throughout the business and employment communities.

We were all treated to hearing from the Key Note speaker, Michael J. Parks, a renowned economist regarding the Pacific Northwest.

“The uncertainty level is as high as it could be in thirty years,” said Parks, “We are in unchartered waters as far as how involved the government is involved in the economy.”

He then went on to discuss the different types of recoveries from the obvious recession we have been surviving. The “V”, “U” or “L” shape – let’s just say we all cheer for the “V” or “U”….

Here’s his good prognosis about Washington’s economy: we will have a much better year in 2010 than 2009.

“Washington has advantages in trade and technology. Our close proximity to Pacific Asia allows for a prosperous future,” said Parks.

The trade development right here in Cowlitz County at the Port of Longview is quite exciting indeed. The Valley Bugler will be featuring a story next issue on the new Port development, and how that will help fuel our recovery and solidify our reputation in the export business. GREAT things in store for us in the future!

According to Parks, the “recession is over in terms of output, and the only recession we are experiencing right now is the consumer recession.”

Which means people are spending less, but jobs and employment are on the rise. Not altogether peaches and cream, but peaches at least!

Suzanne Cusick, Longview School District’s new superintendent provided a realistic yet encouraging outlook on the education system.

“We experience a supportive community, dedicated workforce and have had great community involvement,” said Suzanne when recounting their successes.

With beautiful poise and grace, Suzanne emphasized that although there are hard challenges to overcome in our education systems, full of poverty and learning disabilities, that “an individuals education is the key to their success. Pruning in the public and private sector yields great success.”
Suzanne also mentioned that the District strives for high academic standards and will continue to look forward to improvement in many areas in the years to come.

Gerry Flaskerud had good things to say about the Housing Market.

“It is a difficult world in the real estate market, and yet we have survived,” he said while quoting a 20% increase in monthly sales! Things are looking up.

Renee Sinclair of the NW Region, US Chamber of Commerce stated that the “best thing to spur innovation and growth is (for the government) to get out of the way”.

I couldn’t agree more, Renee!

In closing, Gerry Flaskerud commented that “it’s a wonderful thing to live in a smaller community, where we all work together & help each other out. I love this community!”