RAYMOND -- Pacific County Economic Development Council President Toni Williams recently announced the hiring of Jim Sayce as its new Executive Director.
Sayce, a lifelong Pacific County resident, brings experience in private business and government in addition to grant writing experience. He had been working with the EDC since mid-October as a consultant and was hired as Executive Director on Dec. 1.
The Seaview resident will divide his time, spending two days in South County and two days in North County.
"I explained to the interview committee that I thought it important to have two days of dedicated office hours in the north at the EDC office at the Grays Harbor College Riverview Center and two days a week dedicated to the GHC Columbia Education Center in Ilwaco," Sayce said.
When the scheduling has developed, these hours will be posted at both GHC facilities and the EDC website.
The EDC has been contracted by Pacific County to create an Overall Economic Development Plan. Sayce has been working to get the extensive plan prepared and ready to present to the public. The OEDP will serve as a guide to Pacific County, the cities and other entities, pointing out assets as well as areas for improvement.
He has also examined ways to streamline the organization's operation. This includes using technology for official meetings. Currently, EDC Board members travel to Raymond or Long Beach for meetings. Sayce is working with Grays Harbor College to use its ITV services. This would allow members to attend video conference meetings at the Ilwaco or Raymond campuses, depending on which is closer.
Sayce estimates that total dollar value in savings of time and travel to the EDC board members is up to $10,000 per year if board meetings were held as video conferences.
Williams is enthusiastic about Sayce's experience and ideas for the EDC.
"Jim has an extensive knowledge and love of Pacific County," Williams said. "He understands our challenge, which is to support and expand our business base while at the same time preserving the abundant natural resources that provide the basis of our economy and way of life."