Time

Speaker & Topic

9:30 am

Introduction of LCEDIR and Senate Economic Development Committee members by:  The Honorable Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen Chair of the LCEDIR Committee and Senator Tim Sheldon Chair of the Senate Economic Development Committee

9:40 am

Welcoming remarks by Greenbank Farm Board President Greg Osenbach, Port of Coupeville Commissioner Benye Weber, and Senator Mary Margaret Haugen

9:50 am

Jamie Beletz - President of the Washington Home-Based Business Association Overview of Home–Based Industries in Our State and Nationally

10:15 am

Sharon Hart - Executive Director, Island District EDC Local Economic Impact of Cottage Industries Including Rural High Tech Cottage Industries 

10:40 am

Leslie Zenz - Program Manager, Washington State Department of Agriculture Small Farm and Direct Marketing 

11:05 am

Diane Gasaway - Executive Director, Northwest Cooperative Development Center Developing Home-Based Cooperative Businesses   

11:30 am

David Wingate  - Director of Financial Services for SIRTI (Spokane Intercollegiate Research and Technological Institute)  Financing Rural Small Business

12:00 pm

LUNCH (on site café available for guests) 

1:00 pm

PANEL PRESENTERS –  
Developing and Growing a Home-Based Business
Laura Blankenship   - Exec. Director of Greenbank Farm (farm mission & model)
Jan Gunn - Owner of Whidbey Pies 

Dick Whittick - Owner of Whidbey Island Alpaca  

Sarah Richards – Owner of Lavender Wind Farm

2:15 pm

Brief Walking Tour of Greenbank Farm

2:45 pm

Return to meeting room - closing remarks  - Lieutenant Governor Owen & Senator Sheldon 

2:50 pm

Closing reception in meeting room - local chambers of commerce and Island District EDC