Tieton to host economic development meeting Wednesday

TIETON, Wash. -- Officials in Tieton want their small town to be seen as a viable place for doing business and spending money.

To that end, they are sponsoring a meeting Wednesday for residents of Tieton and the surrounding area, including Cowiche, to present their suggestions for the economic development of the region.

The meeting is being coordinated by the City Council's economic development committee, and will be moderated by a representative of a rural development initiative by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Organizers say the meeting is a first step toward creating a common vision for Tieton and the region. The discussion will include topics such as Tieton's biggest opportunities and challenges and its best chances for new growth.

"We're taking small steps, but if we take enough of those ... we know it's going to make a difference, said Kerry Quint, the development committee's chairman.

Quint is the projects manager for Mighty Tieton, the arts-related venture that was started in Tieton about four years ago by Ed Marquand of Seattle.

The Mighty Tieton's goal is to help improve the area's economy by using creative and professional talents and local resources to create businesses related to art, design, hospitality and recreation.

Several businesses have started under the program, including a fine press and bindery, a printmaking studio and press, a cidery and gift-fruit business, a kite production facility, book warehousing, event spaces, rental cabins for short visits and longer residencies, and several artist's studios.

The Mighty Tieton is just one of several projects in the Tieton area that Mayor Stan Hall said point to the area's growth potential.

Among others are water and sewer projects to support development and the presence of warehouses that could be converted to other uses.

"It's a nice place to live -- there's very low crime, it's pleasing to the eye with all the orchards we have," Hall said.

The town hall meeting is scheduled for 6 to 9 p.m. at Harvest Hall, 915 Wisconsin Ave.