Strategy studied for economic development – Walla Walla scored high marks in a survey in several key competitive advantage areas, including quality of life.

Concern for the region’s economic future drew a crowd of civic, community and business leaders to Walla Walla Community College on Friday.

In what was billed as the first in a series of economic development strategy workshops and forums, consultant Randall Kempner discussed the region’s assets and needs in terms of productivity and prosperity.

The Walla Walla region includes Garfield, Columbia, Whitman, Asotin and Walla Walla counties and representatives were present from each area.

Kempner, vice president of regional innovation for the national Council on Competitiveness and an economic development consultant, said the secret to improving prosperity and productivity is innovation. He defined it in broad terms, saying innovation can be ideas, products, processes, sources or strategies that give the region a competitive advantage.

“Innovation is a contact sport,’ he said. “Regions play a critical role.’

By Cathy Grimes of the Union-Bulletin

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