Regional Economic Forecast & Innovation EXPO 2024 Recap

This past week, the MasonEDC team traveled to Grand Mound to attend the Regional Economic Forecast & Innovation EXPO, an event filled with valuable insights and opportunities to connect with regional leaders. We heard from tribal nations about their role as economic development engines, and we were especially proud of the contributions from the Squaxin Island Tribe, whose work continues to strengthen our community.

The day featured a panel of economic development leaders discussing collaborative strategies to drive growth and create a vibrant regional economy, along with breakout sessions that delved into topics like STEM education’s impact on workforce development. We were inspired by the keynote from Dr. Bill Conerly, who provided an insightful forecast for the region’s economic future, equipping attendees with actionable strategies for the coming year.

Later in the day, we heard from the North Mason Regional Fire Authority about innovative approaches to improving rural healthcare access in Mason County, a presentation that showcased the power of collaboration to meet community needs. The video of this impactful presentation is available to view below. The event concluded with a session on how AI tools are transforming economic development, offering fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.

We are grateful to our regional partners for an engaging day of learning and collaboration. A special thank you to North Mason Regional Fire Authority for their impactful presentation. Here’s to a successful year ahead as we continue building a stronger, more vibrant economy for Mason County.