Economic Development Director
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Ruth Swain |
Mission
Our mission is to improve the city's economic vitality and competitiveness by investing our time and resources wisely as we implement council's Economic Development Plan and strategic focus areas. We seek to leverage limited resources through partnerships, grants, and investments from public and private entities; through building solid and trusting relationships and a "customer friendly" environment with commercial and industrial developers; and through public involvement and two-way communications. |
Ruth Swain is the Economic Development Director for the City of West Richland. She joined the City in 2007 to broaden West Richland's economic development program. Since that time she has secured numerous grants, worked with many existing and new potential businesses, and facilitated the city's first economic development strategic plan.
She has received numerous national and regional marketing awards through consulting and marketing services for organizations including the Tri-City Development Council, CBC Foundation, the Tri-City Visitor & Convention Bureau, and Washing State University Tri-Cities.
She has led programs during her career that have raised more than $50 million dollars in support of healthcare, education, and economic development in our region.
Contact Ruth at
509-967-5902
or email
rswain@westrichland.org
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The Program Focus
The economic development program at the city includes the 2010 adoption of the Economic Development Strategic Plan (see link below). This plan outlines 6 anchor concepts and strategies for improving the city's economic base. The plan was paid for by a grant from the Community Trade and Economic Development (CTED).
A major focus in 2010 and beyond will include redevelopment of the Van Giesen corridor, and continuing development in the wine industry.
In 2010 a new distillery, the Black Heron Spirits and Port Works opened at the Red Mountain Center.
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Economic Development Strategic Plan Report
Survey 2011 Results Presentation
Van Giesen Redevelopment Presentation from October 28, 2010 Community Workshop
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