Business and Commerce Advisory Committee

Purpose

The committee will advise the Whatcom County Council on issues, including regulations and policies that could impact local businesses, industry, or economic development. The committee will report directly to the County Council as necessary to carry out the following functions: Review and provide recommendations on comprehensive plans, regulations, economic development efforts and on proposals which directly impact business and economic conditions in Whatcom County. Assist the county and provide recommendations on efforts to improve business conditions, environment and infrastructure. Assist and develop recommendations for comprehensive economic development efforts of Associate Development Organizations (ADO) and other issues impacting business in Whactom County. Develop recommendations and strategies for ensuring the county applies a client-focused approach to support businesses with regulations, permitting, and planning.

Meetings

Meetings are generally held monthly, noon to 1:30 p .m., date and location varies. Specific meeting information is available on the Port of Bellingham Commerce Advisory Committee website.

Upcoming Special Meeting

Friday, October 4, 2019, 8:00 - 9:00 a.m., Port of Bellingham, Mount Baker Room, 1801 Roeder Avenue, Bellingham
The purpose of the meeting is to review and approve the letter that is being prepared by Petrogas on behalf of the committee relating to Cherry Point. Said letter will be distributed to Whatcom County Council.

Members

The committee has 20 members appointed by the County Council and representing various businesses and industries.

Thirteen of the 20 total members are voting positions:

Bob Pritchett, Internet technology, CommitteeChair
Clark Campbell, Recreation, Committee Vice-Chair
Drew Zogby, Manufacturing
Douglas Thomas, Food processing
Casey Diggs, Retail
Paul Burrill, Marine trades
Pete Dawson, Commercial real estate
Brad Rader, Agriculture
Andrew Gamble, Energy industry
Debbie Ahl, Health care industry
Ryan Allsop, other for-profit
Troy Muljat, other for-profit
Sarah Rothenbuhler, other for-profit

The remaining seven positions are non-voting:

Susan Cole, Higher education
Jeffrey Callender, Higher Education
Carol Frazey, County Councilmember
Undesignated Whatcom County Executive or designee
Undesignated Bellingham Mayor or Designee
Don Goldberg, Port of Bellingham Executive Director
Michael Jones, Small cities representative, designated by the Small Cities Caucus