OLYMPIA… Senator Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick, will be a featured panelist at the Washington Economic Development Association’s 2024 Winter Conference this February 28-29. The conference, “ADAPT & IMPACT: Economic Development in a Rapidly Transforming World,” will be held in the Norman Worthington Conference Center at Saint Martin’s University, located at 5300 Pacific Ave SE in Lacey, Wash.
The conference runs from noon to 9:30 p.m. on February 28 and 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on February 29. Following the conference, a Legislative Reception will be held at the Governor’s Mansion from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
“True economic development is about evolving our communities into spaces where opportunity is not just present, but abundant, where every individual has the chance to thrive and contribute to the collective prosperity of our state,” Sen. Boehnke said.
Sen. Boehnke will share his insights as the state responds to the rapidly transforming world, including opportunities and challenges as Artificial Intelligence is leveraged in nearly every economic sector and workplace. The conference will also discuss transforming commercial and office-centered real estate into new uses, such as workforce housing.
He will speak during the Legislative Economic Development Leaders panel on February 29, between 12:15 and 12:55 p.m., for 10 to 12 minutes, including Q&A.
“Innovation is the lifeblood of economic progress. As we stand on the brink of technological revolutions, it is our responsibility to harness these innovations to fuel economic growth and equitable development for all,” Sen. Boehnke said. “Education is the cornerstone of sustainable economic development. By investing in the minds of our people, we are laying down the foundation for a future that is resilient, adaptable, and forward-thinking.”
The conference expects over 225 attendees representing economic development, ports, local government, tribal, business, education, workforce, and community leaders from rural and urban communities throughout Washington.
#
Senator Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick, represents the 8th Legislative District, which includes Benton and Franklin Counties.