Local Business Briefs

February 1, 2021 4:30 pm
Pictured in the front are REG’s Aaron Leatherman and GGHI’s Derek Schlaht. In the back are REG’s John Doucette and Christina Traxtle.
Pictured in the front are REG’s Aaron Leatherman and GGHI’s Derek Schlaht. In the back are REG’s John Doucette and Christina Traxtle.

2021 Leadership Grays Harbor applications open

Greater Grays Harbor Inc. is again partnering with Grays Harbor College to facilitate Leadership Grays Harbor, a civic and professional development program based on key leadership principles. The deadline to apply for the program is Friday, Feb. 12 at 5 p.m.

Leadership Grays Harbor has produced over 20 years of graduates and works to connect people from different industries and backgrounds to grow as leaders while learning about the community. This program helps participants develop their personal leadership skills and challenges them to rise to the occasion. Participants leave with knowledge on how to make a positive impact in their community, in their professions, and in their personal lives while building their professional network and making lifelong friends.

“Leadership Grays Harbor proved to be worth the investment of time for all involved,” expressed Molly Bold, business manager for the Westport Marina, a participant in the 2020 program.

Leadership Grays Harbor has produced over 500 graduates from local business, non-profit, and government backgrounds. The course is the premier local program to grow as a professional and community leader.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2021 program will take place over three months with two sessions per month (April will have three sessions). All sessions will be hosted on the Zoom platform. Very limited spots are available.

Applications can be directly downloaded under the ‘Useful Documents’ tab on the right hand side of the GGHI website: graysharbor.org/programs/leadership-grays-harbor. Please contact GGHI as soon as possible if you’re interested in participating by calling (360) 532-7888 or emailing Candie Gleason at candie@graysharbor.org.

Bossard joins SPMC Board of Commissioners

Summit Pacific Medical Center in Elma has a new member to the Grays Harbor County Public Hospital District No. 1 Board of Commissioners. Kevin Bossard took office Jan. 1 and was sworn into office Jan. 22, filling the position left vacant by Joy Iversen.

“I believe in the Harbor and want to contribute to its revitalization and wellness. I am eager to contribute and hope my ties to the local fire departments, schools, and community will be a benefit,” says Bossard, who has lived in the hospital district since 2005.

Bossard is a board member for the Elma High School Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) programand has a bachelor’s degree in fire administration. He is an assistant chief and fire marshal with the Olympia Fire Department and volunteers in a program that supports development of low income housing.

He was appointed to the hospital board Dec. 18. Bossard’s appointment will be effective the remainder of the term, ending Dec. 31, 2021. This position will go to vote in 2021 for a six-year term.

REG awarded with Business of the Quarter for Q4 of 2020

Each quarter, Greater Grays Harbor Inc. awards a deserving business or organization in Grays Harbor with the honor of Business of the Quarter. Renewable Energy Group (REG) Grays Harbor earned the honor for the fourth quarter of 2020.

REG is leading the transformation of biofuel into something that helps improve the environment and grow customers’ profits. The local Grays Harbor plant first began operations in 2007 and was acquired by REG in 2015. It has a nameplate capacity of approximately 100 million gallons of high-quality biodiesel per year and consistently delivers cleaner fuels to meet the growing global demand.

Supporting the community and fellow businesses is at the forefront of REG’s mission, especially as 2020 brought much of the world to a halt. Late last year, to help ease the financial stress for many local business owners, REG presented GGHI with a $5,000 donation allowing the launch of a Member Dues Relief Fund for eligible GGHI members experiencing financial hardship. Additionally, REG has graciously given back to local schools, YMCA of Grays Harbor, Food Ball and youth sports over the past year.

For more information regarding this quarterly award, contact Derek Schlaht at dschlaht@graysharbor.org. Visit the REG website at www.regi.com to learn more.