From the editor: On March 16, let’s talk about economic development
posted 3.9.13

Ever since the cement industries pulled up stakes and the logging industry waned, Concrete and the rest of the Upper Skagit Valley have toggled back and forth between struggle and stagnation. A company town for most of its existence, Concrete actually flourished during the Great Depression, when the rest of the country bowed under the weight of an economic downturn unrivaled to this day.

Since then, however, Concrete’s local economy has foundered; the town has been classified as a “low-income community” for decades. There are small-scale fits and starts toward vitality, with what feels like more stories of failure than success.

It doesn’t have to be this way. On March 16, all Upper Valley citizens are invited to be a part of a third workshop hosted by the Imagine Concrete group. Imagine Concrete holds workshops every other year; this year’s gathering will focus on economic development in Concrete and the Upper Valley. It will be held that Saturday from 9 a.m. till noon in the Commons Room at Concrete High School.

Don’t be daunted by the meaty topic. The Imagine Concrete steering committee has broken the subject into bite-sized chunks that we’ll discuss in a logical order, in a small-group, roundtable format. We’ll talk about our local assets, then discuss how those assets might be used to start growing an economy that will help to revive Concrete and its neighboring communities. You’ll even get a chance to do a little cutting and pasting, creating a small-scale mural at your table of all the images and words that support your dreams for revitalization.

After the workshop, the steering committee will meet to discuss some of the more popular ideas. They will then invite local, regional, and state decision-makers to meet and discuss the ideas, and how those individuals can help our citizens transform their ideas into reality.

Remember, that’s Sat., March 16, from 9 a.m. till noon, at the Commons Room in Concrete High School. This is your chance to lend your voice to planning our future; don’t miss it.

AT A GLANCE

Join friends and fellow citizens in a lively discussion about our assets—and how we can use them to begin rebuilding our economy in Concrete and the surrounding communities. Residents of Concrete and all Upper Valley communities are invited.

What: Imagine Concrete Workshop III: Economic Development

When: Sat., March 16, 9 a.m. to noon

Where: Concrete High School Commons Room

Details: 360.853.8213 or [email protected]

Refreshments provided.