Peninsula Daily News article
Team Jefferson, WSU Jefferson County Extension's new economic development program, has joined in a partnership with Peninsula College to enhance community education and economic opportunities. Pictured are (from left) Team Jefferson Chairman Bill Wise, Danille Turissini of Team Jefferson, Peninsula College President Tom Keegan, Marty Gay of Team Jefferson, and WSU Jefferson County Extension Director Katherine Baril. - Submitted photo12/5/2007 10:32:00 AM
By Danille Turissini
It's official. The relationship between WSU Jefferson County Extension and Peninsula College has taken a new turn. The two academic institutions have joined forces for what they say is a concerted effort to enrich the community's assets.
Peninsula College President Thomas Keegan met last week with WSU Jefferson County Extension Director Katherine Baril and representatives from Team Jefferson, Jefferson County's designated economic development agent.
The two higher education providers have agreed to a new community partnership, not only to offer higher education opportunities on the North Olympic Peninsula but also to spur economic growth.
"Keegan presented some exciting new programs that would be the basis of this new partnership," Baril reported. "We agreed the two colleges are also economic development drivers for the peninsula, and this is a high-priority community partnership for both Peninsula and WSU's new economic development program."
Bill Wise, chairman of Team Jefferson, added: "The Jefferson County business community is a real winner in this partnership. Together, Peninsula College and Team Jefferson will deliver important workforce training and innovation programs."
Keegan is the former president of the Clallam County Economic Development Council and is still a member of the EDC and a partner with The Business Incubator. Team Jefferson will coordinate Jefferson County economic development in a two-year contractual agreement with the Washington State Community Trade and Economic Development (CTED). One of its goals is to build strong regional partnerships with Peninsula College, the Incubator, Battelle and local businesses.
For more information about Team Jefferson's mission and activities, visit http://tech.jefferson.wsu.edu or call 379-5610.