SEWEDA gets county contract extension

Whitman County commissioners renewed their contract with the Southeast Washington Economic Development Alliance, SEWEDA, to lead the county’s economic development efforts.

Whitman County will receive $52,000 over the next two years to recruit and develop local businesses. The contract extension funnels that funding to SEWEDA.

SEWEDA is funded with economic funds from Whitman, Asotin, Columbia and Garfield counties.

Last year, the county contracted its economic development efforts directly with SEWEDA. Prior to that, the county had contracted with the Port of Whitman County, which then subcontracted with SEWEDA.

The organization is currently looking for a new director after the resignation of Duane Wollmuth, who left to take a job in the wine industry at Walla Walla.

Wollmuth had served as SEWEDA director since the fall of 2009. Prior to that he owned and operated the Three Rivers Winery in Walla Walla.

Jenny Scott of Clarkston is currently serving as the interim director. Dick Watters serves as Whitman County’s officer through SEWEDA.