[Vision2020] B. J. Swanson Named LEDC Executive Director

[Rosemary Huskey]

Great article - great outcome for Latah County!

Rose Huskey

 

From: vision2020-bounces at moscow.com [mailto:vision2020-bounces at moscow.com]
On Behalf Of Tom Hansen
Sent: Thursday, January 05, 2012 3:34 AM
To: Moscow Vision 2020
Cc: B J Swanson
Subject: [Vision2020] B. J. Swanson Named LEDC Executive Director

 

A well deserved congratulations to B. J. Swanson, one of Latah County's
finest resources.

 

Courtesy of today's (January 5, 2012) Moscow-Pullman Daily News.

 

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Swanson named LEDC executive director


By Amelia Veneziano Daily News staff writer

After five months of placing 'interim' before her title, BJ Swanson is the
new executive director of the Latah Economic Development Council.

Swanson, who retired from AmericanWest Bank in July, says jobs are her top
priority in the role.

That means helping existing businesses throughout Latah County expand, as
well as bringing in new ones.

"Quite often, what businesses need is a second set of eyes to help them,"
Swanson said. "I serve as a central contact for businesses, helping them
resolve problems when they do need help."

Swanson worked in banking for 46 years and has been involved with the LEDC
since 1988.

She will work 12 hours a week in the position, which necessitates hiring an
assistant executive director to work 20 hours per week. The LEDC has
received several applications for the position and will make a hiring
decision soon. Swanson intends to work two years as executive director, and
envisions eventually turning the reins over to the hired individual.

For the board, securing Swanson was a coup.

"We know what BJ's made of. She's got the connections and experience. She
goes out and talks to someone, and 'boom boom,' there's a new business in
Potlatch," said board member Robin Woods. Woods started a business in the
region and had Swanson's assistance in securing an SBA loan, as well as with
banking.

"At some council meetings, there's lots of talk and grinding away, but with
BJ, she knows what she's talking about and gets stuff done," Woods said.
"We're very lucky in Latah County to have her."

For Swanson, it's about going while it's fun. As the chairman of the board
at Gritman Medical Center, a volunteer position, and with the LEDC, she's
happy to stay involved in the community.

"In two years, if I still have the energy and they still want me, I'll keep
going," she said. "I enjoy it, so we'll see what happens."

image.jpeg

------------------------------

 

Seeya later, Moscow.

 

Tom Hansen

Spokane, Washington

 

"If not us, who?

If not now, when?"

 

- Unknown

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