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

[Darrell Keim]

Way to go BJ!  Great for the county.



On Thu, Jan 5, 2012 at 3:33 AM, Tom Hansen <thansen at moscow.com> wrote:

> 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.
>
> ------------------------------
> 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: image.jpeg]
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Seeya later, Moscow.
>
> Tom Hansen
> Spokane, Washington
>
> "If not us, who?
> If not now, when?"
>
> - Unknown
>
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