Ellensburg celebrates new economic partnership with CWU

ELLENSBURG – Central Washington University, Kittitas County and the City of Ellensburg have partnered to work toward economic development and work toward economic innovation. This strategic collaboration will soon be realized through the remodeling of the historic Old Heat facility, which will be updated into a technology transfer hub with the hope that it prompts economic growth. 

At a project kickoff event held April 29, representatives from CWU and local government officials gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking initiative it is hoped will generate high-wage jobs and stimulate local industries. 

“The opportunity to bring together networks of technology subject matter experts with investors and entrepreneurs is critical for the region,” Rob Ogburn, Executive Director of CWU’s Business and Community Services said.  

The project is supported by a recent Community Economic Revitalization Board grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce, which provides vital funding for a comprehensive feasibility study to finalize plans for the facility’s renovation. The Old Heat facility remodel will be done in phases focused on the three different aspects of the facility’s new purpose, according to CWU staff. These new resources are intended to benefit local entrepreneurs, businesses, and industries, fostering economic collaboration and innovation. 

“The ability of our communities to make choices for our own future growth and resilience depends on supporting innovation and acceleration of ideas, both for new industries and for our existing businesses and industries,” Ogburn said. 

During his opening remarks at the kickoff event, CWU President Jim Wohlpart highlighted the importance of regional collaboration.  

“Everything we do here at Central is about collaboration and partnerships,” Wohlpart said. “We know that all boats rise when we work together as a community. The relationships that we’ve been building with local community colleges and K-12 educational institutions are essential to the future of this region.” 

Future users of the upgraded Old Heat facility will have access to CWU’s subject matter experts, fostering technological innovations across various industries, including aviation, business, cybersecurity, agriculture, and manufacturing. 

The project builds upon the foundation laid by CWU’s Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which has operated since 2008. Bill Provaznik, Executive Director of IDEA Central at Central Washington University and helped found I4IE, highlighted the need for an interdisciplinary approach to support local economies.  

“The university had a role to play in bringing up the next generation of small business owners and entrepreneurs to help this region thrive,” Provaznik said. 

Providing an educational component beyond community outreach, the Business and Community Service program also creates opportunities for CWU business students to apply their skills in real-world situations. 

“Our student employees will enter their careers with a deep understanding of the potential that Central Washington has to offer,” Ogburn said.  

As the initiative advances, CWU plans to seek additional funding through state and federal grants, as well as private sector contributions. Ogburn noted that the planning phase for the project is projected to take approximately two years.  

“Our job is to engage with communities on a demand-driven basis in a way that augments their ability to self-sustain,” he said. “Our measure of success is whether or not the community is meeting its own standards of success.” 

The kickoff event attracted key stakeholders from across Kittitas County and the state, including members of the Kittitas County Commission, Ellensburg City Council and the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce. Representatives from the offices of Senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray also attended to lend support for the project. 

“Local answers and local solutions take local problem solving and leadership,” Ellensburg City Manager Heidi Behrends Cerniwey said. “Having this effort come from a local university makes a lot of sense, and our conference of governments in Central Washington is very supportive of it and understanding of the fact that we need to do this work differently.” 

Kittitas County Commissioner Cory Wright, a CWU alumnus and supporter of the program, expressed his enthusiasm for the new development. 

“I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to not only be a part of it but also see the opportunities that it’s going to bring for our families, for our children, and really, for our greater central Washington region,” Wright said.  

    The newly planned remodel of the Old Heat facility will feature the development of a business incubator, plus research and development, and technological training spaces to be used by entrepreneurs, businesses and industries throughout Central Washington.
 COURTESY PHOTO/CWU