Retention and expansion of existing businesses are at the top of the list for the newly hired chief executive officer at Greater Grays Harbor Inc.
Dru Garson took the helm of the organization on Sept. 15 and brings with him experience and a familiarity with issues facing the Harbor.
Garson, originally of New York, spent the last 11 years in Juneau, Alaska, working for the Department of Commerce and Economic Development as a development specialist.
“I was looking for a new opportunity, and coming here there were similar issues I could work on to what I had worked on in Alaska,” Garson said.
In Alaska, Garson, 43, also worked to strengthen a natural resource-based economy, much like the economy supporting the Harbor.
Stepping into the position with Greater Grays Harbor, an organization that combines elements of a typical chamber of commerce and an economic development agency, meant added responsibilities, which Garson embraced.
“The opportunity to take on a leadership role by coming to Greater Grays Harbor was of interest to me,” he said.
Garson replaced former CEO Tim Gibbs who resigned in May to be closer to his family in Kentucky.
At recent council and commission meetings, Garson has been quick to say his tenure with the organization is relatively fresh, and rather than look at the past, he’s more interested in looking at and discussing the future.
What the future holds currently is not set in stone, and he shied away from details, saying he’d know more when the board nails down a budget in January, but he did offer some bullet points including retention of businesses on the Harbor and expansion of current businesses.
“We’re looking at ways to work with existing businesses to make them stronger,” he said.
Additionally, Greater Grays Harbor will look to attract not just new business, but new industries to the Harbor, he said.
“New industries will help bolster the economy,” Garson said.
One of the ways Garson plans to tackle the issue is by bringing on a business development position after the New Year.
“That person will help attract and recruit new businesses and opportunities throughout the county,” he said.
His vision extends into operations at the visitors center.
“At the visitor information center, I see our role as directing people to businesses in Grays Harbor,” he said. “We will be looking to convince visitors to overnight on the Harbor and spend money here while they’re on their way to the beaches and parks.”
Expenses and ideas sometimes are at odds with goals, and that’s one of the hurdles facing the organization.
“How do you grow an economy with limited resources?” he said. “And that’s the case with most communities.”
Nothing happens overnight, and everything is contingent upon the upcoming budget, but Garson is optimistic about the future of the organization and Grays Harbor in general.
For those with ideas or concerns, Garson has an open-door policy.
“I want people to know that I’m available and that I want to learn about any potential projects that can help Grays Harbor,” he said.
For information or to schedule an appointment with Garson, call Greater Grays Harbor at 532-7888.
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