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When you remember Paul Schneidmiller is the owner of World Wide Travel, there aren’t many surprises on his list of “favorite things” during his 13-year experience as a Port of Walla Walla Commissioner.
Schneidmiller was appointed to the Port’s governing body in 2000 to fill a vacancy left when then Commissioner Wes Colley made a job-related move to Spokane.
His first introduction to Port policies and politics involved the construction of the new Walla Walla Regional Airport terminal building, an experience he described as “rewarding.”
After winning election to the Port position in 2001 and again in 2007, Schneidmiller was “hooked” by efforts to four-lane U.S. Highway 12 between Walla Walla and
Tri-Cities and the retention of commercial air service (Alaska Airlines).
Both projects involved leadership roles.
As a participant in the U.S. Highway 12 Coalition, Schneidmiller was aggressive in supporting efforts to obtain funding for improvements to the heavily traveled route. As of 2013, six of eight phases of the project have been completed.
At the airport, retention of Alaska Airlines service between Walla Walla and Seattle has been particularly successful,” Schneidmiller says. “Thanks to the work of our Air TravelCoalition, Alaska is experiencing regular monthly increases in both inbound and outbound passenger counts.”
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In the midst of all that moves,
Schneidmiller was heavily involved in
the Railex and Railex Wine Service
Center at Wallula, supported construction
of the airport’s Wine Incubator buildings, part of a state-recognized Port program
that encourages start-up companies,
and was instrumental in recruiting Cliffstar Corporation with its more
than 50 jobs.
During his multiple terms, Schneidmiller served five years as Port president, including 2007 when the Port of Walla Walla was selected Washington State Port of the Year in recognition of its successful economic development initiatives.
He also was president
of the Washington Public Ports Association.
Schneidmiller maintains that while overall economic development is a key Port objective his highest priority has been on the retention of existing business and industry and maintaining payrolls that are already in place.
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Relocating manufacturing plants and service industries is highly competitive, especially for markets the size of Walla Walla,” Schneidmiller explains. “I believe the Port can provide more meaningful support and enjoy more success by protecting and growing the payrolls we have.”
“If I’m leaving any legacy, that’s it,” he emphasized. “I take particular pride in the work we’ve done to generate a solid economic environment for all of Walla Walla County.” |
Peter Swant, WW native set to fill Port Commission vacancy |
Peter Swant says it may be “destiny” that he becomes a Port of Walla Walla Commissioner in January, 2014.
The lifelong Walla Walla resident filed for election to the post when he learned that Commissioner Paul Schneidmiller was stepping down. After waiting out the filing period, Swant found himself without an opponent. With no campaigning to work through, he’s already sharing serious thoughts about his coming responsibilities.
“It seems like I’ve always been interested in what the Port is doing,” Swant explains.
“I remember listening to my Dad talk about Port activity and I wanted to know more about it even back then.”
Swant was for 25 years personally involved in his family’s businesses; Wade’s Grocery, Foxy Flowers, and the Conoco gas station. He then earned credentials as an insurance agent and later, in 2001 began his real estate career with Coldwell Banker First Realtors in Walla Walla. An award-winning agent, Swant has served as President and Board member of the Walla Walla Association of Realtors. He’s also been active in the Walla Walla High School Big Blue Boosters, chaired the WW Public Schools Citizens for Schools
Committee and headed the Realtor’s Care & Share food drives.
Swant and his wife, Anne have five children ages 11 to 27.
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