Richard Batdorf, Director of Research & Development, takes aim in test of Martin Archery’s newest bow design. (Photo by Donna Lasater)

After the first year, new ownership
team has Martin Archery on target...

     A year ago, Martin Archery was an historic, local family-owned business that had “fallen on hard times.” That’s when the Port of Walla Walla purchased the 60-year-old company’s site and leased the operation to Martin Sports, Inc. in a move that Port Commissioners said was to return the bow-manufacturing company to “profitability and increased employment.”
     After a year of rebuilding, Martin officials say they’re ready to again be a significant player in the market for high-quality bows and related equipment.
     “Our major accomplishment in the past year has been upgrading our product line and
putting in place infrastructure as a platform for future growth,” said Adrian Brown, chief
financial officer for the new owners. “We’ve been successful in bringing modern technology to the design and manufacture of our bows.”
     Brown says the market place still recognizes the Martin brand and its products have a high demand. Future sales goals include gaining higher acceptance among the estimated 3,000 independent archery equipment stores, increasing penetration of “big box” stores and developing international markets including Japan, Australia and Europe.
     “We’re also excited about new markets,” Brown said. Examples include growing archery interest among women and an increasing number of “bow fishermen”...a group that includes a younger demographic than typical bow hunting and target shooting competitions.
     “Among the achievements we’re most proud of is rebuilding our payroll to more than 50 compared to the dozen who worked here when we started,” Brown announced. “And we’re particularly proud that some 75% of our employees are returnees from Martin’s original worker base.”

Port joins economic development alliance

     The Port of Walla Walla, as the lead economic development agency in Walla Walla County, has joined the World Economic Development Alliance (WEDA).
     WEDA is a national alliance of economic developers that supplies its members with industrial leads, comprehensive ongoing marketing and exclusive access to trade shows.
     “The Port of Walla Walla felt that we are at the stage where membership in WEDA will be an excellent tool for us to help fill gaps in our marketing and industrial recruitment efforts,” said Jim Kuntz, Port Executive Director.
     “Walla Walla is one of the gems of the Pacific Northwest,” says Eric Kleinsorge, CEO of WEDA. “We’re proud that we are able to assist the Port as it works to create new jobs and facilitate new private sector investment.”

Walla Walla attorney becomes in-house counsel for Port

     Long time Walla Walla attorney Tom Baffney has been named “in-house legal counsel” for the Port of Walla Walla. The appointment became effective on November 3, 2014.
     Baffney, who has served as the Port’s outside legal counsel for many years, was a partner in the Walla Walla firm of Reese, Baffney, Frol and Grossman, which closed in October.
     Port Commission President Ron Dunning says the District will benefit from Baffney’s extensive knowledge of Port and Airport operations and laws that govern Port Districts.
     “Tom has helped guide us through a host of successful economic development projects,” Dunning said. “The Port Commission is pleased he has accepted our offer. His 40 years of law practice, involvement on numerous local boards and his interest in seeing his hometown continue to prosper economically will serve the Port and its constituents well.”
     Baffney’s position will be part time and his office will be in the Port’s Administration Building at the Airport.

Record passenger counts help assure WW Regional Airport service

     Walla Walla Regional Airport is expected to set another record in 2014 for travel on board Alaska Airlines.
     Air travel officials predict passenger boardings will reach 36,000 for fiscal year 2014, a total that’s 10% above last year’s “best ever” and a new record for the Walla Walla Regional Airport.
     The passengers totals are an impressive measure of the results of a recently completed two year promotional program funded by a $250,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation and a $50,000 contribution by the Port of Walla Walla.
     Port Commission President Ron Dunning says travelers from Walla Walla to Seattle and connections beyond are utilizing Alaska Air service whenever possible.
     “The increasing passenger count is having a significant impact and contributes to the preservation of commercial air service in the Walla Walla Valley,” Dunning said. “We thank the community for its response.”