| Published by the Port of Walla Walla | 2015 |
Port buys downtown Alder Street building, uses space to create Walla Walla offices for Seattle-based software company |
|||||
| Port of Walla Walla Commission President Ron Dunning has announced the Port’s successful recruitment of an international computer software development company to downtown Walla Walla. Officials of Ingeniux, headquartered in Seattle, say the firm will lease a portion of the former Misbehaven Salon building at 115 West Alder. The site, recently purchased by the Port, will initially provide offices for five to ten employees beginning in January, 2016. Dunning said that if the Walla Walla office develops into a location where Ingeniux employees want to work and live, more jobs will be created and Ingeniux may eventually lease or purchase the entire building. In addition to Seattle, the Walla Walla location will join other Ingeniux satellite offices in New York City and Paris, France. |
“We were looking for an innovative approach to locating our regional development office and the Port showed real leadership in putting together
|
Jim Edmunds, President and CEO of Ingeniux commented, “As part of our company’s strategy to retain and recruit talented employees, we believe offering employees an option to live and work in a vibrant rural community like Walla Walla is a great long term business strategy.” Port Commission Vice President Mike Fredrickson said Ingeniux looked at a number of locations in the Pacific Northwest, ultimately selecting Walla Walla. “The Port Commissioners and staff did a great job presenting Walla Walla as a place where we can build and sustain a long-term development presence,” said Edmunds. Port Commissioner Peter Swant adds, “Recruiting a software development company to Walla Walla could be the start of growing a software cluster. This is a rapidly growing industry sector and is a good fit for Walla Walla. These are well paying jobs that will enhance Walla Walla’s economy.” |
After 30 years in the industry, Port of WW Executive Director announces plans to retire
| As of June 2016, the Port’s Executive Director Jim Kuntz will have served 30 years in the Port Industry. This includes three years at the Port of Benton and the last 27 years at the Port of Walla Walla. He has announced his plans to retire in June. The Port of Walla Walla is considered one of the most active and successful Ports in the State. Kuntz has worked for eight different Port Commissioners during his tenure. He said the Port Commission has provided excellent strategic guidance and funding necessary to complete a host of significant economic development projects. |
Kuntz also thanked the dedicated Port and Airport staff. “They work hard and take a great deal of pride in their work. It shows in the appearance of Port and Airport properties and the economic development projects that have resulted in new jobs and private investments.” Kuntz said it has been an honor and privilege to have worked with such a motivated team of Port Commissioners and staff. |