Ellensburg, Washington

6 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 9, ISSUE 12 ELLENSBURG, WASHINGTON Historically a farming town, agriculture still provides the community’s number one export - Timothy hay. “We feed horses all across the country with Timothy hay, down to California, and across the world into Japan and Saudi Arabia,” she maintains. The city is also home to the Ellensburg Rodeo, one of the top rodeos in the United States. Celebrating 100 years this year, this event offers a connection to Ellensburg’s agricultural heritage and brings thousands of tourists to the community annually. On the manufacturing side, Behrends Cerniwey reports that food processing company Twin City Foods has been a part of Ellensburg for many years, and is “a staple in the community”, while Iron Horse Brewery, producers of craft beer, are an Ellensburg success story, and an employer with the capacity for regional distribution. The city is also working to attract distribution centers, and Lillquist stresses that the interest is there. “Being central to the state, not very far from the ports, and major highways, it has long been something that we’ve tried to take advantage of and it’s starting to pay off,” she says. Providing opportunities that keep graduates and young talent in the city and the region is top of mind, as Behrends Cerniwey recounts, “We’re working in collaboration with the county on creating a better employment base for students to not just come to learn here, but to stay and to grow their families.