Reflections on the December 3rd Community Mixer: Connecting with Heart, Shaping Our Future

On December 3rd, we gathered as a community for the EDC’s mixer under the theme Connecting with Heart: Shaping Our Future. We were thrilled to welcome over 30 attendees, each bringing unique perspectives, talents, and ideas to share. The event was designed not only to foster networking but also to gather valuable insights about the needs, aspirations, and opportunities in Jefferson County.

The evening began with Cindy Brooks, EDC's ED, welcoming all and introducing new staff members, Nick Walker (Finance and Engagement Manager), Patty Schmucker (Business Advisor), and Laura Brooks (Operations and Communications Manager).

The evening began with Danny Milholland, from The Production Alliance and Skillmation, who shared a connection exercise with the group and a pitch for the Jefferson County Connectivity Summit, March 7-9th, 2025.

One of our event sponsors, Kristin Manwaring from Manwaring Insurance, spoke briefly about the difficulties of navigating the health insurance landscape and how her mission is to help individuals and small businesses access the best information possible in order to make informed decisions.

Through activities like the Gallery Walk of Connection Boards, participants also engaged with questions, sharing their thoughts. Here are the key themes that emerged...

Talents and Gifts - Participants shared a wide range of skills and offerings that they bring to the community, including:

• Flowers and DIY workshops

• Grant writing expertise to fund meaningful causes

• A spirit of curiosity

• Wedding event coordination

• Initiation and activation of community efforts

• Community event planning and cultivating beauty

• Asking compelling questions

• Accounting and business support

These contributions illustrate the richness of talent in Jefferson County.

What We Want to Learn from Others - Participants expressed interest in learning from others in areas such as:

• Business structures and nonprofit formation.

• More college classes and opportunities for lifelong learning.

• Personal stories and insights about community members.

• Resilience, life skills, and sustainable living tips.

• Creative and online marketing strategies.

• How to make promotional videos using smartphones.

• Understanding grant options and effective marketing strategies.

Local Institutions We Value - The community expressed care for and reliance on local institutions, including:

• Locally owned businesses and farms.

• The EDC, LION, and Jefferson Healthcare/Hospital.

• North Olympic Salmon Coalition and Main Street programs.

• The Food Co-op and Peninsula College.

• Cultural hubs like Centrum, Fort Worden, and Northwinds Art Center.

• Initiatives supporting health, food security, tribal rights, and eco-restoration.

• Our farms, food bank, global earth repair, and United Earth Network.

What Defines Jefferson County’s Unique Character -

• A place of compassion, creativity, and connection.

• Defined by a willingness to help and welcoming acceptance.

• Home to unique individuals, ideas, and eccentric businesses.

• Characterized by unashamed rustic vibes and creativity.

What Conversations We Should Advance - 

• Sustainable development and circular economy principles.

• Exploring regenerative economy frameworks.

• Supporting arts, crafts, farms, and festivals.

• Structuring nonprofits and leadership training.

• Marketing Jefferson County nationally and expanding academic institutions.

• Building county-wide infrastructure and ensuring inclusivity across all regions.

• Fostering emotional intelligence and leadership training.

• Encouraging connectivity between downtown businesses and beyond, highlighting specific local areas.

Our Response

At EDC, listening is our first priority—but we know that listening alone is not enough. We are committed to taking meaningful action based on community feedback. Below is an overview of initiatives we are currently undertaking in response to the ideas shared with us:

Hosting Focused Workshops and Trainings

We are currently running two monthly in-person programs:

• Monthly Marketing Lab with Kim Carver: A hands-on program teaching business owners essential marketing skills.

• Jefferson County Farmers Market Winter Business Series with Patty Schmucker: A free series focused on sustainable business practices to support the growth and resilience of local food, farm, and maker businesses. (Program includes weekly, drop-in cohort meetings for deep dives on topics, peer-to-peer learning, and group coaching.)

 Based on recent feedback, we’ve heard strong interest in leadership and accounting training.

We’d love your input! What topics are you most interested in? What days and times work best for your schedule? Would you prefer weekend seminars, in-person trainings, webinars, or on-demand content?

Celebrating Community Contributions

We currently shine a spotlight on community members through quarterly mixers, newsletters, and social media. To further amplify the incredible work happening in Jefferson County, we’re planning more storytelling, member profiles, and the development of a robust business directory (currently in progress!).

Strengthening County-Wide Connectivity

We’re dedicated to fostering stronger connections across the county. This includes:

• Hosting Quarterly Mixers for networking and resource sharing.

• Planning monthly convenings and workshops in the west end in 2025.

• Developing initiatives to bridge gaps between regions within Jefferson County, including partnerships like Business Bridge.

Keeping the Conversation Alive - To keep the conversation going, we invite you to share additional ideas and feedback by phone, email, in person, and via our membership portal. Join us at future mixers and events to continue shaping our shared future. Participate in upcoming workshops and initiatives as we turn insights into action.

Together, we can navigate change with heart and intention, ensuring a resilient future for Jefferson County. Thank you to everyone who contributed their time, energy, and ideas. We look forward to building on this foundation in the months to come.Title