The follow is a copy of the speech that executive director David Bricka gave about the Gateway Center Property for the UW Branch CampusComments for Open Forum for UW Branch Campus
McIntyre Hall
by: David Bricka
15 August 2007

My name is David Bricka and I am the executive director of the S-W chamber of commerce. On behalf of the board of directors, I want to place on the record our unanimous support for the location of a University of Washington branch campus at the North Cascades Gateway Center.

Thank you for being here this evening to discuss the site selection process. The Business Round Table held yesterday was very informative. It was exciting to hear the process from Deb Merle and Lee Huntsman, and that the top priority in the process is what is best for the students.

So, with that in mind, of all the sites you are considering, the North Cascades Gateway Center should rise to the top. There are tree lined streets and mature Olmsted style landscaping, beautiful vistas and views and dramatic historic mission style architecture. This space would be a sanctuary and refuge as students from all over the area would gather to learn. It would make them feel like they were 1,000 miles away. The reality and very cool thing is that at the end of the day, these students from Snohomish and Island County could hop on the dedicated UDUB Skat Line; be at Skagit Station in 20 minutes where their connecting UDUB Amtrak train would whisk them home to their families.

This historic site is developed with utilities including fiber optic links, sewer, water, cable and internet capability. The complete listing is noted in the proposal packet.

The traffic issue in Snohomish County was mentioned yesterday in the roundtable. This is a serious ongoing problem for residents of Skagit and Island County and has been for years. I believe many potential students would opt not to travel south because of this very issue.

Now, a little bit of history:

The S-W Chamber of Commerce was formed in 1914 by a group of innovative and forward thinking business leaders. Our Mission is: Partnering with the community to promote business. Our Vision is: Establish partnerships and communication with the City, Businesses, and the Community. This would fit nicely with the Experiential Learning Model that was discussed yesterday.

You see, there is a spirit of hard work and innovation in Sedro-Woolley that started as soon as people in the last two centuries forged their way in the logging and related industries. We are lucky that world renowned photographer Darius Kinsey chronicled the region when his studio was located right here in town. The historic NCGC site once the home to Northern State Hospital was full of innovators and leaders that followed the mission and vision of the chamber.

Today, and from the inception, S-W based businesses have been and are on the cutting edge of technology. Students would be able to participate in Active Learning Models with a wide range of community innovators committed to higher education.

Some of them that I envision participating would be:

• Rothenbuler Engineering, a local company founded in 1946 that developed the Talkie Tooter radio system. It still leads the logging industry radio market in both the United States and Canada. They also produce sophisticated electronic products.
• Snelson Company Inc. continues to be innovative in the pipeline construction and maintenance industry.
• Janicki Industries, Inc. is a leader in composite tooling. Their work is known world wide and some of their clients include the Boeing Company and Lockheed Martin. They are located across the street from the North Cascades Gateway Center. Lisa Janicki went on record yesterday in favor of this relationship.
• Skagit Surveyors and Engineers: Principal Louis Requa also is in favor of this relationship and made a similar commitment.
• Seven Sisters, Incorporated is a major force in the electrical market. The seven daughters of William Snelson purchased his electrical contracting business in 1980 and since then they have been honored by their industry.

Here is a fun fact for you the next time you are at Safeco Field, the aluminum ball players created by artist Ries Neimi were fabricated right in S-W at Jet Point Technologies using state of the art water cutting procedures.

We are home to the

• Regional office of the Department of Natural Resources
• The North Cascades National Parks Headquarters
• The North Cascades Institute
• The Upper Skagit Indian Tribe

I envision great community partnerships established with the many regional industries including tenants at the Port of Skagit County, and the oil refining industry based in Anacortes.

Other businesses that I am sure would forge and establish relationship with student learning groups would be:

• Broadcast Tools
• Aroma Creations
• American Pole
• Truss Engineering
• Small Planet Foods, and
• Skagit Transit

There would be a partnership established with Skagit Valley College. This institution is well known for its academic standards of excellence. Skagit Valley College would be the interim site while the permanent site was finalized.

Let me offer a couple of thoughts about this stunning facility that holds a special place for me: McIntyre Hall Performing Arts and Conference Center.

Sedro-Woolley native Jack McIntyre and his wife Shirley donated 6 million dollars to create a Public Facilities District modeled after the one used to construct Safeco Field so this world class space could be constructed. It was designed by LMN Architects, the same firm that created Benaroya Hall.

Jack had that spirit of hard work and innovation that I spoke of earlier. You see, in 1917, his family assumed managing control of Sedro-Woolley based Skagit Steel and Iron Works. They revolutionized the steel fabrication industry and were key leaders in the industry for many years.

He was my boss for four years, and I tell you if he were still alive, he probably would be here tonight telling you why you should come to Sedro-Woolley.
And as a musician, every time I perform on the stage in the hall, I think of Jack and Shirley and their gift to the valley.

Finally, the financial and fiduciary responsibility must be addressed. The fact that this is a State owned site with major development already established should be a key factor in your decision.

By selecting this site, you can be assured that the spirit of hard work and innovation will continue in Sedro-Woolley.

Thank You