Port Commissioner John Creighton Announces Participation in 2012 Seattle Chamber Leadership Conference

MADISON, WI, November 10, 2012 (Press-News.org) Each year, the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce holds a leadership conference, bringing together leaders from all sectors of the local economy and asking them to work collaboratively to increase economic prosperity for the region. At this year's conference, participants were asked to determine how to create sustainable jobs and rebuild the economy. Port Commissioner John Creighton was honored with the final speaking slot at the conference.

According to John Creighton, Port of Seattle has been an economic growth engine for the region for the last 100 years. The Seattle Port Commission wanted to build on that legacy, and as a result, created a set of regional initiatives which they believe could add 100,000 new jobs over a period of 25 years. In his speech, Commissioner Creighton called upon the leaders in the room to work together to share ideas and work together to increase jobs in trade and tourism, two sectors which have significant potential growth prospects in Washington State.

"But our agenda is not to own these initiatives, it is to start and incubate them, so that they succeed for everyone in our region. This is much bigger than the Port of Seattle. It affects everyone in the region, and we believe the initiatives need to reflect that reality," he said.

Commissioner John Creighton also reminded participants that, in addition to its cargo operations, the Port saw a record 934,000 passengers pass through its cruise terminals in the summer of 2012, as well as a record 32.8 million passengers travel through Sea-Tac Airport in 2011. Tourism is Washington State's fourth biggest economic sector, and the Port has a role to play in keeping that tourism industry going strong. And yet, funding for tourism promotion is at risk, Commissioner Creighton warned.

"The Port has supported efforts to privatize statewide tourism promotion by helping fund the Washington Tourism Alliance, but stakeholders across the state have yet to step up." Port Commissioner John Creighton said. "I believe that we really are at a crisis point for the tourism sector in our state."

Using the 1962 World's Fair as a counterpoint, Commissioner Creighton hearkened back to a time when the business community came together to create an amazing array of exhibitions and build infrastructure that remains in place fifty years later, benefiting residents to this very day. It's the sort of collaborative spirit that needs to be replicated if we hope to grow our tourism economy to even greater levels.

"I know we share a common vision to keep our region dynamic, growing and livable. I also know that we represent organizations and governments that have their own challenges and needs. These initiatives can't replace those priorities," Port Commissioner John Creighton said. "But if done together, and with common purpose, our joint efforts should make your own priorities easier to achieve."

John Creighton, Port of Seattle Commissioner, was elected in 2005, and re-elected in 2009. He served as president from 2007 to 2008. For more information, please visit www.johncreighton.org.

Contact:

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