PORT TOWNSEND — Congressman Derek Kilmer stressed the importance of bringing technology to rural areas in general, and Port Townsend in particular, as he met with area entrepreneurs.
“I’m a firm believer in making sure that rural communities have access to technology,” Kilmer said Tuesday after meeting with about 10 people at the Port Townsend CoLab at 237 Taylor St.
“The only way to overcome geography is with technology.”
Kilmer’s appearance was informal and unadvertised and lasted about an hour as he had an in-the-round discussion with members of the CoLab, the co-working space that opened in May 2013.
Kilmer’s staff had requested the meeting, saying the Democrat from Gig Harbor was curious about its operation.
“Getting an understanding about the CoLab’s space, what happens here and how it happens, was really valuable,” said Kilmer whose 6th Congressional District includes the North Olympic Peninsula.
“In a community where small business is a big player and innovative entrepreneurs benefit from a support network, I come away really excited about this and eager to be a partner wherever I can.”
Kilmer heard that one need is an upgrade to Internet service.
Retired WSU Extension director Katherine Baril said that many people want to live in East Jefferson County but are discouraged by a network that can barely support teleconferencing, which is one of the essential tools for a business operating in a remote area.
As examples, Baril pointed to two Port Townsend residents, one working for the Gates Foundation and the other for Amazon, who have told her they may return to Seattle.
“Both of them are thinking of leaving because they can’t do video teleconferencing,” she said.
Baril said those who are committed to stay in the county are often frustrated.
She mentioned an entrepreneur who “has a great website but has never seen it because it won’t load.”
CoLab co-owner Heather Dudley Nollette said a solid connection for video teleconferencing is needed.
“We know there are people who can innovate and create and start new business but they need a network connection,” she said.
Dudley Nolette said that many people have multiple jobs, “wearing 15 different hats,” who are creative and active but are considered to be unemployed because they don’t hold down a single job.
Kilmer said that many of today’s workers switch jobs during their lifetimes as opposed to staying in a single position for their entire career.
“The days are over where a person goes to the same job for 50 years,” he said.
“People have multiple jobs so they wonder where their healthcare comes from, and where their pensions come from and how do you get paid sick leave.”
Kilmer thinks the government can provide some support.
“We need to have those policy conversations now because work looks different today,” he said.
Dudley Nollette is anxious for this support.
“If you can move the needle on some of these and provide some funding, there’s some amazing things that could happen,” she said.
Kilmer said there is no “silver bullet” that can result in economic growth and prosperity.
“It’s more like silver buckshot — here’s a bunch of stuff you need to get right such as technology, infrastructure and education,” he said.
“For geographically removed communities that are not on the I-5 corridor, small businesses run by innovative entrepreneurs are definitely where it’s at.”
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.