Sean C. Morgan
Six candidates are running for five seats during the annual Sweet Home Economic Development Group membership meeting.
The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, at the Sweet Home Police Department in the training room.
“You will hear all about what’s happening in 2013 as well as get the opportunity to vote for board members,” said Carly Erickson, SHEDG administrative assistant.
Voting requires current membership, which will cost $15 at the meeting.
Two board members are not returning, Erickson said. Tom Albert, a snowbird, resigned from the board in December, while Mike J. Adams has chosen not to run again.
Incumbents running to retain their seats include Jo Anne McQueary, Rachel Kittson-MaQatish and John Wittwer. Also running for seats are Mike Hall, Scott McKee Jr. and Joe Graybill.
Potentially, two more candidates could run, Erickson said, and interested members may also join the ballot during the annual meeting.
The top five candidates win three-year terms on the board. McQueary was appointed to her seat to replace Elmer Riemer when he resigned in late 2012. Her position’s term expires in two years.
During the meeting, SHEDG staff and representatives will provide updates on SHEDG’s activities.
“Brian (Hoffman, economic development director) is going to give us a 2012 review,” Erickson said. “Same with Erin (Regrutto, Oregon Jamboree festival director). They are going to discuss the second festival that will be produced for 2014. Erin is going to share a little about that.”
SHEDG formed in 1989 to provide leadership in creating an economic development plan to overcome severe reductions in timber revenues.
It owns and operates the Ore-gon Jamboree annually, drawing visitors to Sweet Home, to raise funds for its economic development and charitable projects, such as the Sweet Home Active Revitalization Effort, the commercial exterior improvement program and more. SHEDG is planning a second music festival in indie music in 2014 as part of its continuing effort.
For more information about SHEDG, contact Erickson at (541) 367-3061.