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Hotel Registration
The Workforce and Economic Development Conference is in Spokane at the historic Davenport Hotel, October 27 - October 29, 2009 and is hosted by the Workforce Training & Education Coordinating Board and Department of Commerce.

Preconference events -- October 27, 2009

PLEASE NOTE CHECK IN TIMES. All events include lunch and all tours include transportation. Registration for these tours are now closed. If you have questions or do want to sign up, please contact: ychase@wtb.wa.gov .

1. Triumph Composite Systems & Aviation Mechanics Tour – CHECK IN: 9:30 A.M. October 27 at conference registration table, second floor of Davenport Hotel. Using the latest in electronic digital data and machining, Triumph specializes in the manufacturing of complete, ready to drop-in floor panels and other aviation components.  After a general overview of the company, you'll tour the facilities, including manufacturing, procurement and engineering.  Then go to Felts Field, a private airport with an aviation maintenance department which has benefitted from strong ties with Spokane Community College's aviation maintenance technology  program.
2. Wagstaff Manufacturing/Spokane Community College Tour –CHECK IN: 10 A.M. October 27 at conference registration table, second floor of Davenport Hotel. Founded in 1946 to service the needs of Washington’s aluminum producers, Wagstaff now supplies aluminum producers in 54 countries. Walk the shop floor with CEO Paul May and see how Wagstaff uses its highly skilled workforce to innovate and compete globally. Then visit Spokane Community College’s Technical Education Department where you will see first-hand the connection training and Wagstaff’s success.
3. WSU Nursing School/St. Luke's Hospital Tour -  CHECK IN: 10 A.M. October 27 at conference registration table, second floor of Davenport Hotel. Learn how technology is changing the field of nursing and health care. Visit Washington State University Nursing School’s new state-of-the-art training facility, observe and talk with practicing nurses and other health practitioners at St. Luke’s Hospital. Sit in on a live telemedicine session between a rural hospital and an urban health center.
4. Avista/Gonzaga: Maintaining the Electricity Grid Tour – CHECK IN: 9:45 A.M. October 27 at conference registration table, second floor of Davenport Hotel. See what it takes to maintain an electrical grid by touring the Avista lineman training facility, where in conjunction with Spokane Community College, the next generation of line workers are trained. Then visit Gonzaga’s School of Engineering, where in addition to learning about the career pathways and outlook of engineering students, you'll take part in a hands-on activity that demonstrates the education style of the program.
5. Fairchild Air Force Base Tour -CHECK IN: 9:30 A.M. October 27 at conference registration table, second floor of Davenport Hotel. Take a trip to Fairchild Air Force Base and get a rare look at Cascade Aviation. You will get a comprehensive tour of the base, meet the base commander, eat lunch at the chow hall and learn about how this important installation interacts and serves the regional economy.
6. Vocational Rehabilitation / Recovery Act Session with Tour of Project Search - CHECK IN FOR TOUR PORTION: 9:30 A.M. October 27 at conference registration table, second floor of Davenport Hotel. This pre-conference session brings together the many partners involved in how Washington is dedicating its nearly $9 million in Recovery Act dollars to preserving and enhancing mid to high wage jobs for Division of  Vocational Rehabilitation customers. This session also includes an optional morning tour that  features Project SEARCH.  Observe how Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center taps into an overlooked talent pool -- people with disabilities -- by replicating a successful business model that provides education and on-the-job training.

Most of the tours were arranged by Greater Spokane Inc., a conference sponsor