Ritzville makes good impression on utility group

Last week, Big Bend Electric Co-op hosted a BPA utility conservation roundtable at the Wheat Growers Annex. Over 40 people from Portland, eastern Oregon, Walla Walla, Tri-Cities, Prosser, Ellensburg, Spokane and Moses Lake attended the two-day meeting.

After the Monday session, a group of about 25 went to the Depot Museum for a tour of the historic structure. L.R. Keith spent about a half hour talking to the group about trains and telegraphs. These people were very impressed with our museum and appreciated the time L.R. spent telling them about this history.

We then went to dinner at Big Bend Bowl and enjoyed a great meal. The group was treated very well as usual. Around 25 of the attendees also stayed at the Bronco Inn. Everyone I chatted with were very pleased with the accommodations, breakfast and how friendly everyone was there.

On Tuesday we wrapped up the meeting and had a catered lunch delivered by the Greenside Café and again everyone was impressed with the great meal.

As we talked later several people stated that they would love to come back to Ritzville for another roundtable meeting. They understood that the economic impact for a small town is far greater than what is to a larger community. They really appreciated the great hospitality of Ritzville.

I have a great respect for Ritzville and it is nice to know that my colleagues in the utility world think it’s a great place too!

Dale Anderson, Ritzville