WSCO Petroleum and the Local Economy

This evening, after consuming a couple glasses of red wine at Saginaw’s and enjoying conversation with Dan Meldrich, my friend and neighbor of 28 years, and Josh Wood, proprietor of the Bank at Saginaw’s, I had the good fortune of running into, and enjoying a great conversation with, Gene Tish and Shauna DelaMare, of WSCO Petroleum.

I hope all of those who call the Elma community home recognize the great things that Gene, Shuana, and their boss, Glenn Zirkle, have done for Elma.

WSCO, for those who don’t know, has constructed the Elma Microtel Inn and Suites hotel, as well as owning and operating the recently re-branded Gateway Exxon and operating the S. 3^rd St. Exxon station.

Not only has WSCO invested multiple millions of dollars in Elma but the company is populated by very bright, entirely unassuming folks of wonderful humor. The WSCO folks see opportunity in Elma that most folks in Elma, I believe, don’t realize.

I think WSCO’s investment in Elma’s first hotel will encourage further development of the Elma area economy. The hotel should enjoy a symbiotic relationship with the Grays Harbor Fairgrounds. The hotel should encourage more bookings of Fairground events, and the Fairgrounds will provide business to the hotel.

“Elma's fortuitous location at the interchange of State Routes 8 and 12, providing ready access to the Interstate 5 corridor to both the North and South; its modern utility infrastructure, including a state of the art sewage treatment facility and two fiber optic pipelines; great school district; competent, reliable workforce; abounding natural beauty; and an excellent quality of life bode well for Elma's economic future.” (This paragraph has been stolen from the City of Elma web site, but since I wrote it I guess it’s OK.)

WSCO Petroleum has demonstrated great confidence in the future of the economy of our community and I think we sould all take heed.