BREMERTON — The Kitsap Economic Development Alliance honored two local Economic Development champions for their outstanding service to KEDA and their many contributions to Kitsap County.

Retired Kitsap Bank CEO Jim Carmichael and Poulsbo City Councilman Ed Stern were recognized March 21 during KEDA’s annual meeting at the Kitsap Golf and Country Club.

Carmichael, who was presented with the “Economic Development Lifetime Achievement Award,”

has served on the KEDA Board of Directors for more than 25 years, and recently retired from Kitsap Bank.

He was praised for his outstanding leadership, support of the Alliance and commitment to promoting economic development in Kitsap County.

“Through thick and thin; our Alliance could always rely on Jim to stand up, lead by example, and call others to action in the spirit of pursuing a rising economic tide for all throughout Kitsap County,” said KEDA Executive Director, John Powers

Stern was also recognized as KEDA’s “Economic Development Champion of the Year.”.

KEDA Board Member and Poulsbo Mayor Becky Erickson who presented the award to Stern, noted he has been particularly active on several economic development fronts this past year, with impact at a local, regional, and statewide level.

“Ed serves as chair of the Central Puget Sound Economic Development District, and was responsible for spearheading a large and active delegation of Kitsap leaders in crafting the new Regional Economic Strategy,” said Erickson. “ He championed the Association of Washington Cities efforts to pursue creative new economic development financing tools for local governments, and provided key leadership in expanding access to telecommunications infrastructure in Kitsap.”

For more on the meeting, visit www.kitsapconnected.org.