Join CDFA on October 13, 2015 for the first annual Washington Financing Roundtable Conference as we focus on "Unlocking Development Finance in the Evergreen State." This one-day event will feature economic development finance experts and leaders from around the state discussing innovative development finance tools and projects, emerging resources and approaches, and how these methods can catalyze investment in the Washington economy.

CDFA will host this specialized initiative for the economic development and project finance professionals in the state. The conference will be held at the Rainier Conference Center in Seattle and is supported by dozens of the state's finest development finance leaders. Register today to reserve your spot at the 2015 CDFA Washington Financing Roundtable Conference.

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The agenda is subject to change. Check this page regularly for confirmed speakers and other updates.

8:30 am

Registration Opens

9:00 - 10:00 am

Welcoming Remarks, Introduction & Legislative Update

The CDFA Washington Financing Roundtable is dedicated to developing a sustainable economic development finance industry for the state of Washington. A collection of finance leaders from across the state, the Roundtable brings together the development finance industry through education, news and research. The 2015 CDFA Washington Financing Roundtable Conference marks the first live event of this exciting initiative. Join industry experts and top development finance leaders as the Roundtable discusses the state’s economic development finance climate, access to capital opportunities and the prospect for economic advancement. In addition, find out what development finance topics are being discussed in the statehouse and any recent legislation that will have an impact on the economic development industry.

Speaker:

Katie Kramer
Vice President
Council of Development Finance Agencies

Duncan Brown
Senior Managing Consultant
Public Financial Management

10:00 - 10:45 am

Growing Globally: Trade Finance in Washington

Trading relationships today extend and encompass a broad range of geographical regions and companies. Small and medium-size enterprises are becoming more active in international commerce. In order to tap into this expanding market, it is important to understand the complex nature of the trade finance landscape. During this session, hear about trends in global trade and how Washington-based businesses can build the state’s economic by exploring new trading opportunities.

Speakers:

Jim Newton
International Trade Finance Specialist
SBA- Office of International Trade

Tim Rasmussen
VP,Trade Finance Relationship Manager
International Banking Group
Umpqua Bank

10:45 - 11:00 am

Networking Break

11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Navigating Washington's Constitutional Limitations for Economic Development Finance

Financial partners in economic development, cities and counties can invest public funds in a limited, but meaningful manner to promote industrial and commercial growth. Local government investment in the state of Washington is restricted by the state constitution under what is known as the lending of credit clause. Panelists in this session will discuss this constitutional framework, what is being done because of the limitations and how the industry is changing based on current and anticipated standards.

Speakers:

Marc Greenough
Member
Foster Pepper PLLC

Roy Koegen
Partner
Kutak Rock LLP

12:00 - 1:00 pm

State Programs Financing Luncheon

While most development finance programs are available throughout the nation, there are several unique financing programs available at the state level as well. During this session, officials from state organizations will discuss the past, present, and future of economic and community development in Washington. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear the latest information on each state’s new programs and initiatives for supporting growth in their communities

Speakers:

Rodney Wendt
Executive Director
Washington Economic Development Finance Authority

Jane Swanson
Business Loan Programs Manager
Washington Department of Commerce

1:00 - 2:30 pm

Infrastructure Finance for a Sustainable Future

Just as infrastructure development acts as a catalyst for economic growth, it is also changing the landscape for potential investors and the expanding field of infrastructure finance. Infrastructure systems for transportation, utilities, and public works are essential for economic growth and have quickly developed into an emerging alternative asset class. This session will be an opportunity to look at ways to leverage resources to finance infrastructure projects.

Speakers:

Janea Eddy
CERB Program Manager
Community Economic Revitalization Board

Rhys Roth
Director
Center for Sustainable Infrastructure at Evergreen State College

Steve Moddemeyer
Principal
CollinsWoerman

2:30 - 2:45 pm

Networking Break

2:45 - 3:45 pm

Development Finance in Washington's Rural Communities

Small towns and rural communities throughout Washington face unique development financing challenges and needs such as downtown revitalization, food systems, infrastructure and energy finance. This session will focus on recommended practices and innovative solutions to make financing economic development in these areas more effective.

Speaker:

John Berdes
President & CEO
Craft3

Paul Johnson
Special Project Representative
USDA Rural Development

3:45 - 4:30 pm

Making the Most of EB-5 in Washington

The EB-5 Program is a federal foreign direct investment, immigration, and regional economic development program that provides access to capital to U.S. businesses and creates American jobs at no expense to the American taxpayer. Use of the program has rapidly gained momentum in the last few years throughout the country, and Washington is no exception. Here, experts will share basics of the program, case studies and considerations for using this valuable tool in Washington.

Moderator:

David Bovee
Managing Director
Zenith Capital

Speakers:

David Andersson
President
Association to Invest In the USA (IIUSA)

Cletus Weber
Founder & Partner
Peng & Weber, PLLC

4:30 pm

Resources for Supporting Development Finance & Closing Remarks

There are hundreds of finance resources in the development finance toolbox, yet economic developers continue to rely on a select few. As we wrap up the 2015 CDFA Washington Financing Roundtable Conference, attendees will get a brief overview of the resources, tools, strategies and opportunities for supporting development finance in the Evergreen State.

Speaker:

Katie Kramer
Vice President
Council of Development Finance Agencies

4:30 pm

Networking Reception

The CDFA Washington Financing Roundtable is as much about education as it is about networking and engagement. Stay after the conference to enjoy a drink with fellow colleagues and sponsors along with CDFA staff.

Rainier Square Conference Center
3rd Floor of the Rainier Square Atrium
1333 5th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101

Directions
From Seattle-Tacoma International Airport:
Get on WA-518 E from Airport Expressway. Take I-5 N to 6th Avenue in Seattle. Take exit 165 from I-5 N. Continue on 6th Ave. Drive to 5th Avenue.

Parking
Parking is available in the Rainier Square Garage, located between 5th Avenue and 4th Avenue on Union Street.

Registration rates vary depending on whether you are a CDFA member or non-member.

Scholarships are available to attend this event. Learn more about the CDFA Scholarship Program, Presented by PFM and submit your application today.

Standard Rates CDFA Member: $125 Non-Member: $175

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