The economic strides made by Pullman and Washington State University since 2012 are closely intertwined, said Dan Bernardo, interim provost and executive vice president of WSU.

At the Pullman Chamber of Commerce luncheon Jan. 14, Bernardo spoke encouragingly about the growth of WSU and the greater Pullman area.

“There’s no question that we have a synergetic relationship between WSU and Pullman,” Bernardo said. “This synergy is critical to our success, and I think it’s obvious that our success contributes to the economic and cultural success of the Pullman community.”                                                          

In 2012, WSU broke its record for the highest enrollment to date, and in 2013 achieved its second-highest enrollment in history.

Paul Sturm, Pullman School District superintendent, said local schools are seeing large expansions as well.

“In the last five years our school enrollment has increased by at least 10 percent,” Sturm said.

WSU retiree Barbara Petura attended the luncheon and said the economic success of WSU is important in helping support the community. She expressed hope that there is still room for growth.

“I was really excited to learn about the general enrollment projection and that WSU is on track to possibly match the 2012 student enrollment, because that really is good for Pullman,” Petura said.

Bernardo also mentioned the continuing and recently completed construction projects on and around the WSU campus, including Northside Residence Hall, the WSU Visitor’s Center, the Football Operations Building, and the Marriott Hotel. He said all of these projects will continue to contribute to the Pullman economy.

Other expansions addressed by Bernardo included the pending additions of over 100 new faculty members in the WSU system, as well as a salary program for faculty for the first time since 2009.

Bernardo said the salary program is not from state dollars, but rather self-financed by the university.

He also noted recent recognitions and accomplishments of WSU, including the $40 million grant received for biofuel research, WSU’s online MBA program being ranked as best in the nation by U.S. News and World Report for 2012, and other agricultural development grants.

WSU President Elson S. Floyd was scheduled to speak at the luncheon, but cancelled upon being called to Olympia on university business.

Executive Director of the Pullman Chamber of Commerce Marie Dymkoski hosted the event, which was attended by a variety of Pullman community members.  Representatives from Pullman Regional Hospital, Whitman County Library, and various Pullman businesses made appearances, as well as Pullman Mayor and Voice of the Cougs Glenn A. Johnson.