PORT TOWNSEND, WA – July 18, 2025 — The Quimper Events Collective is proud to announce it has been selected as one of just six organizations statewide to receive a 2025 Technical Assistance Grant from State of Washington Tourism (SWT). Out of 23 applicants, QEC was chosen to receive funding for its innovative Hospitality Workforce Development & Training Program, which aims to provide foundational hospitality and visitor service skills to youth and adults in East Jefferson County.
This competitive statewide grant program awarded a total of $75,000 across six projects that demonstrated clear potential to stimulate tourism-driven economic development. QEC’s award will directly support the creation and implementation of a hands-on hospitality training program focused on customer engagement, local tourism literacy, key skill areas and industry-recognized certifications. As a grassroots nonprofit committed to supporting local events and destination promotion, the Collective aims to address workforce gaps by developing skill-building programs that serve both current workers and future jobseekers.
“We are thrilled and honored to be recognized by State of Washington Tourism for our vision and capacity to deliver meaningful workforce development in our rural destination community,” said Alexis Arrabito, founder and president of Quimper Events Collective. “By providing targeted training and development, we hope to elevate the quality of visitor experiences while creating new pathways into the hospitality industry for local residents.”
State of Washington Tourism’s Technical Assistance Grants are designed to subsidize the cost of industry-specific expertise for projects that support economic development in destination communities. The funding will allow Quimper Events Collective to provide customer service training and industry certifications, establish employer partnerships, and launch training efforts aligned with local business needs.
As part of its collaborative approach, Quimper Events Collective plans to work with community partners to enhance place-based training and real-world application for program participants. By aligning and working in tandem with local tourism-related businesses across East Jefferson County, QEC aims to cultivate a knowledgeable, service-ready workforce that reflects the values and character of our destination. These partnerships will ensure participants not only build practical skills, but also develop an authentic understanding of the region’s offerings, creating more meaningful connections with visitors and strengthening the workforce pipeline for the community’s hospitality businesses.
Quimper Events Collective invites those interested to get involved and contribute in-kind or monetary funding to help develop and expand the program’s reach. Community support will be essential in sustaining and growing the initiative beyond the grant timeline, ensuring a lasting investment in a skilled, service-oriented workforce. “We hope this initiative is just the beginning and we can use this foundation to build a stronger, more inclusive tourism economy—one where every visitor feels welcome and every resident has the opportunity to thrive.”
For more information about the Hospitality Workforce Training initiative and to contribute feedback on curriculum development, visit: quimpereventscollective.com/hospitality.
About Quimper Events Collective
Quimper Events Collective is a 501(c)(6) grassroots, volunteer-based organization dedicated to positioning the Quimper Peninsula as a premier event, wedding and travel destination. By showcasing the region’s top event professionals and fostering a strong, inclusive community, we support local businesses while elevating the Olympic Peninsula’s event industry. Through networking, education, and professional development, we empower our 65+ members with resources, skill-building opportunities, and a centralized online directory connecting clients with trusted local vendors. Learn more at quimpereventscollective.com.
