Ridgefield to get “super clinic”
medical center complex on I-5

Only four days after the official opening of the Firstenburg Tower at the center’s Mill Plain Campus, officials from Southwest Washington Medical Center today announced in Ridgefield the acquisition of 75 acres just off I-5 at the Ridgefield junction.

Not for a hospital, at least not now, the acquisition of land is instead for an ambulatory “super clinic” being designed to serve north Clark County and south Cowlitz County, in particular the rapidly growing urban areas of Ridgefield and Battle Ground.

The 75-acre parcel, to be called Discovery Pointe, is to become a medically centered village-like complex that likely could include a hotel and specialized shops, as well as medically related clinics and businesses.

“None of us knows what hospitals of the future will look like,” said Joe Kortum, the medical center’s CEO/executive director of the past four years. “We will be in the developing stage for some time,” Kortum said.

“This is not about competition,” Kortum said; “this is about serving our communities.” He added, “Our future lies in decisions made today for long-term success.”

“Discovery Pointe is the jewel of recent property acquisitions by the medical center’s parent Southwest Washington Medical Systems,” declared Gil Rodriguez, Southwest Washington Medical Center’s chief medical officer, who also leads planning and business development activities. “What is done on this site will be based on population growth, feasibility studies and, most importantly, community need.”

The announcement of the acquisition came at a news conference in the Ridgefield Community Center, called by the Port of Ridgefield and the medical center.

Ridgefield mayor Gladys Doriot complimented the Port of Ridgefield for having stayed the course over the past two decades in developing what is now known as Discovery Corridor along I-5. city limits. That farsighted planning is now paying off, the mayor said.

Southwest Washington Health System, corporate parent of Southwest Washington Medical Center, is paying the port $17.8 million for the 75 acres. Initially the super clinic will occupy a small part of the property. SWHS could work with private and public partners in development of the rest of Discovery Pointe, Rodriquez said.

The medical center has also made other property acquisitions, notably 12.2 acres at NE 192nd Avenue and 1st Street in Camas, likely a site for outpatient medical and imaging services. Southwest also plans to partner with the Evergreen School District to plan a curriculum for training in medical professions.

Miles Jackson named Clark College
interim dean of social sciences

Miles Jackson has been named interim dean of social sciences and fine arts at Clark College. Jackson, a professor of psychology at the college since 1995, succeeds Chuck Ramsey, who accepted a position as dean of instruction at Kauai Community College in Hawaii.

A native of Portland, Jackson attended Portland Community College and Portland State University, where he earned a bachelors degree. He earned a masters degree in social psychology at the University of Washington.

Jackson has taught at Mt. Hood Community College, Portland Community College and Portland State University. At Clark College, he was twice elected president of the Clark College chapter of the Association for Higher Education, representing faculty at the college. In addition, Jackson has served as chair of the Clark College Foundation Funds Allocation Committee. He was also chair of the college’s Focus on Learning benchmark team and Innovation and Learning taskforce.

Jackson and his wife, Brigid Nelson, have two children, Calliope, 16 and Fletcher, 8.

Sustainability workshop to dissect
sustainability business practices

The Clark County Department of Community Services, in partnership with the City of Vancouver and the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, is presenting a free Sustainability Workshop that explores economic activities that work for people and the planet from 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28, in the Hilton Vancouver Washington.

Principal speaker is Michelle Long, executive director of Sustainable Connections, Bellingham-based nonprofit organization of 500 business and community leaders working to model an economy based on sustainable practices.

The workshop will consider such subject matter as greet buildings, re-thinking economic development and sustainable business practices.

Seating is limited, according to Clark County’s Geoff Knapp. For reservations and further information, call Teresa Guise, 397-2375, extension 4117.

Calendar

The Clark County Animal Protection & Control Advisory Board meets in regular session at 6:30 p.m. this evening in room 678 in the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin Street. n The Pleasant Highlands Neighborhood Association annual meeting is at 7 p.m. this evening in the Pleasant Valley Middle School Library. n Arts Equity Onstage presents Hot ’n’ Throbbing, an adult play, at 7:30 p.m. this evening and Friday and Saturday evening, Feb. 23 and 24, in the Main Street Theatre, 606 Main Street. For further information, call 695-3770. n Clark County Tourism Awards will be presented at 9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 23, in the Hilton Vancouver Washington. There is a $20 charge for the event sponsored by Clark County, the Southwest Washington Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and the Clark County Lodging Association. For further information, call 750-1553, extension 13. 

Thursday, Feb. 22 headlines

La Center stands on its own, mayor says in state-of-the-city address--Columbian, Jeffrey Mize

Nation's top general emphasizes importance of service, integrity in speech at Hudson's Bay High School--Columbian, Dean Baker

Protesters back off after police threaten arrest--Columbian, Michael Andersen

Washington State University Vancouver to host National History Day contest--Columbian, Dean Baker

Rainy day fund victory has Zarelli beaming--Columbian, Kathie Durbin

Tidewater Cove a draw for buyers--Columbian, Cami Joner

Russia-U.S. chill costs Boeing 787 Dreamliner orders--Seattle Times, Dominic Gates

Iran continues to pursue nuclear program--Washington Post, Dafna Linzer, Colum Lynch and William Branigin

Wimbledon to pay women and men equal prize money--New York Times, Christopher Clarey