Dolly Tardiff has joined the Lewis Economic Development Council as the program manager of the newly formed Business Development Center (BDC).
Tardiff was previously the office manager for the Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce, where she worked on events, memberships, sponsorships and bookkeeping.
“We’re fortunate to have someone join our team with so much local experience and knowledge,” said LEDC Executive Director Richard DeBolt. “Dolly’s new position is key in helping new and existing businesses. In addition, Dolly is just a pleasure to work with and one of those persons who just gets things done.”
Tardiff’s duties are wide ranging, she said, sort of a Business Opening 101 program. She can help businesses with obtaining proper licenses, filling out tax identification papers, assistance with L&I requirements, to name a few of her duties.
“Implementing the BDC will help people starting a new business,” she said. “I will help give business owners the fundamentals in helping them with their startup.”
Existing businesses who need assistance are also part of the BDC’s mission.
“Richard is starting to assemble an impressive team, and Dolly fits the bill as far as the LEDC being able to promote and assist area businesses,” said LEDC Chair Ben Kostick, about LEDC Executive Director Richard DeBolt. “I’m excited about the future of this group.”
Tardiff grew up in Lacey and moved to Centralia in 1991. She enjoys fishing, camping, gardening, cooking and spending time with family and friends. She also recently joined the race car circuit after her boyfriend bought a race car.
Since 1992 she has owned Western Washington Management Patrol, a private security business with 14 employees, a position that gives her first-hand experience in running a business. She works her business on evenings and weekends.
“I’m a workaholic,” she said. “I can’t sit still.”
She’s excited to head up the BDC, where she’ll have plenty to do.
“I just like being in the community and having that one-on-one with the businesses in the community, to make where we live and work a better place and to help it grow,” Tardiff said.
