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Cutbacks Seen Among Walla Walla Valley's Top Employers by Vicki Hillhouse Walla Walla Union-Bulletin , October 3, 2011

WALLA WALLA -- Many of the largest employers in the county are getting the job done with fewer workers than in previous years, according to the latest data from the Port of Walla Walla.

The economic development agency released its biennial list of the area's largest employers Tuesday. Among the trends: Employers that have been biggest in the past continue to lead the way, but many that follow are doing it with fewer full-time workers.

The community's top four employers remained the same with Prescott apple orchard and packing operation Broetje Orchards leading the way with 1,888 employees. The Washington State Penitentiary (1,245 total workers) was second, followed by Tyson Fresh Meats (1,210 employees) and Providence St. Mary Medical Center (933 workers).

New to the top five this year was Walla Walla Community College, which jumped from seventh position with 882 workers to bump the Walla Walla School District, with 777 employees, to No. 6.

TOP PROPERTY TAX PAYERS
The Port of Walla Walla on Tuesday also released its 2011 list of largest property owners and taxpayers. The top five property owners and their estimated 2011 property taxes are:

• Boise Inc., $1.9 million
• Ralph Broetje, $923,948
• Gas Transmission Northwest, $912,782
• FPL Energy, $886,832
• Union Pacific Railroad, $862,239

Total Employees

Spreadsheet of the Walla Walla Valley's top employers