PORT ANGELES — Opportunity is knocking.

But unless Peninsula business leaders can persuade federal officials in charge of research and development money to open the door, Magna Force Inc. could look to foreign investors and governments to help fund its magnetic-levitation transportation system called LEVX.

That was the message to more than 160 business and community leaders from throughout the North Olympic Peninsula as they gathered Thursday at Magna Force headquarters at William R. Fairchild International Airport to see LEVX technology firsthand.

Company founder Jerry Lamb, with the assistance of Clallam County Economic Development Council Executive Director Jim Haguewood, called on civic, government and business leaders to contact federal officials en masse to let them know how important LEVX is to the Peninsula, state and nation.

“Our IPO (initial public offering) is right now,” Haguewood said, explaining the research and development phase of LEVX could be an economic boon to the region.

“Our IPO is knowing Jerry Lamb and Magna Force are here in Clallam County.”

Haguewood urged those attending the luncheon gathering to write U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Seattle, to request her help in securing research and development funding for LEVX.

Murray is a member of the Senate Transportation Committee.

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The rest of this story appears in the weekend Peninsula Daily News. Click on “Subscribe” to get the PDN delivered to your home or office.