Emerald Downs owner-president Ron Crockett and Washington State House Majority Leader Pat Sullivan were the featured guest speakers at this week’s “Good Eggs” breakfast meeting in Auburn hosted by King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer.

The Wednesday meeting gathered South King County business and civic leaders.

Crockett spoke about the positive impact the racetrack has had on the local economy. It is estimated that the horse racing industry is worth more than $300 million to the state’s economy. The amount of jobs Emerald Downs brings to South King County is substantial as the track has more than 600 people on its payroll.

Looking toward the future, Crockett says the Thoroughbred racing industry faces increased competition from tribal gaming and Internet gambling.

“Ron Crockett is a visionary and philanthropist who has never forgotten the region he was born in, and we have been the better for his investments in this county,” von Reichbauer said.

Sullivan, meanwhile, updated the audience about the ongoing state budget deliberations in the Legislature. A 30-day special session has been called by Gov. Chris Gregoire in hopes of reaching a budget compromise. State lawmakers seek to write a budget that closes a projected $5 billion deficit.

Sullivan then opened up the floor for questions and comments about the state budget and the special session.