Kristina Ribellia contacted me for professional branding photos that could reflect the body of her new online platform, Western Water Market. Kristina came to the Kittitas Valley from Seattle in 1999 to attend Central Washington University and never went back.  Like so many of us who call the Central Cascades home, she fell in love with the rural, arid side of the state and chose to stay.

Since graduating from college she has dedicated her career to helping address some of the most complex natural resource issues facing our local communities.  And water is at the core. Kristina gained her knowledge of water rights, water right transactions, and water markets as a project manager for Washington Water Trust based out of Ellensburg.

“During my years as a water right professional, it became clear that the public, in general, simply doesn’t know where to go or who to work with when it comes to buying and selling water rights.  This confusion and inefficiency has created missed opportunities for all parties. We’re hoping Western Water Market can help change that.” 

Kristina’s new online platform, Western Water Market, is making it easier for people to buy and sell water rights.  “We’re helping connect water right buyers and sellers in communities across the West through a simple, yet powerful online listing service.  We’re creating a more open and efficient water market by serving as a single clearinghouse and resource for the public, including a directory of the water right professionals that are needed to complete a successful water right transaction.”

Given the active and long-standing water market in the Cle Elum area, it’s only natural that Western Water Market is starting and growing from here.  Western Water Market’s local founding members include the SwiftWater Ranch Water Bank, Bourne Water Bank, Aspect Consulting, and Confluence Law PLLC. Additional founding members in the Walla Walla area include Walla Walla Watershed Management Partnership and Water Right Solutions. 

Why Mary Maletzke Photography:

“Excellent question. One, you are local and that is important to me. You know the landscapes and the people. Just as importantly, you offer top quality and professional branding photos. Your level of care and customer service and who you are as a person makes it such an enjoyable experience. You bring life to my brand because you take the time to understand it. You want my success as much as I do. You were able to deliver everything from professional headshots and landscape photography, to lifestyle shots at the river. It helps create a professional, cohesive brand for Western Water Market.”