News

Skagit COVID Crushers Commendation announced

Tuesday, March 31, 2020

The Skagit COVID Crushers Commendation, a weekly award recognizing individuals or groups stepping out of their busy lives to help others during this pandemic, was unveiled March 31 by a group of community-focused organizations. The organizations – the same ones that administer the Skagit Change-Maker Award – include EDASC, Community Action of Skagit County, North Coast Credit Union, Skagit County Public Health and United Way of Skagit County. The Commendation will be awarded every week and featured in the Skagit Valley Herald and on the supporting organizations’ websites and social media. To nominate someone for the award, take a few minutes to complet...

EDASC COVID-19 Resource Guide for Businesses & Workers unveiled

Friday, March 27, 2020

MOUNT VERNON -- EDASC is dedicated to providing Skagit County business and workers with important resources during this health and economic crisis. Today, EDASC is releasing its COVID-19 Resource Guide for Businesses & Workers, featuring detailed resources covering financial support for businesses, employment assistance, business advising services and more. The information in this guide complements EDASC's existing COVID-19 Updates webpage as an easy-to-read, interactive and printable PDF. Click here to download the EDASC COVID-19 Resource Guide for Businesses & Workers. As the Guide will receive numerous updates, refer to EDASC's COVID-19 Updates page to download the latest version of the Guide. Look fo...

EDASC hosting lawmakers, chamber and economic development leaders in recurring virtual meeting

Friday, March 27, 2020

EDASC on March 25 began hosting a recurring weekly video conference with U.S. Representatives Rick Larsen and Suzan DelBene, and leaders from regional economic development agencies and chambers of commerce. The one-hour conference, held Wednesdays, provides the opportunity for these regional organization leaders to hear congressional updates while relaying on-the-ground information. In attendance were those in the five-county region of Skagit, Whatcom, Island, San Juan, and Snohomish. The meetings also provide the chance for these chamber and economic development leaders to share news, tips and best practices. This virtual meeting is one of many strategies for EDASC to provide the Skagit County community wit...

CEO Corner: Skagit County up to this challenge

Friday, March 20, 2020

During this health and resulting economic crisis, Skagit County businesses -- along with those in the rest of the state, country and world – have faced unprecedented adversity. There have been forced closures, layoffs, scaled-down operations, cancelled events and contracts, illnesses, and everything in between. But through these uncertain and difficult times, one thing is apparent: the Skagit County business community and residents are up to this challenge. The examples of innovation, problem-solving, civic-mindedness, and collaboration have been apparent through our daily interactions, social media, news stories, and more. Businesses across the county have adjusted their operations to meet current public needs while abidin...

COVID-19: Insurance for businesses and events

Thursday, March 19, 2020

This is an important notice on insurance information for businesses sent by Commerce at the request of the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner Washington state business owners typically buy insurance coverage to protect themselves from potential losses. With the outbreak of a coronavirus (COVID-19), business owners may question if their existing insurance policy covers this type of loss. What you need to be covered To be covered against any business losses due to a communicable disease, such as COVID-19, you would need to have purchased an additional endorsement to your policy. Contact your insurance agent or insurance company directly to find ou...

CEO Corner: EDASC staff to begin working remotely

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

In support of state and county efforts to slow the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak and for the health of its employees, EDASC has made the decision for most of its staff to begin working remotely Thursday, March 19. EDASC’s No. 1 priority for the foreseeable future will be helping the Skagit County business community navigate this public health and economic crisis. Therefore, EDASC will continue providing the latest COVID-19 resources and updates relevant to businesses and workers. Staff will also continue providing EDASC’s usual array of business support services, including small-business advising, business retention and expansion support, leadership training and more. Becaus...

CEO Corner: Status update on current and anticipated resources for small businesses

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

MOUNT VERNON -- EDASC staff on Tuesday morning participated in a conference call with Sen. Patty Murray’s office and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for a status update on current and anticipated resources available to small businesses during the COVID-19 health crisis. As was announced Monday, businesses in Skagit County and 31 other counties in the state are now eligible to apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans through the SBA. These loans are meant to provide working capital to pay staff, rent, bills, etc., and are not for general refinancing purposes. There is no barrier to receiving this loan i...

Skagit County provides social distancing update

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

There is more transmission of novel coronavirus in Skagit County than the confirmed case count indicates. Confirmation of cases through laboratory screening is not able to keep pace with ongoing community transmission. As has happened in other counties in Washington State, the virus keeps spreading from person to person as we continue to have close contact with others. We are asking all Skagit County residents to do what they can to slow the spread of COVID-19, which will mean serious disruption to daily life. Our local businesses and service providers have made big changes to their operations to limit close persona...

New date set for Schmooze Fair amid COVID-19 concerns

Monday, March 16, 2020

MOUNT VERNON -- In support of efforts to slow the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak, EDASC is postponing its annual business-to-business tradeshow Schmooze Fair to June 16 at Van Zyverden’s Bulb Warehouse. The event was originally scheduled for April 23. Because the personal and business health of our community is our highest priority during this unprecedented time, EDASC staff and those involved in planning Schmooze Fair felt it best to make this decision as soon as possible. The postponement will ensure a healthier and more well attended Schmooze Fair, highlighting why Skagit County is an amazing place to live, work and do business. I...

SBA offering disaster assistance to Washington small businesses

Monday, March 16, 2020

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to Washington small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza announced today. SBA acted under its own authority, as provided by the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act that was recently signed by the President, to declare a disaster following a request received from Gov. Jay Inslee on March 13, 2020. The disaster declaration makes SBA assistance available in Adams, Asotin, Benton, Chelan, Clallam, Columbia, Franklin, Garfield, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Kittitas, Klickitat...

CEO Corner: Our physical and economic health in the face of COVID-19

Wednesday, March 11, 2020

COVID-19 has spread to Skagit County, with the first confirmed case announced Tuesday by the state Department of Health. In a proactive step to facilitate coordination with state and local partners, the Skagit County commissioners declared a public health emergency on COVID-19. The preventive steps are intended to lessen the spread of the outbreak. Two of the strong recommendations to businesses and community organizations are to maximize telecommuting, particularly where an employee or family member feels unwell, and to consider postponing events and gatherings of ten or more people. There are a limited number of things we can do in the fac...

2020 Census offers important chance for your voice to be heard

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

The U.S. is set to conduct its 2020 Census, and next week Washington residents will receive mail with instructions to complete the online survey. The importance of the Census, conducted every 10 years, cannot be overstated. It is used to determine how federal funding is distributed among a huge proportion of programs. Invitations will be mailed to households March 12 to respond online to the 2020 U.S. Census. In addition to the impact on federal funding, census results also determine legislative representation in Olympia and Washington D.C. For these reasons, EDASC encourages everyone in Skagit County to complete the Census. Although many may fee...

Anacortes Shell refinery for sale, announces parent company

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

ANCORTES -- The Shell Puget Sound Refinery is for sale, the refinery’s parent company announced March 5. The refinery is the 11th largest employer in the county, with about 500 employees, according to the most recent employer report from Western Washington University’s Center for Economic and Business Research. The decision to sell the refinery is consistent with Shell Oil Products’ plans to reshape its refining portfolio globally, according to a news release. Shell Oil Products is a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell. If the marketing process does not result in a finalized sales transaction, Shell plans to continue operating the refinery, according t...

Economic Forecast Night features economists, panel of college presidents

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

ANACORTES – EDASC held its annual Economic Forecast Night Feb. 11, 2020, at the Swinomish Casino & Lodge, featuring talks from expert economists and a panel discussion among four regional college presidents. About 325 attended the event. Speakers included economists Dr. Laurie Trautman, director of the Western Washington University Border Policy Research Institute, and Dr. Anneliese Vance-Sherman, regional economist for the Employment Security Department. The panel of regional college presidents consisted of Skagit Valley College President Dr. Thomas Keegan, University of Puget Sound President Dr. Isiaah Crawford, Washington State University Everett Chancellor Dr. Paul Pitre, and Western Washington University President Dr. Saba...

EDASC, chambers fueling revitalized Schmooze Fair

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

BURLINGTON – The community spoke and EDASC heard: Schmooze Fair is back. Schmooze Fair, Northwest Washington’s premier business-to-business tradeshow, is set for 4 to 7 pm. April 23 at the Van Zyverden Bulb Warehouse in Burlington. Formerly known as Spotlight on Skagit before returning to its original name, Schmooze Fair shines a spotlight on why Skagit County is a great place to live, work and do business. This year, EDASC is revitalizing Schmooze Fair by bringing in more businesses, attendees, food and infusing more fun. The changes will result in even more opportunities for attendees and exhibitors to make business connections, engage prospective clients...

Newly rebranded StartUp Skagit Valley postponed due to COVID-19 spread concerns

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

MOUNT VERNON – The latest StartUp Skagit Valley course has been postponed due to concerns of the spread of COVID-19, the Center for Inclusive Entrepreneurship announced Tuesday. The course will resume May 5 at EDASC. It will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays through May 21. The current cohort has already met twice. The class was originally set to run March 3 to 31, said Center for Inclusive Entrepreneurship Executive Director Mike Skinner. “We are off to a good start, and the StartUp team and volunteers are as excited as ever to have an opportunity to contribute to you...

Skagit County Maritime Symposium postponed

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

ANACORTES – Due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19, EDASC is postponing its Skagit County Maritime Symposium originally set for March 25 at the Center of Excellence for Marine Manufacturing & Technology. A new date will be announced within the coming weeks. Skagit County declared a state of emergency Tuesday regarding the COVID-19 outbreak, issuing new recommendations. Among the recommendations, the county recommended postponing all nonessential gathering over 10 people. For that reason, according to EDASC CEO John Sternlicht, the decision became more evident. “To stem the exponential spread of this virus, we all need to follow the directions of our public healt...

Message on COVID-19 to state businesses, workers from Gov. Inslee

Monday, March 09, 2020

As governor, the safety and well-being of Washingtonians is my top priority, and I want to update you on the work the state and its federal and local partners are doing to mitigate the health and economic impacts of COVID-19 coronavirus. Our heart goes out to those families who have lost loved ones, and our primary mission is to slow the spread of COVID-19 and mitigate further impacts. Your continued leadership and support on all fronts is critical to these efforts. We are working with our local and federal partners on response efforts. Here are two specific resources that may hel...

Leadership Skagit partnership between EDASC, SVC continues

Thursday, March 05, 2020

Skagit Valley College (SVC) and EDASC are pleased to announce their continued partnership in Leadership Skagit, a program developing a network of business and community leaders. SVC President Tom Keegan and EDASC CEO John Sternlicht in January signed a new cooperative agreement formalizing their continued commitment to providing vibrant, relevant, and innovative programming to continue to serve the community’s leadership needs. Under the new agreement, SVC now provides a partial faculty position to update and manage the curriculum. EDASC will continue to operate the program. “SVC’s partnership with EDASC in Leadership Skagit is an excellent example of two organizations working together to buil...

HKP Architects uses knowledge of community to inspire designs

Thursday, February 27, 2020

HKP Architects, a full-service architectural firm in Skagit County, has designed some of the most remarkable spaces in the Pacific Northwest including the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center. The firm’s impact can be felt by children playing at the Children’s Museum of Skagit County, families visiting nearby resorts, students in primary and secondary education, tribal members attending community events, tourists enjoying local art and museum exhibits, and families enjoying the comforts of home. Founded in 1952, HKP Architects has a regional reach with a focus on creating architecture that uplifts communities. Brian Poppe, a partner with the firm, said, “W...

EDASC launches redesigned website

Friday, January 31, 2020

MOUNT VERNON – EDASC in January announced the launch of its redesigned website, showcasing Skagit County’s economic viability, natural beauty and wonderful communities while providing the tools and business information site selectors need. The new website layout and design place a greater emphasis on engaging, helpful visuals. For instance, the homepage includes an interactive map displaying Skagit County on county, state and worldwide levels. It also includes a new Skagit County Toolbox, providing a one-stop shop for businesses looking to learn about and move to Skagit County. These features are critical for site selectors – one of the website’s target audiences &ndash...

Second Skagit County Maritime Symposium to focus on workforce

Friday, January 31, 2020

ANACORTES – Maritime companies from Skagit County are invited to the Skagit County Maritime Symposium from 3 to 5 p.m. March 25 at the Center of Excellence for Marine Manufacturing & Technology to discuss issues and hear from educators and workforce development experts. The symposium, organized by EDASC, is the second in a series of recurring cluster meetings designed to advance the local maritime sector and interact with the state maritime cluster while sustaining meaningful dialogue. The first symposium was held Nov. 13 in La Conner. “The Skagit County maritime cluster asserts our place in the statewide maritime ecosystem,” EDASC CEO Joh...

Latina entrepreneur starts business with help from EDASC, NABC

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

MOUNT VERNON – It didn’t take long for Lili Mendez to secure enough clients to quit her day job after opening her new business, Lili’s Green Cleaning Services, in December 2019. Her hard work, preparation and planning paid off. “I love being my own boss and I enjoy this work,” said Mendez in Spanish through an interpreter. Months earlier, Mendez realized she had no idea how to open a business in the United States. Despite taking ESL classes, her English was not yet fluent. After asking around, she was referred to Dr. Diana Morelli, the Director of EDASC’s Latino Business Retention & Expansion Progra...

Local colleges tackling workforce

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

MOUNT VERNON – Skagit Valley College in 2018 launched the state’s first brewing program for a community or technical college. Back then, it answered a looming workforce need as an influx of new breweries opened throughout the region. The timely launch of new workforce training programs is taken seriously by Skagit County’s local higher education institutions: Signature Investors Skagit Valley College, Western Washington University and Washington State University Everett. “If we sit and wait for employers to tell us when there’s a need, then we are already years behind,” said Skagit Valley College President Dr. Thomas Keegan. “It’s important for us t...

EDASC's 2019 financial outlook

Monday, January 20, 2020

EDASC continuously looks to improve the value it provides to the community, ensuring it spends your investment dollars wisely. In 2019, EDASC staff and board members took a hard look at internal processes to find where we could free up resources, augment revenues and reduce expenses. A direct outcome of this analysis was the merging of EDASC and the EDASC foundation into a single 501(c)(3) nonprofit. It was found that EDASC administrative staff spent unnecessary time maintaining two separate organizations through board meetings, payroll, tax fi lings and reporting when the organizations could have operated as one. This change will have ...

CEO Message: Happy New Year and thank you for supporting economic development

Wednesday, January 01, 2020

Happy New Year and Happy ‘20s! Please allow me to open this New Year and new decade with a note of gratitude on several fronts. I know I am in good company being thankful to live in beautiful Skagit County, which is full of people who value and care for each other and for our beloved home. We at EDASC are grateful for all the people who make what we do so successful, fulfilling, and enjoyable: our phenomenal staff and board of directors, our private and public investors at every level, and our partners in nonprofit organizations, industry, education, and government...

Tickets, sponsorship opportunities available for Economic Forecast Night

Thursday, December 26, 2019

MOUNT VERNON -- Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available for EDASC's 2020 Economic Forecast Night set for Feb. 11 at Swinomish Casino & Lodge. The annual event brings together over 400 business leaders, elected officials and community representatives to look at the economic and business trends shaping Skagit County. Enjoy dinner with a no-host bar while hearing from eminent speakers. Along with EDASC CEO John Sternlicht’s year-in-review and look forward at the county’s economic trends by economists Dr. Laurie Trautman and Dr. Anneliese Vance-Sherman, attendees will be treated to a debate panel of regional leaders in higher education. Panelists include Skagit Valley Colleg...

Thank You for Shopping Small this Holiday Season

Monday, December 23, 2019

Thank you to all our community members who have shopped small this holiday season. Shopping small and supporting local businesses is critical to Skagit County’s economic growth. Small businesses reinvest in the community, create jobs, and add to the strong sense of place that defines downtowns from Mount Vernon to Sedro-Woolley. Ellen Gamson, Executive Director of the Mount Vernon Downtown Association, described how important strong downtowns are. “In today’s world of telecommuting, distance learning, and virtual meetings, a strong downtown provides the critical space for people to come together and achieve that sense of direct personal connection that is increasingly harde...

EDASC, PTAC offer government procurement networking event

Friday, December 13, 2019

MOUNT VERNON – EDASC and the Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) hosted the Skagit County Meet-the-Buyers Event on Dec. 10 at the Skagit Transit Station, helping connect dozens of businesses with government purchasing departments. The event featured rotating 20-minute roundtable sessions with local and regional government purchasing departments, providing the opportunity for small-business owners to learn how to get their foot in the door of government contracting. Buyers included Port of Skagit, Port of Anacortes, Cascades Job Corps College & Career Academy, Skagit Transit Authority and the State Department of Enterprise Services. EDASC, PTAC and the Small Business Development Center were also o...

Event raises over $6,000 in scholarships for Leadership Skagit, Bennett honored

Friday, December 13, 2019

MOUNT VERNON – EDASC and Leadership Skagit alumni hosted the annual Leadership Skagit Holiday Gathering on Dec. 5 at Skagit Valley Gardens, bringing together current Leadership Skagit participants, alumni, supporters and community leaders to raise funds and enjoy a festive evening. Leadership Skagit is a program of EDASC, in partnership with Skagit Valley College. About 200 attended the event, raising over $6,000 in scholarships, including $4,300 for the newly announced Kathryn Bennett Scholarship Fund. The fund was created in honor of longtime Leadership Skagit Director Kathryn “Kate” Bennett, who is stepping down this month. Bennett has held the position since 2008 and wa...

EDASC hires Leadership Skagit Program Manager

Thursday, December 12, 2019

MOUNT VERNON – The Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County (EDASC) has hired Mary Heffernan Trester as its Leadership Skagit Program Manager effective January 1, succeeding founding director Kathryn Bennett at the helm of Skagit County’s premier leadership training program. Leadership Skagit is a program of EDASC, in partnership with Skagit Valley College. Trester, an Anacortes resident, will work collaboratively with Curriculum Manager Dr. Laura Flores Cailloux to ensure the continued success and growth of Leadership Skagit. She’ll lead program fundraising efforts, manage volunteers and recruit program participants. "I am excited to join the EDASC team as the Program Manager for Leadershi...

EDASC Up Close: EDASC offers no-cost property finder tool

Thursday, December 12, 2019

EDASC Up Close is a monthly behind-the-scenes look at programs, activities and policies integral to economic development in Skagit County. Economic development often takes place behind the scenes for months and even years as relationships form and deals are finalized. This series is designed to provide a better understanding of how EDASC works to be your hub for sustainable and inclusive economic growth. MOUNT VERNON – EDASC provides a no-cost property finder tool on its website, enabling anyone to search for commercial and industrial real estate. Among its features, the tool includes robust filtering options to quickly narrow your results to fin...

EDASC's 2019 top ten

Thursday, December 12, 2019

As we round out 2019, we at EDASC would like to take the time to reflect on a year that saw incredible growth and change. Here is a Top 10 list of our activities for 2019. 1. Business Growth. If there was a theme for the economic landscape of Skagit County for 2019, it was that of business growth. Eddyline Kayaks announced its move and expansion to a larger facility in Burlington to meet increased sales volumes. Aerospace company VT Volant began its expansion plans via a Governor’s Strategic Reserve Fund grant, enabling them to join forces with Chinook Enterprises an...

New state overtime rules set to be phased in starting in 2020

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

TUKWILA – The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) today announced rules changes that will restore overtime protection to tens of thousands of workers and create a fair minimum salary level for workers who don’t receive overtime pay. The new rules use a formula based on the state minimum wage to determine the minimum salary a worker must receive to be exempt from overtime. The changes will be phased in starting July 1, 2020, and will be fully implemented by January 2028. Beginning July 1, the state minimum salary threshold will increase to $675 a week ($35,100 a year) fo...

EDASC hosts Investor Appreciation Celebration in La Conner

Thursday, November 14, 2019

LA CONNER – Skagit County business and community leaders gathered Nov. 5 to sip, snack and connect at EDASC’s annual Investor Appreciation Celebration at the Museum of Northwest Art. The free after-hours event, sponsored by TRICO Companies, is held annually as a special thank you to EDASC Investors. McGregor Benefits and Landed Gentry Homes were supporting sponsors. Guests were treated to complimentary appetizers and drinks, while having the chance to enjoy the artwork on display at the museum. EDASC CEO John Sternlicht provided a brief EDASC update in the form of a 2019 top 10 list, following introductory remarks from La Conner Mayo...

EDASC UP Close: EDASC, EDASC Foundation set to merge

Thursday, November 14, 2019

EDASC Up Close is a monthly behind-the-scenes look at programs, activities and policies integral to economic development in Skagit County. Economic development often takes place behind the scenes for months and even years as relationships form and deals are finalized. This series is designed to provide a better understanding of how EDASC works to be your hub for sustainable and inclusive economic growth. MOUNT VERNON – EDASC and the EDASC Foundation are set to merge into one organization in 2020, following an October joint board vote. The move, which turns EDASC into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, streamlines operations for EDASC while opening th...

EDASC, City of Anacortes attend state maritime sector event

Thursday, November 14, 2019

SEATTLE – EDASC and the City of Anacortes attended the Washington Maritime Blue Forum on R&D Pathways for Maritime Energy Solutions on Oct. 29 at the Edgewater Hotel. EDASC CEO John Sternlicht, Business Development and Expansion Coordinator Tamsin Bell and Anacortes Mayor Laurie Gere attended the event, along with about 200 maritime leaders from across the state. The forum focused on research and development in the maritime sector, particularly regarding lower emissions and fuel usage, said Sternlicht. “The forum aligned well with our recent business mission trip to Norway,” said Sternlicht, referring to EDASC's September visit to Norway as part of a stat...

Longtime Leadership Skagit Program Director stepping down

Thursday, November 14, 2019

MOUNT VERNON – Kathryn “Kate” Bennett has announced she will step down in December from her position as Leadership Skagit program director. Bennett, along with countless partners and volunteers, has made Leadership Skagit a model program for community experiential leadership development. A member of the inaugural class of 2004, Bennett is the first and only paid director the program has known. Her contributions, expertise, knowledge and heart cannot be overstated, said EDASC CEO John Sternlicht. “Words could never adequately express the gratitude and admiration I have for Kate Bennett and all she means to Leadership Skagit, EDASC and all of Skagit County,” Sternlicht said...

Unconscious bias and why it matters in the workplace

Thursday, November 14, 2019

By JOHN STERNLICHT EDASC CEO MOUNT VERNON -- The issue of bias formed an essential part of my consciousness from an early age. As part of a New York Jewish family moving from Rhode Island to North Carolina in the mid-1960s when I started school, I experienced and saw first-hand prejudices based on not only religion and geography but, much more significantly, on race and gender. At that time, intentional bias was rampant and expected, or at least accommodated, widely. Institutional bias was in various states of strength, apart from the mostly invisible forms many of which persist today. Unconscious bias – ingrained an...

EDASC, SBDC helping local chocolatier grow

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

MOUNT VERNON — For a dozen years, chocolatier Karen Neugebauer has been perfecting her craft while running her own small business, Forte Chocolates. “Chocolate doesn’t back down,” she said from her production kitchen on Riverside Drive in Mount Vernon. That means chocolate is a fantastic medium for a self-described control freak who loves both science and art. At her retail shop on First Street in downtown Mount Vernon, at her store in the Bellis Fair Mall in Bellingham, at her production kitchen and at fortechocolates.com, patrons can choose among handcrafted caramels, more than a dozen different chocolate bars, bark, macarons and a...

EDASC hosting annual Investor Appreciation Celebration

Thursday, October 03, 2019

LA CONNER – EDASC is hosting its annual Investor Appreciation Celebration on Nov. 5 at the Museum of Northwest Art, providing time to sip, snack and connect while enjoying the museum. The free event, sponsored by TRICO Companies, is held as a special thank you to our Investors. It includes a brief organization update from EDASC CEO John Sternlicht. The event is limited to EDASC Investors, businesses and organizations supporting EDASC with annual investments. View a list of EDASC Investors here. Space is limited to the first 200 guests. RSVP here. If you aren’t an Investor or have yet to renew your investment, contac...

EDASC's Norway trip fosters overseas opportunities

Thursday, October 03, 2019

NORWAY – EDASC CEO John Sternlicht visited Norway from Sept. 15-20 as part of a state delegation focusing on maritime and clean technology policy. The delegation, organized by Washington Maritime Blue and Innovation Norway, included policymakers, research directors, public officials and industry leaders from across the state. Sternlicht was joined locally by Sen. Liz Lovelett and Port of Bellingham Director of Economic Development Don Goldberg. The trip for Sternlicht helped continue fostering Skagit County’s relationship with Norway business leaders. EDASC earlier this year hosted a Norwegian delegation for an in-depth tour of Anacortes’ maritime industry. This trip, EDASC’s first to Norway, focused o...

EDASC Up Close: Grant funds keep businesses growing locally

Wednesday, October 02, 2019

EDASC Up Close is a monthly behind-the-scenes look at programs, activities and policies integral to economic development in Skagit County. Economic development often takes place behind the scenes for months and even years as relationships form and deals are finalized. This series is designed to provide a better understanding of how EDASC works to be your hub for sustainable and inclusive economic growth. MOUNT VERNON -- Over the past year, EDASC has been helping multiple companies apply for state grants designed to spur local economic development through the Governor’s Strategic Reserve Fund. The fund, a pool of money created by the legislature...

EDASC, PTAC hosting Skagit County Meet-the-Buyers Event

Wednesday, October 02, 2019

MOUNT VERNON – Learn firsthand from local government purchasing departments what it takes to earn their business at the Skagit County Meet-the-Buyers Event from 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 10 at the Skagit Transit Station Meeting Room. The event, hosted by EDASC and the Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) is designed to bring local small-business owners together to learn how to get their foot in the door of government contracting. The event includes time for sellers to meet with each buyer during 20-minute “speed dating” sessions, as well as time for networking. Buyers include: Port of Skagit Port of Anacortes Cascade Job Corps Skagit Transit Authority State Departmen...

Employee ownership flips script on classic business model

Wednesday, October 02, 2019

LONG BEACH, Calif – Cindy Brooks, certified business advisor at EDASC, presented on employee ownership in early September during the annual America’s Small Business Development Center Conference, a four-day professional development and networking event. Brooks served on a three-person panel, providing context for the national conversation on employee ownership and resources for fellow advisors. Employee ownership refers to ownership of a company by some or all its employees. Generally, employee ownership can be structured in a couple ways. The first is an employee stock ownership plan, where a trust is established by the business and the shares purchased from the existing owne...

Leadership Skagit students form teams for community projects

Wednesday, October 02, 2019

MOUNT VERNON – A newly formed team of six Leadership Skagit students walked along a trail, getting to know each other on a drizzly September afternoon at the Samish Island Campground during the program’s two-day retreat. The team, along with four other teams participating in breakout sessions, were taking their first steps toward developing community projects. By the end of the 9-month program, all five teams will have completed a project, making a positive impact on the community. How they get there and what they do is the critically important practicum of the program, said program director Kathryn Bennett. “Projects provide the chance t...

Skagit County Maritime Symposium to kick off maritime cluster

Wednesday, October 02, 2019

LA CONNER – Maritime companies from Skagit County are invited to the Skagit County Maritime Symposium from 3 to 5 p.m. Nov. 13 at Maple Hall in La Conner, to discuss issues and trends and hear from policymakers. The symposium, organized by EDASC, features local and state-level speakers from Washington Maritime Blue, state Department of Ecology and the Northwest Center of Excellence for Marine Manufacturing & Technology. Anacortes Mayor Laurie Gere and La Conner Mayor Ramon Hayes will also speak. The symposium also serves as a kickoff for a new Skagit County maritime cluster, a group of industry leaders who have continued...

Marine manufacturer TRANSPAC MARINAS builds national company out of Anacortes

Friday, September 20, 2019

ANACORTES – Founded in 1984, TRANSPAC MARINAS first made a name for itself by building a U.S. Navy boat harbor strong enough to withstand frequent typhoons. Since then, the Anacortes manufacturer has defined itself as the go-to company for custom floating systems for extreme environments, said TRANSPAC VP of Finance and Marketing Traci Stark. “TRANSPAC and its owners have never hesitated to innovate or to take a chance on something when it means keeping things exciting,” Stark said. “We embrace and encourage the ethos of creativity, excellence and pride in workmanship.” TRANSPAC, located at the Port of Anacortes, builds commercial and recreational boa...

StartUp Sedro-Woolley returns for round two

Thursday, September 12, 2019

SEDRO-WOOLLEY – StartUp Sedro-Woolley, a program for aspiring entrepreneurs, is accepting applications for its second round of training set to begin Oct. 8 at the Skagit Connection Hub. The program features free business training, ongoing support and the opportunity to win $500 seed grants, awarded to the top three businesses by a group of judges. Up to 20 emerging entrepreneurs, including up to three high school students, will be accepted into the class. Those interested in participating can apply here. The deadline to apply is Oct. 4. Those interested in becoming mentors or judges are encouraged to attend an orientation session from 5:3...

EDASC Up Close: BRE visits explained

Thursday, September 05, 2019

EDASC Up Close is a monthly behind-the-scenes look at programs, activities and policies integral to economic development in Skagit County. Economic development often takes place behind the scenes for months and even years as relationships form and deals are finalized. This series is designed to provide a better understanding of how EDASC works to be your hub for sustainable and inclusive economic growth. MOUNT VERNON – EDASC continually meets with local business owners to listen, learn and offer help. This local focus is particularly important as most job growth occurs from businesses that are already here. “Typically, these meetings are listening sessions t...

EDASC, Port of Bellingham developing regional economic recovery plan

Thursday, September 05, 2019

BELLINGHAM – EDASC and the Port of Bellingham’s Economic Development Department have partnered to create a regional economic recovery plan in the event of a natural disaster such as an earthquake or volcanic eruption. Natural disasters can have a devastating impact on the economy, especially to small businesses. Ninety percent of small businesses fail to recover following a natural disaster, according to the International Economic Development Council. In looking into developing the plan, port and EDASC staff discovered that little disaster relief planning exists throughout the state. Preliminarily, the planning team is looking at developing a disaster recovery strategic plan, developing an informatio...

Janicki Industries unveils new plant

Thursday, September 05, 2019

HAMILTON – Janicki Industries on Aug. 29 unveiled its new 90,000 square-foot manufacturing plant – featuring a massive cleanroom, new 5-axis CNC Zimmerman Mill, an eco-roof and more – to about 100 guests during a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The new plant, next door to the company’s existing Hamilton plant, was built to keep up with increased demand for aerospace parts. Over the next few years Janicki Industries may add up to 300 employees to meet demand, said Janicki Industries President John Janicki. “We are excited about the new facility and equipment,” he said. “With our dedicated professional technicians and this state-of-the-art building an...

Leadership Skagit receives charitable grant from Swinomish

Thursday, September 05, 2019

ANACORTES – Leadership Skagit, an EDASC program for current and emerging local leaders, received a $5,000 charitable grant from the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community on Aug. 1 during an awards luncheon at the Swinomish Casino & Lodge. Leadership Skagit Director Kathryn Bennett and tribe Enrollment Assistant and Leadership Skagit graduate Janie Beasley spoke during the awards luncheon. “Thank you for your continued support,” Bennett said. “There is a real tradition of leadership in the tribe and that has been a part of the curriculum as well.” The tribe has been one of the most generous and consistent donors to the Leadership Skagit program...

S-W growth continues as new grocery store opens downtown

Wednesday, September 04, 2019

SEDRO-WOOLLEY – The Pioneer Marketplace has opened in downtown Sedro-Woolley, filling a long-vacant space while bolstering the feeling of excitement among the community as its downtown core continues its growth spurt. The grocery store, located at 100 East State St., held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in early August, with a line to enter the store stretching for blocks, said owner Sean Skiles. Sedro-Woolley Mayor Julia Johnson said the project combined with a new library being built across the street is helping rejuvenate the area. “That corner will have gone from something that was unpleasing to look at, to an area beautiful and lively,” sh...

Downtown Mount Vernon to be removed from 100-year floodplain

Friday, August 02, 2019

MOUNT VERNON -- Downtown Mount Vernon is set to be removed from FEMA’s 100-year floodplain in October, setting the stage for economic growth in the historic district. The $31 million, 1.7-mile long floodwall project has been in development for about a decade, with funding drawn from city, state, federal and other local sources. With downtown removed from the 100-year flood threat, property and business owners will qualify for flood insurance rate reductions. Development is also likely to be more affordable with the removal of flood protection standards. “It’s been a long time coming for downtown businesses,” said Mount Vernon Downtown Association Executive Directo...

EDASC program provides business counseling for Latino community

Friday, August 02, 2019

MOUNT VERNON – Viridiana Delgado’s restaurant started slowly the first 8 months. “I was really shocked,” Delgado said. “I was wondering if what I was doing was correct.” Five years later, her business COA Mexican Eatery is thriving, with a 4.5-star rating on Yelp and lots of loyal customers. The turning point, Delgado said, happened when she contacted EDASC’s Latino Business Retention and Expansion Program for business guidance. “I got the help and started taking action,” Delgado said. The Latino Business Retention and Expansion Program, established in 2004, provides free one-on-one business counseling and broad-based support for Latino entrepreneurs and business owners looking to star...

EDASC Up Close: Rapid Response Team critical for business recruitment

Friday, August 02, 2019

EDASC Up Close is a monthly behind-the-scenes look at programs, activities and policies integral to economic development in Skagit County. Economic development often takes place behind the scenes for months and even years as relationships form and deals are finalized. This series is designed to provide a better understanding of how EDASC works to be your hub for sustainable and inclusive economic growth. MOUNT VERNON – EDASC constantly fields inquiries from businesses looking for unique properties that check the right boxes. Does it have fiber for internet access? Is there access to a gas line? Is it shovel-ready? To quickly answer these questions EDASC turn...

Hundreds support EDASC at annual golf tournament

Friday, August 02, 2019

BURLINGTON -- Over 200 business professionals and community members from Skagit and neighboring counties golfed July 19 in support of economic development at the 32nd Annual EDASC Golf Tournament & 19th Hole Awards Dinner at Avalon Golf Links. EDASC's staff board of directors would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the many volunteers, sponsors and golfers who turned this into the most successful event in recent memory. We are deeply grateful for your support in helping us continue our mission of creating and retaining jobs and facilitating economic growth in Skagit County. "It's fantastic to see such great and growing suppor...

Opportunity in Sedro-Woolley

Wednesday, July 31, 2019

This article originally appeared in the summer edition of the Sedro-Woolley City Scene magazine. It is written by EDASC CEO John Sternlicht. SEDRO-WOOLLEY -- Sedro-Woolley has been on a roll in recent years, as industry and small business seek hospitable ground in which to grow. Particularly, the downtown has seen an explosion in businesses and housing along with an influx of talented, community-minded new residents Now, a new tax law could provide another incentive to invest in downtown Sedro-Woolley. The downtown area is nearly in its entirety designated as one of Skagit County's four opportunity zones, further boosting the city's economic development projects...

Owner of Burlington boat builder departs for Arctic adventure

Monday, July 01, 2019

BURLINGTON – Larry Graf, owner of Aspen Power Catamarans at the Port of Skagit, is going on an Arctic adventure from June 28 through July 19 to showcase the capabilities of the boat builder’s vessels. Graf, accompanied by Canadian journalist Peter Robson, plans to cruise his company’s 34-foot model boat 1,120 miles down the Mackenzie River in the Northwest Territories of Canada to the Arctic Ocean. The journey presents unique challenges, the biggest of which might be the lack of an accurate electronic navigation map of the remote river. “Some of the charts of the river are over 40 years old,” Graf said...

EDASC hosts opportunity zone workshop

Friday, June 28, 2019

MOUNT VERNON – EDASC hosted the county’s first opportunity zone informational session June 25 at the Best Western Plus Skagit Valley Inn & Convention Center, providing the chance for about 100 attendees to learn about the tax incentive from mayors, federal government officials, a CPA specializing in federal programs, and more. Those in attendance included property and business owners, real estate brokers, investors, developers, tax and legal professionals, elected officials, and more. Opportunity zones are the product of a relatively new tax law offering investors preferential capital gains tax treatment for projects creating housing, jobs or both in economically distressed census tracts. Skagi...

Skagit Regional Airport welcomes U.S. Customs and Border Protection services

Friday, June 28, 2019

BURLINGTON -- The Port of Skagit on June 19 hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the grand opening of U.S. Customs and Border Protection services at Skagit Regional Airport. The service enables the airport to receive direct international flights, ensuring corporate jets have direct access to Skagit County, said EDASC CEO John Sternlicht. "Decision makers who travel on corporate jets want to know they'll have access here, particularly those coming from Canada," Sternlicht said. "This is a great step toward Skagit Regional Airport defining itself as a corporate air center." The Skagit Regional Airport has been transforming into a business airport since 2007 afte...

Goodwinds Composites involved in NASA Mars helicopter project

Monday, June 17, 2019

MOUNT VERNON -- A little piece of Skagit County is heading to Mars thanks to Goodwinds Composites. The Mount Vernon manufacturing company recently constructed carbon tubes for the landing gear for NASA’s Mars helicopter, an experimental aircraft designed to test the viability of flight on another planet. The helicopter, resembling the size and shape of a large drone, performed its final test flight in January at a NASA facility in a simulated Martian environment. It’ll launch aboard a rocket in July 2020 and land on the Red Planet in February 2021. Goodwinds Composites, founded in 2008 by siblings Leland Holeman and Amelia Cook...

EDASC to host county's first opportunity zone informational session

Thursday, June 06, 2019

MOUNT VERNON – EDASC is hosting the county’s first opportunity zone informational session from 4 to 6:30 p.m. June 25 at the Best Western Plus Skagit Valley Inn and Convention Center. Register for free here. The event features opportunity zone experts from the National Development Council, HUD and tax experts. Mayors from Sedro-Woolley, Anacortes and Mount Vernon will also highlight the goals for their respective opportunity zones. Those encouraged to attend include property and business owners, realtors, investors, developers and professional service providers. Event partners include the State Department of Commerce, National Development Council, and the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. Community Actio...

French business leaders tour Skagit County

Thursday, June 06, 2019

Members of a French delegation of business leaders grinned ear to ear while test driving semitrucks at PACCAR Technical Institute’s oval track and were awed at the scale of Dakota Creek Industries’ boat-building operations May 30 during a tour of Skagit County organized by EDASC and the French-American Chamber of Commerce Pacific Northwest Chapter. It was the first trip to Skagit County for the delegation, which regularly visits Seattle. “We managed to entice them to come up to Skagit County and see what’s going on,” EDASC CEO John Sternlicht said. “They were particularly interested in maritime along with AI and autonomous vehicles.” Hostin...

Leadership Skagit class of 2019 ready for graduation

Thursday, June 06, 2019

ANACORTES -- The Leadership Skagit class of 2019 graduation ceremony featuring keynote speaker James Finley, Seattle University volleyball head coach, is set for 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. June 12 at Swinomish Casino and Lodge. The annual celebration of leadership in our community recognizes the accomplishments of this year’s class. Register here. The keynote segment includes a speech and special conversation with Finley, who is entering his seventh season as head coach of the Redhawks. Finley focuses his student athletes on community service, equity and social justice, and athletic and academic excellence. His keynote will include a conversation and question and answer session wit...

Skagit County opportunity zones primed for investment

Wednesday, May 08, 2019

Eddyline Kayaks Owner Scott Holley sees potential in one of Skagit County’s four opportunity zones. He wants to build a new, expanded headquarters in Sedro-Woolley’s opportunity zone along with an industrial park to attract like-minded tenants. “We see great value in opportunity zones to incentivize investors to get behind great projects located in places that have been starved of investor capital,” said Holley, an EDASC board member. Opportunity zones are the product of a relatively new tax law offering investors preferential capital gains tax treatment for projects creating housing, jobs or both in economically-distressed census tracts. Essentially, investors in opportunity zones who meet certai...

EDASC hosts annual Economic Forecast Night

Thursday, February 28, 2019

EDASC held its Economic Forecast Night on Feb. 6 at the Swinomish Casino & Lodge, featuring an exciting announcement from CEO John Sternlicht, and talks from keynote speakers on the county’s economic trends and its relationship with Canada. About 325 attended the annual event. Keynote speakers included Dr. Laurie Trautman, director of the Western Washington University Border Policy Research Institute, and Dr. Anneliese Vance-Sherman, regional economist for the Employment Security Department. Sternlicht’s opening remarks included a surprise announcement that aerospace company VT Volant is expanding to a facility in Burlington. The multi-million dollar expansion will bring an estimated 125 new family-wage job...

Progress being made on Anacortes Maritime Strategic Plan

Thursday, September 05, 2019

ANACORTES – Local stakeholders are making progress on the Anacortes Maritime Strategic Plan, a blueprint to strengthen the maritime industry in Anacortes over the next decade while preserving its authentic maritime culture. Facilitators of the strategic plan – EDASC, the City of Anacortes, Port of Anacortes, and Anacortes Chamber of Commerce – met in July to share updates and discuss upcoming objectives. The meeting served as a six-month progress report after the strategic plan received final approval by the city council in February. Key updates focused on infrastructure improvements, business attraction, workforce housing and more. Below is a list of some of th...

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