NEWS

Friday, January 18, 2019

KNKX Connects comes to Skagit Valley this month for the fifth installment of the station’s year-long regional reporting project. The goal of KNKX Connects is to increase local and regional news coverage and expand KNKX’s role in communities across Western Washington by presenting deep, rich storytelling and live broadcasts from these communities on a regular basis. Much like Port Angeles, Centralia/Chehalis, Bellingham and Grays Harbor, KNKX Connects will highlight local issues and life in Skagit Valley, and present a wide range of stories that reflect what makes the community unique. We hope you can join us at two KNKX Connects to...

Apprenticeship Roundtable Demystifies Opportunities

Thursday, December 27, 2018

On Friday, December 7, more than 60 leaders in business, education, and government gathered at the Northwest Career and Technical Center in Mount Vernon for an Apprenticeship Roundtable convened by the Career Connect NW team, which includes the Northwest Workforce Council, Skagit STEM Network, and EDASC, along with others. Keynote speakers Suzi LeVine, Commissioner of the Washington State Employment Security Department, and her husband, entrepreneur Eric LeVine, set the stage by reviewing their experience with the Swiss apprenticeship system while Suzi served as U.S. Ambassador to Switzerland. This experience led to Washington State Governor Jay Inslee’s recent mission to Switzerland...

Career Opportunities at EDASC

Thursday, December 27, 2018

The Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County (EDASC) has just begun the search for two new essential team members who will shape important aspects of the region’s economic development program: a Communications/Community Engagement Specialist and a Coordinator of Business Development and Expansion. EDASC is located in the heart of downtown Mount Vernon. We are progressive and passionate about our intentional practice of improving economic well-being and the quality of life through a broad range of collaborative efforts designed to attract, create, and retain jobs and to foster a resilient, sustainable inclusive economy. ***To apply for either position, kindly send your resume and cover...

NextExec 2019: Sign Up Online for Skagit-based Management Training

Wednesday, December 26, 2018

On January 29, 2019, EDASC will begin a new year of the well-received NextExec local management training program, for people moving up in their company structure who want to learn more about the business of their business without having to travel to Seattle or further. The 2019 NextExec program will be held every fourth Tuesday of the month from 7:30 A.M. to 9:00 A.M. and includes breakfast as part of the session. NextExec 2019 consists of four modules, each focusing on a different area:. Winter quarter looks at Strategy and Organizational Leadership, with programs on personal productivity, and team and organizational...

Shopping Local is More than a Holiday Trend – It’s a Shift Towards Community Empowerment

Friday, December 21, 2018

Amidst the holiday hustle and bustle, it's good to remember the small local businesses that add character to our community, and the many quality products and unique gifts that can be found in Skagit County’s downtown retailers. We encourage shopping local for any last-minute holiday gifts and remembering to shop local year-round. The groundbreaking BALLE framework suggests acting local as a driver for building better, stronger and more equitable communities, stating, “The path to quality jobs, deeper connection and wealth-building for more neighbors is tied to the number and diversity of locally-owned businesses in a community.” There are several reasons for...

EDASC Now Hiring Communications / Community Engagement Specialist

Monday, December 17, 2018

Communications/Community Engagement Specialist The Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County is located in the heart of Mount Vernon, Washington. We are progressive and passionate about our intentional practice of improving economic well-being and the quality of life through a broad range of collaborative efforts designed to attract, create, and retain jobs and to foster a resilient, sustainable inclusive economy. Our entrepreneurial team is looking for a doer, a technical expert who is a self-starter and an engaging people-person. You are good at relationship building, an Experienced Communications/Community Engagement Specialist with a diverse skill set, including a record of accomplishment in dealing with...

EDASC Fosters New Connections for Skagit County in China

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

The China International Import Expo (CIIE) was held November 5-9 in Shanghai, an event bringing together more than 3,600 foreign businesses and exporters to meet with potential Chinese buyers and importers. A high priority for the Chinese Government, this inaugural CIIE was opened by Chinese President Xi Jinping on November 5 at an event that also included Bill Gates and other world leaders and business executives. Washington State participated in CIIE with the largest delegation from any U.S. state, with particular focus on the aerospace and agriculture sectors. EDASC’s Director of Business Development and Global Competitiveness, Sean Connell, participated in...

Successful Investor Appreciation Celebration Showcases EDASC Investors and MoNA

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

EDASC held its third annual Investor Appreciation Celebration November 5 at the Museum of Northwest Art (MoNA) in La Conner. The event, attended by over 125 EDASC investors and guests, was extremely successful, affording the opportunity to make new business acquaintances, discuss various projects and deals, and become acquainted with a museum that is a treasure of Skagit County. Attendees networked and enjoyed delicious food and drink from La Conner Seafood and Prime Rib House and music from the North Stars Chamber Quartet while perusing the thought-provoking Surge exhibit at MoNA, exploring the intersection of art and science as it...

Staff Profile: Diana Morelli-Klima

Monday, November 19, 2018

How long have you lived in Skagit County? I live in King County, but I have made the 120 mile round-trip since 2004. It’s a beautiful drive, enhanced by years of “books on tape.” What is your favorite thing to do or eat? I love to read, fish, teach, exercise, cook, eat good food and spend quality time with my family. What can you suggest for someone new or familiar to Skagit County to try? Meet the warm-hearted, engaged people of Skagit and participate in the community. What were you doing before you started working for EDASC? I’ve been teaching on the college level since the age...

Local Caregivers Bind Together to Create Heartsong Health Cooperative

Thursday, November 01, 2018

As the population continues to age, the need for caregivers in Skagit County is increasing. The question of what type of care to provide an aging parent and where to find that care is a struggle that many local families will face. Most people want to stay home as long as possible. Some families are able to accommodate the changing needs of a family member over time. Eventually, for most, some assistance is required. Local caregivers are filling the gap by providing in-home care to elderly who are bedridden, and those who simply need someone to spend time with. The...

Latino Leadership Initiative and Latino Computer Training Course Thrive

Monday, October 29, 2018

This fall marks the beginning of the sixth year of the Latino Leadership Initiative (LLI), an initiative of the EDASC Foundation's Leadership Skagit Program, and the second consecutive offering of the Beginning and Intermediate Computer Training Course for Latinos. These programs and their enthusiastic participants are thriving. A record number of 28 students from Skagit Valley College have registered for the computer course, which is offered in Spanish, and both computer classes are filled. The computer training course provides a solid foundation in basic computer concepts, motivates participants to continue their education and start a business and to become more...

Staff Profile: Sunny Siers

Monday, October 29, 2018

How long have you lived in Skagit County? Don’t tell anyone, but I actually live in Snohomish County and grew up in the Greater Seattle area! What is your favorite thing to do or eat? Artichokes are my favorite food on the planet. That’s my go-to dinner at least once a week. Not only are they delicious, they are also so good for you! What can you suggest for someone new or familiar to Skagit County to try? I’m still getting to know Skagit County, but with our office located just down the street from the Skagit Valley Food Co-Op, I end up shopping there...

Energy Storage and Marine Tech Manufacturer LAVLE USA Establishes Headquarters in Skagit County

Thursday, October 25, 2018

LAVLE USA, Inc., a joint venture of Japanese battery company 3DOM and Anacortes-based Ockerman Automation, announced on October 17 the establishment in June 2018 of its headquarters in Anacortes. LAVLE combines advanced energy storage technologies from 3DOM with the world-leading marine engineering, design, and systems integration services of Ockerman Automation, offering products and services to the defense, renewable energy, and marine transportation industries. The company’s establishment comes at a time of accelerating trends towards electrification in the global marine transportation industry, with the goals of increasing efficiencies while reducing costs and environmental impacts. In LAVLE’s press release, CEO Dr. Jason Nye...

Business Showcase Gives Skagit County Agency in Deciding Who We Want to Be

Monday, October 01, 2018

What if our investments helped to transform our community? Instead of investing in corporations without a personal or economic connection to the community, it is possible to “invest in community businesses and social enterprise” (Balle, 2018). This movement is based on the concept of creating an ecosystem where local residents can invest in businesses and social enterprises that stimulate the economy and create jobs, but just as importantly, become part of a community’s fabric and culture. Ultimately, place-based investing gives investors greater agency over how they invest and the impact they can make with that investment. Local lending groups have been...

CEO Corner: September 2018

Monday, September 24, 2018

The EDASC Board of Directors just held its semiannual retreat at the conference room at Peace Health/United General Hospital in Sedro-Woolley. In addition to the regular (but abbreviated) monthly meeting, the Board heard presentations from individual board members and focused on the theme of “Economic Development in a Time of (Virtually) Full Employment.” These semi-annual retreats, which we started three years ago, give the board the opportunity for a deep dive into particular issues of importance to EDASC and the local economy. First, board members from the health care/insurance, manufacturing, and construction sectors presented in a “forces of change” panel. Board...

Staff Profile: Cindy Brooks

Tuesday, September 04, 2018

How long have you lived in Skagit County? One year. What is your favorite thing to do or eat? Both, like eating huckleberries along the trail while hiking. What can you suggest for someone new or familiar to Skagit County to try? Slow down and look around, get outside, visit the parks, like Howard Miller Steelhead Park, the Cascade Trail, or Kukutali Reserve. What were you doing before you started working for EDASC? Finishing an MBA in Sustainable Systems. Why is economic development important for you? I’ve owned and run small businesses most of my adult life. Through this experience I’ve come to understand that the entrepreneurial mindset is...

Skagit County Revolving Loan Fund Offers Competitive Opportunities for Financing your Business

Friday, August 31, 2018

For Skagit County small businesses searching for funding to support growing and expanding their operations, the Skagit County Revolving Loan Fund offers affordable financing opportunities to purchase equipment or real estate, refinance expensive debt, or improve your business space to attract new clients. Revived by the National Development Council (NDC) earlier this year, this longstanding program is now featuring loans for up to $500,000 at competitive interest rates for eligible businesses--offering another tool for helping grow your business. For more than 30 years, the Skagit County Revolving Loan Fund Program has supported job retention and creation in Skagit County, while leveraging...

CEO Corner: August 2018

Thursday, August 30, 2018

One of EDASC’s popular NextExec sessions this spring focused on Emotional Intelligence and Conflict Resolution. Many different topics figured in to this discussion on individual and group communication, including emotional intelligence, empathy, inclusiveness, giving difficult feedback, and resolving interpersonal conflict. These are all complex topics that deserve more detailed treatment on their own, but they will be presented serially and in summary form here. Conflict: Always endeavor to turn conflict into a win/win, a constructive rather than destructive outcome. If only a destructive outcome is possible, conflict should be avoided or at best managed. Sometimes conflict is necessary, sometimes it is to...

6 Tips for Growing Your Business

Monday, August 13, 2018

Business growth is critical for long-term success. Still, achieving sustainable business growth is not easy. It requires a strategic plan, being well-prepared, and being nimble enough to adjust to changing market demands. Locally, Cindy Brooks is an excellent resource for businesses needing help in this arena. Through her work at the SBDC, she helps Skagit County businesses and entrepreneurs to plan and achieve sustainable growth. We encourage using her as a knowledge resource and for help with any of the below suggestions. In the meantime, here are some tips that business owners can implement today. #1 Stay on top of finances During...

Staff Profile: Annette Pankey

Sunday, August 05, 2018

How long have you lived in Skagit County? My wife Roz and I arrived in Anacortes on May 1, 2011. What is your favorite thing to do? I’ve played sports all my life and absolutely love playing golf! The mechanics of golf are challenging, but it’s balanced by just being out in nature. I always try to appreciate the surroundings of the courses I play on. What can you suggest for someone new or not familiar to Skagit County to try? Tour around the whole county. There is so much to see and do year-round. Start up conversations with strangers. You’d be surprised how much...

CEO Corner: July 2018

Monday, July 30, 2018

We have recently completed the season of graduations and inspiration – including Leadership Skagit and two graduations for the Sternlicht family. Aside from pride, excitement, satisfaction, and hope, these events can energize us to work for improvements and greater causes for our communities. I hope you will permit me some personal observations on this theme. I found that kind of inspiration on attending my son David’s graduation this spring from the Haas Graduate School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley. The class was filled with the next generation of brilliant, hard-working people who want to make the world a...

Should I Hire Employees or Contractors?

Monday, July 30, 2018

Many businesses in Washington State are faced with the question of hiring employees or starting people out as contractors. This is especially relevant for start-ups or businesses who are in the growth phase. When cash is tight, there may be little option other than to hire people as contractors. However, this is not always the right decision from a legal and taxation perspective, nor is it always the right decision from a business one. A business attorney and CPA can provide specific advice. As a general rule, here are some things to consider - Contractors must work independently This is where a...

Skagit County, Northwest Washington Promoted to Global Investors at SelectUSA Summit

Friday, July 27, 2018

From June 20 through 22, EDASC was part of the Choose Washington delegation at the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington, DC. This summit, organized by the U.S. Department of Commerce, is the highest-profile event promoting investment in the United States, bringing together global companies and economic development organizations to share investment opportunities from across the country. The 2018 SelectUSA Investment Summit drew more than 3,000 participants, including participants from 66 international markets, more than 1,200 global business investors and economic developers from 50 U.S. states and territories. EDASC was represented at SelectUSA by Sean Connell, Director of Business Development and Global Competitiveness, who conducted several meetings with...

Five Census Tracts in Skagit County Designated by Governor as Opportunity Zones

Wednesday, May 02, 2018

Washington Governor Jay Inslee has designated five census tracts in three Skagit County cities as Opportunity Zones. The tracts are part of a new program enacted by Congress under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 that aims to encourage private-sector investment into economically distressed U.S. communities. Investors in Opportunity Zones may benefit from federal capital gains tax deferments and reductions. EDASC anticipates that Skagit County’s five newly designated Opportunity Zones will encourage investment in Anacortes, Mount Vernon, and Sedro-Woolley, and result in more family-wage jobs and expanded housing opportunities. EDASC will work with municipalities and potential investors to bring...

Alternative Lenders Roundtable Event Connects Small Businesses with Resources

Monday, December 24, 2018

Small businesses are critical to Skagit County’s economy. They provide important products and services, create jobs and are a tool for wealth creation. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), 99.9% of U.S. businesses are small businesses. These small businesses in aggregate employ 47.5% of all U.S. employees.[1] Surprisingly, four out of five are single employer businesses.[2] Here are just a few of the reasons small businesses are important to our local economy: Small businesses are a significant contributor to the character of a place by adding vitality and vibrancy to a community. The character of a place is important to...

Foundations for the Future: An Interview with Skagit STEM Network

Thursday, December 20, 2018

Fostering workforce talent and attracting human capital is at the core of economic development. Ensuring that all students in Skagit County have access to opportunities and resources to develop the skills, knowledge, and capabilities to thrive and succeed in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven employment environment is an important priority. In support of this goal, EDASC works closely with the Skagit STEM Network, whose mission is to provide resources and a collaborative environment for educators, administrators, and community-based organizations that better enable them to help Skagit County students acquire the knowledge and skills required to meet the challenges of the...

An Economy for All

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

This time of year calls for reflection. Skagit County has historically been a place of great natural beauty and bountiful resources. Acknowledging the natural forces that have shaped the landscape and the diversity of life that inhabits the valley informs who we are becoming. How do we sustain quality of life and connection to our sense of place in times of growth and change? Nurturing a healthy and equitable local economy is key. This is the foundational concept of the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE) framework. Using the BALLE framework key principles as a guide, we reflect on...

Strong Skagit Presence at Pacific Marine Expo

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

The Pacific Marine Expo, which is the largest annual commercial marine trade show on the West Coast, took place in Seattle from November 18-20. The show featured several Skagit County marine industry businesses and institutions, including the Center of Excellence for Marine Manufacturing and Technology at Skagit Valley College, Mavrik Marine, Rozema Boat Works Inc., Industrial Resources Incorporated, Olympic Propeller Company, Cold Sea Refrigeration Inc., Maritime Fabrications Inc., and Pacific Marine Center. EDASC walked the floor at the Expo to connect with businesses and learn more about the latest trends in this important industry sector for Skagit County’s economy, as...

Annual IEDC Conference Advances Inclusion in Economic Development

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

This year’s annual conference of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), held in Atlanta, Georgia from September 29 to October 3, turned out to be the largest ever. Over 1,600 economic developers and related service providers gathered to explore the theme of “Inclusion in Economic Development.” In addition to the basics of economic development, business retention, expansion, and attraction, many of the areas discussed focused on issues of inclusion, diversity, prosperity for all, housing, workforce, early learning, the opioid crisis, and other areas in which our community and EDASC in particular are closely involved. The conference provides an excellent opportunity...

Bringing Skagit Ideas and Inventions to Life: An Interview with the NW Innovation Resource Center

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Skagit County has long been fertile ground for innovators, inventors, and entrepreneurs. Homegrown companies such as Janicki Industries, Rothenbuhler Engineering, Eddyline, and Skagit Valley Malting—just to name a few—are today internationally-renowned in their fields. Fostering and supporting new entrepreneurs that will create Skagit County’s future business success stories, and ensuring that they can maintain and grow these businesses here, is an important priority for EDASC in its economic development strategy. To accomplish this, Skagit County, the Port of Skagit, and EDASC partner with the NW Innovation Resource Center (NWIRC), which assists entrepreneurs and inventors from throughout Skagit County create the strategies...

CEO Corner: October 2018

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Things are busy here at EDASC. First, we are getting ready for our third annual Investor Appreciation Celebration, Monday November 5 at 5:30 at the Museum of Northwest Art in La Conner. If you are an EDASC Investor at whatever level, please go to our website and register (at no cost) right away! The link can also be found here. We look forward to hosting you for a fun evening of networking and talking about the successes enabled by your investments! Also coming up very soon: the 2019 Skagit Business Guide, including the EDASC Investor Directory. Please be on the lookout...

Tackling the “Sticky Topic” of Homelessness in Skagit County—A Civil Discussion

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Contributed by Wende Sanderson, Member of the League of Women Voters of Skagit County, and Certified Mediator with the Skagit Dispute Resolution Center The League of Women Voters of Skagit County and the Skagit County Dispute Resolution Center completed their 2018 Civil Discourse series on October 6 with a Community Conversation on homelessness. This event was made possible by generous support from Skagit County Board of Commissioners, EDASC Foundation, and Skagit Publishing. The event featured independent dispute resolution professional Mary Dumas as the facilitator, guiding participants through an exploration of the topic of homelessness in Skagit County. Participants discovered the many ‘tracks’...

Upcoming Consultation and Trade Mission Offer Skagit County Businesses New Growth Opportunities

Thursday, August 30, 2018

With more than 95 percent of all consumers located outside the United States, exports and international trade present significant potential growth opportunities for manufacturers, farmers, and services providers. Skagit County is a leading exporter in its own right, as the source of 25 percent of global supply of cabbage and beet seeds, along with other agricultural crops, advanced machinery, and other manufactured goods sold and shipped all around the world. Supporting Skagit County businesses and communities in reaping the economic benefits available through exporting is an important priority for EDASC, and three upcoming activities offer excellent opportunities to explore new...

Fundamental Computer Course Supports Skagit County Latino Entrepreneurs

Monday, July 30, 2018

On May 26, thirty-six Skagit County participants graduated from the Basic and Intermediate Computer Course for Latinos, an innovative business preparedness course coordinated in partnership by Skagit Valley College, the Northwest Agriculture Business Center (NABC), and EDASC's Latino Business Retention and Expansion Program. These classes, which were held at Skagit Valley College across eight Saturdays, provided students from Skagit County's Latino community with a solid foundation in fundamental computer skills--including operating Microsoft Office Software utilizing databases, spreadsheets, word processing, PowerPoint, and an introduction to the Internet--within a Spanish language environment while using English as the computer language. This basic business course provided much needed knowledge for...

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