NEWS

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 certain...

EDASC takes holistic approach to capacity building

Tuesday, May 07, 2019

Puja Sharma, co-owner of Taste of India in downtown Mount Vernon, said she likely wouldn’t have been able to reopen her business after it burned down in 2015 if not for the help of the Small Business Development Center at EDASC. “Our advisor helped with everything,” Sharma said. “Three years later, we are more successful than we thought possible.” Capacity building is anything EDASC can do to make the community stronger and more prosperous. Our small-business development services like the one Sharma used are one piece of the pie, and can also be classified as part of business expansion and retention. EDASC takes...

EDASC's business retention, expansion efforts vital for job growth

Monday, May 06, 2019

During EDASC’s annual Economic Forecast Night in February, CEO John Sternlicht announced that aerospace company VT Volant was expanding to a new Burlington facility. VT Volant, part of a large corporate organization based in Singapore, could have relocated or expanded to many locations outside Washington. EDASC and state officials were determined to keep the company growing here. The multi-million-dollar expansion will bring an estimated 125 new family wage jobs to the county. New businesses brought in through EDASC’s attraction efforts often get the biggest headlines, but most job growth locally and nationally stems from existing businesses, such as through VT Volant’s recent expansion. Business...

EDASC, stakeholders convene for roundtable on grain economy with DelBene, Larsen

Friday, May 03, 2019

MOUNT VERNON -- EDASC and other Skagit County stakeholders met with Congressman Rick Larsen and Congresswoman Suzan DelBene on Thursday at Farmstrong Brewing for a roundtable discussion on the grain economy. Those in attendance included farmers, bakers, brewers and representatives from the Washington State University Bread Lab, WSU Skagit Extension, Skagit Valley Malting, and the Port of Skagit. Aaron Weinberg, EDASC communications and community engagement specialist, spoke about EDASC's involvement with the Skagit County Innovation Partnership Zone, which focuses on value-added agriculture. "If we want to preserve agriculture as a way of life here, it needs to remain economically viable," Weinberg said. "We...

Fostering relationships key for successful business attraction efforts

Friday, May 03, 2019

EDASC staff already knew the parties involved when LAVLE, a maritime joint-venture company, contacted them in early 2018 about opening its headquarters in Anacortes. The relationships had been built over several years, as is typical when courting businesses, EDASC CEO John Sternlicht said. “Business attraction requires a time investment,” Sternlicht said. “You may be forging a relationship with someone not even in the market to do anything. Some of those leads eventually turn into businesses landing here.” EDASC’s connections with LAVLE paid off as the marine battery company opened its headquarters in 2018, bringing dozens of well-paying jobs to the county. This is a...

Lisa Janicki honored with Skagit Change-Maker Award

Friday, May 03, 2019

MOUNT VERNON – Skagit County Commissioner Lisa Janicki was presented May 2 with the 2019 Skagit Change-Maker award at McIntyre Hall for her contributions to Skagit County, including her professional and volunteer leadership, service as a mentor, and efforts supporting public health. The award was presented during the annual public health update event Powerful Partnerships – Healthy Community organized by the Population Health Trust. The event, with nearly 200 in attendance, highlighted local progress in addressing the opioid epidemic, early learning and childcare, and housing availability. Janicki, one of 17 nominees for the second annual Change-Maker Award, was the unanimous choice by...

SCORE bolstering Skagit County presence with addition of experienced mentors

Friday, May 03, 2019

MOUNT VERNON – SCORE is calling in Skagit County reinforcements. The national nonprofit that provides free counseling to entrepreneurs is bringing on Rob Martin, founder of Chinook Enterprises, and Barbara Atterberry, owner of Lemon Love Dressings and Bob’s Chowder Bar, as its newest mentors. The nonprofit has over 10,000 volunteer counselors nationwide. With its nearest chapter in Bellingham, Skagit County has long wanted a hometown SCORE presence. Martin and Atterberry’s addition as mentors will help SCORE bolster its impact in Skagit County, said SCORE counselor Peter Burkland of Whatcom County. “They’ll ensure we’ll be able to help more business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs in...

Leadership Skagit hosting annual information reception

Tuesday, April 23, 2019

MOUNT VERNON -- Leadership Skagit is hosting its annual information reception for those interested in learning about its 9-month community leadership program. The reception, sponsored by Banner Bank, will be held from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. May 7 at the Grand Willow Inn at 17926 Dunbar Road. Each year Leadership Skagit selects up to 35 current and emerging leaders from throughout Skagit County to participate. The upcoming class begins in September 2019 and culminates with graduation in June of 2020. The program's goal is to ensure that emerging leaders have the training and knowledge necessary to step into community leadership positions and...

Sedro-Woolley pilot program to provide training to aspiring entrepreneurs

Monday, April 08, 2019

SEDRO-WOOLLEY -- A pilot training program for aspiring entrepreneurs is set to launch May 6 in Sedro-Woolley. The program, called Startup Sedro-Woolley, will feature cash prizes and the chance for participants to launch a pop-up business at a new business park. It was developed as a partnership between Sedro-Woolley Downtown Association, the Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County in conjunction with its Leadership Skagit program and Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Center for Inclusive Entrepreneurship (CIE), and GroWashington. Startup Sedro-Woolley will host up to 20 emerging entrepreneurs, including up to three high school students, for a 16-hour course held twice a week...

CEO Corner: Workforce housing an economic development imperative

Thursday, April 04, 2019

Skagit County needs more available workforce housing. Our kids are growing up and many want to work and live near home. New residents are moving here for jobs and our sought-after quality of life. Higher housing costs in Snohomish and even King County are pushing more people here. We need more housing options to sustain a healthy workforce and we need to plan for it. Let’s talk about density, and how it plays into alleviating our housing availability challenges. Density, by definition, means we are taking up less space by fitting in more residences. That helps rural areas stay rural and farmland stay...

Skagit County selected as pilot program for free business growth training

Thursday, April 04, 2019

MOUNT VERNON -- A pilot training program providing valuable, well-tested training for businesses poised for growth is coming in May and June to Skagit County. The ScaleUp Business Training program is a five-week course (one day during each of the five weeks) designed to help small-business owners develop and implement growth plans. The course is being sponsored by the Washington Department of Commerce in partnership with the Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County and will start in early May at EDASC. Participants take the program at no cost, thanks to these organizations. Register for free here. The pilot program began in 2016 in...

Downtown Sedro-Woolley experiencing resurgence

Tuesday, April 02, 2019

SEDRO-WOOLLEY – Timi Weathers, co-owner of Bottorff’s & Company, has said for the last few years that downtown Sedro-Woolley is primed for a renaissance. “It’s the last small area you can shop, eat, drink and walk around,” Weathers said. “It has fantastic potential for small businesses.” A year ago, Weathers opened her own business selling unique handmade items downtown on Metcalf Street. She’s not the only one recognizing Sedro-Woolley’s potential. Several new community-focused businesses have recently opened, helping liven up the city’s downtown district. These include Local 20 Taproom, Primal Coffee, Liberty Bistro, Iron Mountain Bar & Grill and Magnolia Grill. More are on...

EDASC hires coordinator of business development & expansion

Tuesday, April 02, 2019

MOUNT VERNON -- The Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County (EDASC) has hired Tamsin Bell as its business development & expansion coordinator. Bell brings eight years of economic development experience and has worked in multiple roles in the state of Florida in parks, environmental protection, and economic development. In her new position at EDASC, Bell will be responsible for developing and implementing business retention, attraction and expansion strategies. “I’m excited to support EDASC in fostering sustainable economic growth for all communities in Skagit County,” Bell said. Bell earned her B.A. in Environmental Health Sciences and Ethnic Studies from Salisbury University, located on Maryland’s...

Event connects local girls with STEM career pathways

Tuesday, April 02, 2019

MOUNT VERNON – About 400 middle and high school girls from across the county learned about STEM career pathways March 21 at McIntyre Hall at Skagit Valley College. The annual event, called Spotlight on Women in STEM, is hosted by the Skagit STEM Network. It included talks from influential women in STEM careers and exhibits with representatives from local companies. STEM refers to science, technology, engineering and math. Careers in those fields typically have higher demand but are also male dominated, said Shaun Doffing, career connected learning coordinator for Skagit STEM Network. “The goal of events like these is to get young women...

Latino Leadership Initiative course passes midway point

Tuesday, April 02, 2019

MOUNT VERNON -- The Latino Leadership Initiative on March 16 hosted its second immersion seminar of the year for its students at Skagit Valley College, marking the midway point for the course. The seminar featured numerous speakers and interactive discussions, concluding with students providing a sneak peek at the progress of their community projects for the program. The Latino Leadership Initiative is a program designed to train and prepare young Latinos and Latinas to be leaders in their communities and the larger society. The program was developed by Skagit Valley College, Edmonds Community College, EDASC through its Leadership Skagit program, and the...

Helping Hands Solution Center connecting those in need with services

Monday, April 01, 2019

SEDRO-WOOLLEY – Helping Hands Solution Center welcomed representatives from 48 nonprofits and government departments March 26 as part of a project designed to connect food bank clients and other community members with needed resources. During the event, each nonprofit representative had a few minutes to address the room, providing information about their nonprofit and their services. Rebecca Schlat, executive director of Helping Hands, said the event was designed to educate local nonprofits so they can refer clients to resources they otherwise wouldn’t have known about. “The goal is for us all to work together so those in need can take advantage of the...

Spotlight on Skagit tradeshow set for April 10

Monday, April 01, 2019

BURLINGTON – Spotlight on Skagit, the county’s premier business-to-business trade show, is set for 4 to 7 p.m. April 10 at Van Zyverden’s Bulb Warehouse at the Port of Skagit. The annual event highlights the area’s innovative businesses, featuring dozens of exhibitors and hundreds of attendees. Admission is free for the first time, ensuring even more exposure for businesses and better accessibility for all Skagit County residents. New from last year, the Innovation Speakers Forum returns to provide a platform for local business leaders to share groundbreaking work. EDASC CEO John Sternlicht said the forum is another way to further highlight businesses...

Chinook Enterprises' grounds division saved by emergency rule

Tuesday, March 19, 2019

MOUNT VERNON -- Chinook Enterprises' grounds maintenance division was saved last week following an emergency rule filed by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries allowing the division to stay close to its hourly rate of $14.15 rather than jumping to a rate of over $50 an hour. The grounds maintenance division has 14 employees, nine of whom have disabilities. The problem for Chinook Enterprises' grounds maintenance division, and others like it across the state, arose after a 2018 law raised the prevailing wage for that type of work to $59.49 an hour for work done on municipal property. All...

Skagit County gets its first coworking space

Tuesday, March 19, 2019

SEDRO-WOOLLEY – Skagit County has its first coworking space following the March 11, 2019, opening of Skagit Connection Hub in downtown Sedro-Woolley. A coworking space is a shared area designed for those with flexible working arrangements, such as telecommuters, distance learners, consultants or entrepreneurs. The work spaces are popular in larger cities like Seattle, and the concept is now gaining traction in less densely populated communities. Skagit Connection Hub, located at 221 Ferry St., includes seating for about 20 people in the main workspace. It also features fiber internet, a 10-person conference room, charging stations and more. Skagit Connection Hub Owner Mike McIver...

Chinook Enterprises' grounds division threatened by prevailing wage increase

Thursday, February 28, 2019

MOUNT VERNON – The application of a new law threatens to bench Chinook Enterprises’ grounds division and put 14 employees, nine of whom have disabilities, out of work. Chinook Enterprises is a social enterprise company that supports people with disabilities. The issues arose from the Department of Labor and Industries’ determination applying to SB 5493 that the prevailing wage for landscape construction workers be raised to $59.49 per hour for work at municipal properties. All of Chinook Enterprises’ grounds division’s work is performed on those properties. With the prevailing wage increase, Chinook Enterprises stands to lose its grounds division contracts as local...

EDASC co-sponsors Korean business mission

Thursday, February 28, 2019

SEOUL, South Korea – In partnership with the Washington State Department of Agriculture, EDASC co-sponsored a mission to Korea recently promoting agricultural exports of local products. EDASC was represented by former EDASC Director of Business Development and Global Competitiveness Sean Connell. Connell had been developing this mission for two years, so it was fitting he represented EDASC despite recently being named Vice President of Government Relations for LAVLE in Anacortes. The goals of the mission were to introduce Skagit County’s value-added agriculture, facilitate introductions with potential buyers, facilitate learning opportunities and learn about Korea’s innovative practices. Connell was joined locally by Port of...

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 jobs...

EDASC hosts Norwegian business leaders for tour of maritime industry

Thursday, February 28, 2019

ANACORTES -- EDASC on Jan. 30 and 31 hosted a group of Norwegian business leaders for an in-depth look at Anacortes’ maritime industry, including its boat builders, clean technologies, training opportunities and more. The Anacortes tour was planned by EDASC and a Norwegian-funded organization called Innovation Norway, which seeks business opportunities for its companies overseas. The delegation travelled from Vancouver to Anacortes before leaving for Seattle on a three-city tour. The fact Innovation Norway visited Anacortes along with the two internationally prominent destinations speaks volumes to the city’s strong maritime industry and its attractive expansion opportunities. It was the first stop for...

Spotlight on Skagit set for April, admission now free

Thursday, February 28, 2019

BURLINGTON – Spotlight on Skagit, to be held 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 10 at Van Zyverden’s Bulb Warehouse, is for the first time offering free admission. The change will ensure even more traffic through the exhibit hall, meaning even more exposure for your business or organization. Spotlight on Skagit, formerly Schmooze Fair, is northwest Washington’s premier business-to-business trade show, providing the opportunity to cultivate existing business relationships, engage with prospective clients, and learn about the diverse industries, businesses, and nonprofits contributing to Skagit County’s economy. The event regularly draws over 500 attendees and about 90 exhibitors. Since last year, EDASC has...

EDASC welcomes Communications & Community Engagement Specialist

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

MOUNT VERNON – The Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County (EDASC) has hired Aaron Weinberg as its Communications & Community Engagement Specialist. Weinberg joins EDASC with over seven years of combined nonprofit and journalism experience in Skagit and Whatcom counties. As a former business reporter for the Skagit Valley Herald, Weinberg is deeply familiar with the county's economic landscape. “I’m thrilled to join an organization I’ve always admired,” Weinberg said. “I’m eager to share stories not only about EDASC’s incredible range of projects and programs, but also about the innovative businesses that call Skagit County home.” Weinberg earned his B.A. in journalism from...

Blueprint for Anacortes Maritime industry approved

Monday, February 25, 2019

ANACORTES -- The Anacortes Maritime Strategic Plan, a blueprint to strengthen the maritime industry in Anacortes over the next decade while preserving its authentic maritime culture, was approved Feb. 25 by the Anacortes City Council. The strategy was developed by EDASC, the City of Anacortes and the Port of Anacortes. Its approval by the council marks a significant milestone after nearly three years of planning, which included interviewing more than 50 local marine businesses. The strategy includes a framework of tasks and deadlines to accomplish major goals over the next 10 years. Anacortes offers one of the most competitive locations in the...

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...

New Maritime Strategy Charts Forward Course for Anacortes

Thursday, December 27, 2018

The City of Anacortes and Port of Anacortes, together with EDASC, have been working over the past two years to develop a new comprehensive strategic plan for promoting and expanding a sustainable maritime economy in Anacortes and Skagit County, while preserving the authentic maritime culture of Anacortes. Anacortes offers one of the most competitive locations in the Pacific Northwest for sustained and future growth of the maritime industry, with an established, diverse range of businesses and unique, superb assets. At the same time, challenges including difficulties employers face in finding skilled workers; the regulatory environment and burdens on existing businesses; and infrastructure...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

EDASC partners for inaugural WE Ignite Women’s Conference

Thursday, February 28, 2019

ANACORTES – The inaugural WE Ignite Women’s Conference was held Feb. 8 at the Swinomish Casino & Lodge, in partnership with EDASC. The conference provided business education opportunities for women through keynote speakers, panel sessions, skill building and networking opportunities. About 225 attended. The WE Ignite Women’s Conference is the brainchild of Erin Long, a prominent Skagit County community member and 2016 Skagit Women’s Alliance and Network Woman of the Year award recipient. EDASC partnered with Long during the planning stages of the conference when she ran into administrative issues preventing her from accepting donations or making payments. The problem was that WE...

Skagit Valley College accepting applications for BASAM program

Thursday, February 28, 2019

Skagit Valley College is now accepting Fall 2019 applications for its Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Management (BASAM) program. The program has its own admission process, with applications only available by attending an information session at the college. The program is a two-year, career-oriented degree combining upper-level managerial and general education courses. It provides students with business skills and knowledge for advancement to managerial-level positions or to operate an entrepreneurial venture. It is designed for students who have completed an associate’s degree. It is flexible, affordable, and designed to accommodate working adults who want to build management skills and advance...

Sternlicht discusses keeping agriculture sustainable in Skagit County

Thursday, February 28, 2019

MOUNT VERNON -- EDASC CEO John Sternlicht spoke Feb. 8 about the ongoing need to push for value-added agriculture and other ways to keep agriculture and agriculture land economically viable during the annual Skagit Ag Summit at the Washington State University Research and Extension Center. Value-added agriculture, put simply, involves increasing the value of an agricultural product. Local examples include Skagit Valley Malting paying farmers premium prices for commodity crops and the recently-unveiled “Genuine Skagit Valley” certification brand strategy created through the Innovation Partnership Zone. More Skagit County farmers want to become price makers, or those who set the prices of their...

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...

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...

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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