News

Since 2004, the Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County’s (EDASC) Leadership Skagit program has graduated over 600 alumni, inspiring professionals at every level of their career to deepen their knowledge of community development. “I had recently started a new position with the Skagit County Fair and wanted to learn more about the community in...Continue Reading

Energy is a huge issue in economic development, EDASC CEO John Sternlicht said while moderating a recent panel discussion on energy in Skagit County. As electrification of vehicles, heating/cooling systems and other demands both industrial and residential increase, the need for energy keeps growing.Here in Skagit County that reality is...Continue Reading

For those who live in Skagit County, counting the festivals, fairs and parades and other community celebrations may take both fingers and toes. “Our local festivals are an example of events tourists and locals alike flock to,” EDASC CEO John Sternlicht said, naming the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, the Anacortes Arts...Continue Reading

EDASC conducted the Business Climate Survey in early 2025 to gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing local businesses. It is critical to assess the needs of businesses across various industries to ensure they have the resources and support necessary for long-term success.Through this survey, we aimed...Continue Reading

Driving north on Interstate 5, cresting the hill at Starbird Road, the vista of Skagit County unfolds – the vast agricultural lands straight ahead, Mount Erie and the waters of Anacortes to the west, the evergreen hills that serve as the gateway to the Cascade National Forest to the east,...Continue Reading

Leadership Skagit, a program of EDASC in partnership with Skagit Valley College, is now accepting applications for the class of 2026.Start your leadership journey today and join a network of more than 600 individuals who have gone through the program, including elected officials, business owners at all levels, executives and...Continue Reading

EDASC’s keynote speaker at Economic Forecast Night said the narrative around the economy is more important in forecasting the nation’s economic trends than the actual numbers.Christopher Thornberg, founding partner of Los Angeles-based Beacon Economics, told the 300-plus business leaders and community members gathered for the annual forecast dinner that the...Continue Reading

Lack of access to early learning and childcare is a significant issue in Skagit County, the state, and country. Only 14.8% of the childcare and early learning need (infants to 12 years old) is met in Skagit County, according to the State Department of Children, Youth and Families. Alarmingly, Skagit...Continue Reading

Career and Technical Education Month in March recognizes the vital role that technical education plays in shaping the future workforce. In Skagit County, Washington, the Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County has been a driving force in strengthening the education-to-employment pipeline, connecting students with high-demand job opportunities, and fostering partnerships...Continue Reading

If you are starting a business that will require employees or you’re in business and ready to hire your first employee, it’s time to get up to speed on Washington’s wage and hour laws. Ensuring your business complies with these laws can avoid headaches later when you have to spend time...Continue Reading

Last fall, members of the Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) toured several projects throughout Skagit County that have received funds from CERB, including four located on Port of Skagit properties. The Washington state Legislature created CERB in 1982 to help develop infrastructure necessary to develop or retain stable business and industrial...Continue Reading

Here we review the EDASC staff's picks of the top 10 notable accomplishments from 2024.EDASC receives Accredited Economic Development Organization designationThe International Economic Development Council, the world’s largest economic development professional association, honored EDASC with the Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) designation in February 2024. Not only was EDASC one...Continue Reading

Driving Economic Growth Through AviationSkagit Regional Airport is more than a transportation hub; it is a crucial economic engine for Skagit County. Serving private and commercial aircraft, the airport plays an essential role in business aviation, logistics, and emergency response. According to a 2022 Economic Impact Study conducted by BST Associates,...Continue Reading

The Skagit Chamber Alliance hosted its annual Legislative Sendoff in early January, prior to the beginning of the state legislative session. Legislators from the 10th, 39th and 40th districts attended the forum virtually to share their priorities and take questions from the audience.Rep. Carolyn Eslick, Rep. Sam Low, Rep. Alex...Continue Reading

The Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County is welcoming back noted economist Christopher Thornberg, Ph.D., as the keynote speaker at its annual Economic Forecast Night dinner in February. Thornberg is founder of Los Angeles-based Beacon Economics LLC, who became nationally known for forecasting the subprime mortgage market crash that began in...Continue Reading

Manufacturing is the backbone of economic growth and innovation in Skagit County. Thanks to the collaborative efforts between Impact Washington and the Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County, local manufacturers are receiving the resources, training, and support they need to thrive. This partnership has been in place for nearly a...Continue Reading

The Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County is pleased to announce that WECU and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB Des Moines) have awarded them a $33,000 grant from the FHLB Des Moines Member Impact Fund, tripling the impact of WECU’s $11,000 award through the Education First...Continue Reading

EDASC was awarded a $25,000 grant from the Northwest Business Development Association (NWBDA) to support its programming, including entrepreneurial support and workforce development. This is the second year in a row that NWBDA has awarded EDASC a grant.The NWBDA is a nonprofit certified development organization that supports business growth and...Continue Reading

The EDASC Board of Directors attended a half-day retreat in Concrete in October to learn more about the issues facing east county.The board heard from Mayor Marla Reed, business owners, and representatives from social service agencies serving Concrete and the surrounding communities.One of the biggest challenges is sustaining businesses throughout...Continue Reading

En Washington, todos los contratistas de la industria de la construcción están requeridos a registrarse con el Departamento de Labor e Industrias del Estado de Washington (L&I). La ley estatal también requiere que los contratistas de construcción tengan una fianza y un seguro para proteger al público. Una vez registrados, los...Continue Reading

In Washington, all construction contractors are required to register with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). State law also requires construction contractors to be bonded and insured to protect the public. Once registered, contractors can get to work – bidding, advertising, and performing construction work. This can include...Continue Reading

Most business entities registered with the Washington Secretary of State are required to submit a Beneficial Ownership Information Report (BOIR) to the U.S. Treasury Department's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, FinCEN, about the individuals who ultimately own or control them. FinCEN began accepting reports on Jan. 1, 2024.Beneficial ownership information reporting...Continue Reading

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness MonthAs businesses in Skagit County increasingly rely on digital platforms to thrive, robust cybersecurity has never been more critical. For small and mid-sized companies, cybersecurity is not just a technical issue—it's an economic one. Cyber threats can disrupt operations, erode trust, and deter growth, while...Continue Reading

The Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County (EDASC) is pleased to announce that its Startup School program has been awarded a $22,000 Education First grant from WECU. This funding will support the continued growth and expansion of the program, which provides essential business training to aspiring entrepreneurs and small business...Continue Reading