News

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

Washington’s minimum wage will increase to $16.66 per hour in 2025.The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) announced the increase will take effect Jan. 1, 2025.State law directs L&I to calculate the minimum wage for the coming year using the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index...Continue Reading

Celebrating the Growing Impact of Latino/Hispanic Businesses in Skagit County During Hispanic Heritage Month, it is timely to reflect on the contributions of the Latino/Hispanic community to the local economy. In Skagit County, this population is rapidly growing, already making up 20% of the residents, with projections indicating it could reach 50%...Continue Reading

Gina Eakin started as the new Community Relations Associate at EDASC earlier this month. Her primary focus will be working with the Leadership Skagit program.Gina most recently worked as the Business Development Coordinator for Washington Vocational Services, where is worked in successive roles for nearly 13 years. She has earned...Continue Reading

The entire EDASC team is extraordinarily proud of our achievement and recognition as the first Accredited Economic Development Organization in the Pacific Northwest. One of the reasons we received this accreditation is that in addition to the “bread and butter” of economic development – business recruitment, retention, and expansion –...Continue Reading

Late summer brings a bounty of fresh produce, flowers, and value-added products to farmers' markets around Skagit County. It’s also the time of year when National Farmers Market Week is observed, during the second week of August. There’s good reason to celebrate farmers' markets for their vital role in communities nationwide...Continue Reading

With any luck – and a solid safety culture – your workplace hasn’t experienced a workers’ compensation claim. However, it pays to be aware of your rights and responsibilities as an employer, so you are prepared to handle a claim with the least stress possible.With limited exceptions, all Washington state...Continue Reading

La Conner Marina: A Vibrant Hub for Work and PlayThe La Conner Marina, located in the charming town of La Conner, offers a unique blend of recreational and commercial amenities that support a thriving community. According to Linda Tyler, communications director at the Port of Skagit, “La Conner Marina offers...Continue Reading

Staff members from the Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County (EDASC) recently attended two major economic development conferences, bringing back fresh insights and valuable connections to bolster Skagit County's economic landscape.EDASC's Economic Development Managers Aaron Weinberg (Strategic Projects) and Jorge Estefan (Equitable Economic Development), attended the International Economic Development Council...Continue Reading

New EDASC program sees successful startAt the end of June, 24 students graduated from the first cohort of Startup School, EDASC’s training program for entrepreneurs.Startup School is a partnership between EDASC and the My Own Business Institute (MOBI) at Santa Clara University. EDASC developed the program and engaged MOBI to...Continue Reading

The Skagit Community Foundation has awarded Leadership Skagit a $5,000 Blackburn Family grant in its most recent round of funding.Leadership Skagit, a program of EDASC in partnership with Skagit Valley College, is a community experiential leadership development program that has graduated nearly 600 participants since the program started in 2003...Continue Reading

The Port of Anacortes was established in 1926, and the Port District was expanded to its current boundaries in 1962. The district includes approximately 100 square miles in Skagit County, including Fidalgo Island and various agricultural and heavy industrial lands in west Skagit County. The Port of Anacortes, located primarily in...Continue Reading

Economic development can take many forms, and for Economic Development Week, May 6-10, we’ll be sharing some of the ways in which EDASC applies economic development practices to the needs of businesses and the community.Program: Leadership SkagitNeed: A group of community leaders over 20 years ago identified the need to...Continue Reading

Economic development can take many forms, and for Economic Development Week, May 6-10, we’ll be sharing some of the ways in which EDASC applies economic development practices to the needs of businesses and the community. Today, we profile one of our key partners in economic development, the Port of Skagit.Governed...Continue Reading

Economic development can take many forms, and for Economic Development Week, May 6-10, we’ll be sharing some of the ways in which EDASC applies economic development practices to the needs of businesses and the community.Business served: La Catrina Tacos & TequilaChallenge: During the floods of October 2021 and 2022, La...Continue Reading

Economic development can take many forms, and for Economic Development Week, May 6-10, we’ll be sharing some of the ways in which EDASC applies economic development practices to the needs of businesses and the community.Business served: Dakota Creek IndustriesDakota Creek Industries (DCI) was founded in 1975 in Blaine and relocated...Continue Reading

Economic development can take many forms, and for Economic Development Week, May 6-10, we’ll be sharing some of the ways in which EDASC applies economic development practices to the needs of businesses and the community.Project: NW Regional Job FairsChallenge/Need: Across all industries, businesses are having a hard time attracting and...Continue Reading

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 2024 Seattle District Rural Small Business of the Year is Good Bagels Café in Anacortes.Brothers Alex LaLonde and Nick LaLonde founded Good Bagels in 2020, sourcing local ingredients to produce handcrafted bagels for sale at area events and festivals. In 2023, the co-owners opened...Continue Reading

When an accident occurs at your restaurant, are you ready to investigate?In the case of a serious accident involving hospitalization, a report must be filed with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries and a documented investigation must be completed for any serious injury or illness, even if it...Continue Reading

April is not just about blooming flowers and spring showers; it's also National Financial Literacy Month in the United States. This month reminds us of financial literacy's critical role in empowering individuals and communities nationwide. In Skagit County, Washington, the Economic Development Alliance (EDASC) recognizes the importance of promoting financial...Continue Reading

Chinook Enterprises, with support from EDASC, was awarded a $200,000 Evergreen Manufacturing Growth Grant from the State Department of Commerce to support its strategic expansion, increasing its manufacturing capacity while adding about 25 new jobs within two years.The local manufacturer was one of 10 companies statewide to each be awarded...Continue Reading

Leadership Skagit, a program of EDASC in partnership with Skagit Valley College, is now accepting applications for the class of 2025.Start your leadership journey today and join a network of more than 550 individuals who have gone through the program, including elected officials, business owners at all levels, executives and...Continue Reading

A group of young business professionals has revived Skagit Young Professionals, a networking group started in the 2000s. Just as before, the Skagit Young Professionals aims to create business connections with peers, but the new leaders of the group aim to broaden its scope through encouraging civic engagement and growing...Continue Reading