East Skagit County focus of EDASC Board retreat

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 the year, Mayor Reed said.

“Because we are at the end of the road, literally, every October or November when the road closes, tourism stops. It's tough on our businesses because you have to make enough money in that four-month, five-month, window to last you all year.”

Nevertheless, there is an entrepreneurial spirit in east county, and Concrete’s Economic Development Commission and Chamber of Commerce want to encourage it, not just to cater to tourists but to provide goods and services needed in the community so residents don’t have to drive down river to meet their basic needs.  

The commission’s Guy Borgford believes there are opportunities to be found in bringing tourists to Concrete for recreational activities all year long. It isn’t only weekend warriors who Concrete could entice, he said, but young families attracted to an outdoor lifestyle. As the Hamilton compound of Janicki Industries grows, this scenario becomes an increasing possibility.  

A necessity for east county to thrive is adequate affordable housing for people wanting to live upriver, said Skagit County Commissioner and EDASC Board Member Peter Browning.

Many current residents struggle with basic needs such as food security and child care. Social service agency representatives say they are doing what they can to help meet these needs for a full 15% of the population that lives at or below the poverty level, plus an additional 46% to 57% below ALICE. ALICE represents Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed individuals and families who work, but are unable to meet their basic needs, including food, child care, housing, health care and transportation.

“It's not just people who are below the federal poverty level who are coming to the food banks anymore,” added Board Member and Helping Hands Chief Development Officer Mandi Rothman.

Food programs, a community clothes closet, emergency vouchers and health screenings for children are among the services offered to east county residents through Community Action of Skagit County, United General District 304, and Helping Hands Food Bank and Solutions Center.

“These programs and social services are critical to maintaining health and stability of the community and helping the community pride,” said Kristen Ekstran of Skagit County Public Health.  

Community members and local businesses have intentionally worked hard to foster community pride. Events such as the Fourth of July parade and the haunted downtown tours during October are a draw for residents and tourists alike.

A new bike park is an example of businesses and community members coming together to add amenities that promote outdoor recreation and a healthy community. The skills park and multi-use trails opened in July, and phase three of the project, to include a pump track and covered community pavilion, is expected to open next year.

Borgford would like to see more outdoor recreation opportunities to bolster a healthy community and bring tourism dollars.

“I really believe that if you build it, they will come,” Borgford said. “We live in the most beautiful place in the world.”

The presentations during the retreat led to greater awareness of the needs of east county residents and businesses and generated excellent discussion among board members and panelists, noted EDASC CEO John Sternlicht. EDASC is looking at ways to make entrepreneurial training more accessible to residents in East County in 2025.