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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...
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...
Economic Forecast Night 2024, as in years past, gave guests an opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the county as well as hear about the current state of the economy and a look into its future. This year, guests also heard from Nathan Ohle, president and CEO of the...
First cohort to be offered in Spanish EDASC is excited to offer Startup School, Escuela para Comenzar un Negocio, to entrepreneurs throughout Skagit County and across the state.Whether entrepreneurs are just starting out or looking to gain skills for a business they already have, the 12-week Startup School provides foundational learning...
In the dynamic business landscape of Skagit County, Washington, the importance of a well-crafted business plan cannot be overstated. In an exclusive interview with Kristina Hines, a Certified Business Advisor from Washington SBDC, hosted by Washington State University, we delve into the crucial role a business plan plays in the...
Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County Accredited by the International Economic Development Council
Feb 16 2024International Economic Development Council President and CEO Nathan Ohle announced that EDASC has been recognized as one of 78 economic development organizations accredited by IEDC as an Accredited Economic Development Organization. He presented the award to EDASC CEO John Sternlicht, the board and staff at EDASC’s annual Economic Forecast Night...
If securing government contracts is on your radar – like this Tiger-Pearson Construction project for Whatcom Community College (pictured) – join Washington APEX Accelerators and EDASC on Wednesday, Feb. 7, for the Meet the Buyers – Skagit and Whatcom Counties open house. This half-day event is an opportunity to connect...
The Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County’s annual Economic Forecast Night is taking place Thursday, Feb. 15, at the Swinomish Casino & Lodge in Anacortes. Presented by Banner Bank, the event brings together more than 350 business leaders, elected officials and community representatives to look at economic and business trends...
A pair of grant opportunities aim to provide funding for existing child care facilities as well as for employers looking to provide child care to their employees.The first grant, called the Early Learning Facilities run by the Washington State Department of Commerce, is offering funding for minor renovations to early...
New members join EDASC Board of Directors
Jan 18 2024New members of the EDASC Board of Directors were welcomed at the EDASC Annual Meeting Jan. 18.Joining the board are:John Dumas, Port of Anacortes Peter Donovan, City of Mount VernonKristen Keltz, Skagit Tourism Bureau Four board members were re-elected, including Nathan Wolfe, TRICO Companies LLC; Ryan Sakuma, Sakuma Bros Farms; Brian...
In Memoriam: Diana Morelli-Klima
Dec 17 2023Diana Morelli-Klima, EDASC’s Director of the Latino Business Retention & Expansion Program from 2004-2020, passed away in September 2023 at the age of 81.Morelli-Klima received her Doctor of Philosophy in romance languages, literature and linguistics from the University of Washington, and taught Spanish, English and linguistics at the college level...
In the heart of Skagit County, the essence of community thrives through its local businesses, each representing a unique story and passion. As we delve into the spirit of 'Shop Local' and celebrate the national movement of supporting neighborhood enterprises, it's essential to understand the significance behind this initiative and...
Mount Vernon, WA – The Skagit Tourism Bureau is proud to announce the appointment of Kristen Keltz as its new Chief Executive Officer. Keltz, a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in the tourism and hospitality industry, will lead the Bureau in promoting Skagit County as a premier...
The Washington Arts Commission (ArtsWA) has designated a Certified Creative District in Anacortes. Initiated by the Anacortes Arts Festival, this designation affirms the thriving arts community already established in the city, said the festival’s Executive Director Meredith Mcllmoyle.Anacortes joins communities all over the state with this designation. The Creative District program...
In October, EDASC was awarded a $10,000 grant from the Northwest Business Development Association (NWBDA) to support its programming, including entrepreneurial support and workforce development.The NWBDA is a nonprofit certified development organization that supports business growth and job creation by providing small business loans along with local lenders and the...
Five Skagit County businesses recognized by AWB
Nov 21 2023Ten Washington employers received top honors at the Association of Washington Business' annual Evening of Excellence awards ceremony Nov. 16. Two of those top honors went to Skagit County businesses Sedron Technologies and Chinook Enterprises; Dakota Creek Industries, Goodwinds Composites and Janicki Industries were all recognized as finalists."It's noteworthy –...
CEO Corner: Reflections on the Color of Law
Nov 2 2023In September, I had the opportunity to present to the International Economic Development Council’s annual conference and lead a discussion on the book “The Color of Law: A forgotten history of how our government segregated America,” by Richard Rothstein. I gave a repeat performance for our EDASC Board of Directors...
Gov. Jay Inslee visited the Skagit Small Business Conference on Oct. 25 as part of a tour around Skagit County. The Skagit Small Business Conference took place over two days in October, with one day’s content presented in English and the second day’s content presented in Spanish. More than 80 representatives...
November is Global Entrepreneurship Month, and the Washington State Department of Commerce is celebrating entrepreneurs with a half-day seminar at locations around the state.“Commerce chose us as one of only four sites statewide to host this inaugural event, and we are delighted to participate,” said EDASC CEO John Sternlicht.The Entrepreneur...
Childcare services play a pivotal role in the economic landscape of any region, and Skagit County, Washington, is no exception. As parents juggle work and family responsibilities, the availability and affordability of childcare services have far-reaching implications for the local workforce and the broader economy. In a recent discussion with...
TUMWATER — Washington’s minimum wage is going up to $16.28 an hour next year, a 3.4% increase over 2023.The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) announced the increase to the minimum wage on Sept. 29. It takes effect Jan. 1, 2024.Under state law, L&I calculates the minimum wage for the...
Every October, the nation celebrates Manufacturing Month, a time to recognize the pivotal role that manufacturing plays in our economy and communities. In Skagit County, Washington, this observance takes on special significance as the region boasts a unique combination of factors that make it a magnet for manufacturing businesses. We...
Nikki Wegner came aboard as CEO of Chinook Enterprises in the middle of the pandemic. Its employee count plummeted during her first few months, as did morale with families dealing with the public health crisis, childcare challenges, and isolation.It became clear to Wegner that focusing on the whole employee –...
Audra Ramerman, EDASC’s director of finance and administration, is being honored Oct. 5 as a SWAN Woman of the Year. The Skagit Women’s Alliance and Network honors four women each year with the Woman of the Year designation as well as recognizing two “Rising SWANs.”SWAN was founded in 1984 to serve...