Green shipbuilding good for the economy
Washington’s Green Economy is sailing forward as two Puget Sound companies launch energy efficient ships reducing pollution and environmental impact. Innovative News reports that Nichols Brothers Boat Builders of Freeland, Wash., delivered a passenger ferry, dubbed “The Gemini,” that burns on a blend of biodiesel and ultra low sulfur fuel. As reported in the Los Angeles Times, Seattle’s Foss Maritime Company has developed the world’s first hybrid tugboat that consumes less diesel and incorporates batteries for the ship’s low-power needs.
Seattle Times: Washington is 10th healthiest state in nation
Newborns in Washington have a better chance of reaching their first birthday than babies in any other state, while Washington adults have the nation's sixth-lowest smoking rate. These statistics helped establish Washington as 10th healthiest in the country in the annual America’s Health Rankings Report.
Seattle Times: T-Mobile campus is growing in Bellevue
T-Mobile USA is expanding its headquarters in Bellevue’s Factoria area with a new, six-story building that will be ready for occupancy by late 2010. The company currently employs around 3,500 in Factoria and when the new building is finished, T-Mobile will occupy about 1 million square feet in six buildings.
Leading the way toward a green economy
Washington continues to lead the way toward the new green economy through growth in clean industries. The Port of Seattle is teaming with China’s Port of Dalian to develop a model for energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. This EcoPartnership could be the first step of an international effort to save energy and reduce pollution through clean technology. Read the Port of Seattle’s press release here.
Additionally, Puget Sound Energy is partnering with RES Americas, a wind-power engineering firm, to build new wind farms in Columbia and Garfield counties. This move is part of PSE’s plan to assemble a strong portfolio of renewable energy. Read the story in the Seattle Times.
Seattle Times: “Bothell’s economy thriving despite downturn”
Despite a national economic slowdown, Bothell continues to prosper thanks to its diversified economy. The city is proceeding with a downtown revitalization plan that includes creating a mixed-use area of retail and housing and relocating Highways 522 and 527.
As Bothell prepares to celebrate its centennial in 2009, it continues to be a hotspot for business growth. The city was named a center of excellence by Site Selection magazine for medical devices and a biotech capitol by Washington CEO earlier this year. T-Mobile also recently announced it will relocate to the city’s Canyon Park in 2009.
Spokesman-Review: “Warmer Northwest may be good for wine”
A warmer climate has helped make Washington’s thriving wine industry possible, according to at least one expert. Climates are more suitable than ever to the region’s grape production. Today, the state’s 580 wineries and 350 grape growers produce more than 20 different varietals and have earned the ranking of second largest premium wine producing state in the country. Collectively, the industry produces 20,073,000 gallons of wine annually and contributes nearly $3 billion to the state economy.
Olympia and other Washington areas are most secure cities
Olympia is the most secure place to live among U.S. mid-size cities, according to the latest Farmers Insurance Group study. In addition, Bellingham ranks 5th for mid-size cities and Bremerton-Silverdale ranks 10th. For most secure large metropolitan areas, Vancouver, Wash., ranks 14th and the Puget Sound area of Seattle, Bellevue and Everett ranks 17th. For small towns, Wenatchee (11th) and Mount Vernon-Anacortes (12th) are listed.
The rankings are based on crime statistics, extreme weather, risk of natural disasters, housing depreciation, foreclosures, air quality, life expectancy and job-loss numbers. Read the story in The Olympian, or see the full report here.
Seattle Post Intelligencer: “State needs to capture tourists, dollars”
Washington’s tourism industry contributed nearly $15 billion to the Washington economy in 2007 and the state’s tourism office is working to boost this vital part of the economy through the development of a readily identifiable brand image and promotion of Washington’s natural assets. Visitor spending – on lodging, food services, recreation, transportation and retail – supports jobs for Washingtonians and contributes tax revenue for state and local governments. Visit www.experiencewa.com for more information.
Seattle Post Intelligencer: “Census shows state is richer, better educated than rest of US”
The U.S. Census Bureau reports that Washington has a higher percentage of college graduates and a higher per capita income than the nation as a whole.
U.S. Department of Energy: Washington sharing $2.6 million grant to improve energy efficiency
Washington is one of six states that will share in $2.6 million in grants awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy to update state building codes and improve energy efficiency standards. The DOE supported, state-led projects will focus on building utility scale energy capacity from renewables and demand reduction, as well as advanced building energy codes.
Seattle Times: Washington is 10th healthiest state in nation
Newborns in Washington have a better chance of reaching their first birthday than babies in any other state, while Washington adults have the nation's sixth-lowest smoking rate. These statistics helped establish Washington as 10th healthiest in the country in the annual America’s Health Rankings Report.
Seattle Times: T-Mobile campus is growing in Bellevue
T-Mobile USA is expanding its headquarters in Bellevue’s Factoria area with a new, six-story building that will be ready for occupancy by late 2010. The company currently employs around 3,500 in Factoria and when the new building is finished, T-Mobile will occupy about 1 million square feet in six buildings.
Snohomish Times: Snohomish County’s government fleet going green
Snohomish County has converted two of its Toyota Prius hybrid vehicles to fully electric vehicles as part of the Plugin Center PHEV Pilot Project of Washington. These vehicles are two of 130 across the nation providing data for the Idaho National Laboratory to analyze in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Vehicle Testing Activity. Snohomish County was recently honored as the third best government green fleet in North America. Read the story in the Snohomish Times.
Seminar teaches how to export under NAFTA
Learn how to determine if your products qualify for NAFTA duty-free tariff treatment and how to accurately complete the NAFTA Certificate of Origin at a one-day seminar hosted by the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED).
Tri-City Herald: “State's ports focus on producing jobs”
“Creating jobs is the top priority for ports across the state next year, even though funding sources might be limited because of the state's impending budget shortfall of about $5 billion. “You cannot cut your way to economic prosperity,” said Ginger Eagle, government relations representative for the Washington Public Ports Association… Eagle said one of the association's top legislative priorities for 2009 is to find a permanent way to fund the Community Economic Revitalization Board, a state organization that finances public infrastructure projects.”
Bellingham Herald: "New, clean technology will help local economy turn around"
"New technology has been the way out of many recessions and economic downturns, and this area is well-positioned to do just that..."