State board invests in local port dredging project, creates 77 jobsMay 26, 2009 – The Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) approved a $345,000 loan to the Port of Willapa Harbor to purchase a hydraulic dredge to benefit the small ports in Pacific and Wahkiakum counties. As a result of the dredge purchase, the port estimates that 77 full-time jobs will be created or retained. To learn more,
read the press release.
Olympia named No. 6 best city by Kiplinger’sKiplinger’s Personal Finance named Olympia, Wash., as one of its 10 Best Cities of 2009. Ranking the city No. 6, Kiplinger’s cited state government as the keystone of the city’s economy and education as a driver of the city’s growth and character. The list “focuses on places that have stable employment plus the talent to create new, well-paying positions.”
Read more about Olympia here or
read the full article.
Tesla Motors opening location in Seattle’s South Lake UnionMay 21, 2009 – The Seattle Times reports that Tesla Motors announced plans to open a regional showroom and service facility for its electric supercars in Seattle’s South Lake Union. Tesla plans to open the showroom for business by September. The location will employ five people and serve customers in the Northwest and western Canada. In the Times article, Alexander Pulver, manager of the facility, describes the location as “a perfect fit for our company.” Seattle’s South Lake Union neighborhood has undergone significant renovations and growth recently. The neighborhood is home to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, REI’s flagship retail store, Jones Soda Co. and the new home of Amazon.com’s headquarters. For more information,
read the story in the Seattle Times.
PSBJ: “Todd Shipyards gets $5.5M icebreaker contract extension”
May 21, 2009 – “Todd Shipyards Corp. said it’s received a $5.5 million contract modification to perform repairs and alterations on the U.S. Coast Guard’s Polar Sea icebreaker. The ship, which is stationed in Seattle along with sister icebreaker Polar Star, will be overhauled at Todd Pacific Shipyards Corp. facilities in Seattle. The work is expected to be completed by July; it includes alteration and repair of the ship’s systems, engines, and shipboard equipment.” Read the story in the Puget Sound Business Journal.
News Tribune: “Look internationally, says WTC Tacoma leader”
May 20, 2009 – Tacoma’s World Trade Center is working to help more area businesses break into international trade and succeed in international markets. Anthony Hemstad, the new executive director at World Trade Center Tacoma, suggests that now is the time for companies to explore global trade opportunities. He says that international trade helps companies diversify their business, which is especially important in a down economy. Hemstad also adds that other markets, like China and India, are booming and present great opportunities for companies looking to grow their business. To learn more, read the Q&A with Hemstad in the Tacoma News Tribune.
SBA launches new loan program to help struggling businesses
May 19, 2009 – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) launched a new loan program to help small businesses suffering financial hardship as a result of the slow economy. Beginning June 15, SBA will guarantee America’s Recovery Capital (ARC) loans. ARC loans are deferred-payment loans of up to $35,000. They are available to established, viable, for-profit small businesses that need short-term help to make their principal and interest payments on existing qualifying debt. ARC loans are interest-free to the borrower, 100 percent guaranteed by the SBA, and have no SBA fees associated with them. To learn more, read the press release from the SBA or visit the SBA Web site.
Port of Seattle’s new Terminal 30 will generate jobs and revenue
May 19, 2009 – The Port of Seattle’s newest container terminal, Terminal 30, was dedicated Friday, May 15. Terminal 30 will support 400 jobs and generate millions in state and local tax revenues. The new cargo terminal also supports Washington’s global trade with international partners as it will operate as a joint venture between China Shipping, Matson and SSA Marine. In 2008, the Port of Seattle was the largest port in Washington and 12th largest U.S. port in terms of dollar value. To learn more about Terminal 30, read the Port of Seattle’s announcement.
Cascade Aerospace USA Inc. dedicates facility in Spokane
May 19, 2009 – Cascade Aerospace USA Inc. dedicated its new aircraft maintenance facility in Spokane last week. The British Columbia company chose to locate the new facility in Spokane because of the region’s skilled workforce, cost of living and quality of life. The facility is located in a former National Guard hanger at the Spokane International Airport and employs about 60 people. Cascade Aerospace executives are already exploring possibilities for expansion and project employment at the Spokane facility could reach 400 to 500 workers within four to five years. To learn more, read the story from the Spokesman-Review.
Washington, Queensland partner for economic development
May 19, 2009 – The existing partnership between Washington and Queensland, Australia is being taken a step further by two companies. enterpriseSeattle and Invest Brisbane have formed The New World Cities Alliance to promote business expansion and economic development in both regions. The New World Cities Alliance seeks to connect companies with strategic partners, customers and investors from the partner region. The alliance follows a recent decision from Washington and Queensland to renew their three year strategic partnership in which the states collaborate on research, education and development. Both boast strong industries in life sciences, clean technology, interactive media and aerospace. To learn more, read the story from the Puget Sound Biz Talk blog.
Gov. Gregoire creates Washington Council on Aerospace
May 14, 2009 – Gov. Chris Gregoire today signed an executive order creating a state advisory council on aerospace. The Washington Council on Aerospace will oversee efforts to ensure that Washington remains the leading location in the world in which to design and build airplanes.
“Washington is the best place in the world to build airplanes, primarily due to the robust aerospace infrastructure we have in place and our highly skilled, productive work force,” Gregoire said. “The aerospace council is designed to ensure we are doing all we can in a sustained way to be even more competitive.”
Rogers Weed, director of the Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED), will chair the council. To learn more about the aerospace council and its duties, read Gov. Gregoire’s announcement.
Trade & Industry Development: Washington aligned for growth
May 14, 2009 – Emphasizing the state’s commitment to innovation and industry development, Washington’s efforts to grow jobs and promote economic development are featured in the May/June issue of Trade & Industry Development magazine which also includes a letter from Gov. Gregoire. The spotlight identifies the state’s unique assets, including numerous tax incentives, established global trade and economic development networks, and Innovation Partnership Zones (IPZs), which position it as a global leader. The article also highlights Washington’s skilled workforce, innovative spirit and strong industry clusters. Read the full article from Trade & Industry Development here.
Seattle is most secure place to live and work
May 14, 2009 – “Those seeking a place to live, work or raise a family in a safe and secure environment should consider the Pacific Northwest, according to the fifth annual Most Secure U.S. Places to Live rankings from Farmers Insurance Group of Companies. The Seattle area encompassing Puget Sound topped all large metropolitan areas (population of 500,000 or greater) in the 2008 Farmers study. A high job growth rate and long life expectancy, along with minimal housing depreciation and lack of extreme weather contributed to the area's top rating in the study.” To learn more, read the press release here.
Tourism Matters in Seattle
May 13, 2009 – At the “Why Tourism Matters” rally in Seattle yesterday, Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels declared May 12 as Tourism Day in the city. The event also celebrated the first anniversary of the Why Tourism Matters Campaign, which aims to educate people about the economic impact of Seattle’s tourism industry, and recognized Justin Hall, a fishmonger at Pike Place Fish Market, as Seattle’s inaugural Tourism Ambassador of the Year. Washington’s tourism industry contributes significantly to the state’s economy. According to the Washington State Tourism Commission’s Tourism Matters to Washington report, tourists spent $15.7 billion, and the industry directly generated 150,000 jobs in 2008. To learn more about Washington state tourism, visit www.Experiencewa.com or www.WhyTourismMatters.com.
Seattle named No. 5 national tech center
May 13, 2009 – Seattle is the number five tech center in the country. The ranking, compiled from a study by bizjournals, was derived from a formula which analyzed metro areas with the highest concentrations of high-tech companies, technology-oriented jobs and workers with advanced degrees. The Emerald City is home to 5,014 high-tech companies which create 166,219 jobs. To learn more, read the story in TechFlash or bizjournals, or see the full rankings here.
Company looking to further revolutionize Washington’s hydropower industry
May 13, 2009 – Seattle startup company Hydrovolts plans to revolutionize the hydropower industry with its new “flip wing” turbine. The three-foot turbine is designed to sit in flowing waterways where the water pushes each blade from the front of the turbine to the back to generate electricity. To eliminate drag and increase power-harnessing ability, the paddles flip on their way back around the paddle wheel. Washington state currently produces the most hydroelectric power of any state in the nation. To learn more about Hydrovolts, read the story from Xconomy. Visit the Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development Web site to learn more about clean energy in Washington.
Export course helps businesses learn to export in challenging economic times
May 12, 2009 – The Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development’s (CTED) semi-annual “Exporting in the Flat World” course will take place June 9-11 at the Big Bend Community College in Moses Lake, Wash. The course, taught by James Foley, is designed to help small- and medium-sized businesses gain international trade skills. It is open to business owners and managers, sales, marketing and operations managers, employees in the support and service sectors, and mid-career professionals. For more information read the press release.
Washington State Tourism Celebrates Travel and Tourism Week - Launches Foreign Language Versions of 2009 Travel Planner
May 12, 2009 – To celebrate Travel and Tourism Week (May 9 – 17), both nationwide and in Washington, Washington State Tourism and the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED) have released online four foreign language versions of Experience Washington – The Official Washington State Travel Planner 2009. For more information, read the press release or visit www.Experiencewa.com.
Puget Sound is the “Green Gateway” for trade with Asia
May 7, 2009 – A study on the carbon footprint from bringing containerized goods to the U.S. from Asia found that the “greenest” route to the Midwest is through the ports of Seattle and Tacoma. The study, commissioned by the Port of Seattle and conducted by Herbert Engineering, analyzed carbon footprints of trade routes between Singapore, Hong Kong, and Shanghai and the U.S. distribution hubs of Chicago, Columbus and Memphis. The study compared routes from U.S. east, west and Gulf coast ports and found that West Coast ports have the lowest carbon footprint. Visit the port’s Web site to learn what it’s doing turn the Puget Sound into “Green Gateway” for trade, or read the press release from the Port of Seattle.
Gov. Gregoire convenes energy leaders at summit
May 5, 2009 – Gov. Chris Gregoire addressed more than 700 business and community leaders in the energy industry at the Washington State Energy Summit May 4. She discussed opportunities for American Reinvestment and Recovery act funding and how a transition to a clean energy economy supports her vision for the state’s robust economic development. To learn more, read the press release or blog posting on the governor’s Web site.
Redmond company developing technology to advance algae biofuel production
May 5, 2009 – Washington company Bionavitas is developing ways to use algae to create biofuels. Interest in algae as an alternative fuel has gained momentum recently because algae is rich in oil and also synthesizes carbon dioxide into oxygen. The Redmond-based company announced it has developed a new process that allows higher yields of algae growth for biofuels. Bionavita’s new technology could help bring down costs of producing algae and make it easier to scale up production. To learn more, read the story in the Seattle Times.
Kitsap Sun: Redefining clean tech in the Puget Sound
May 5, 2009 – Washington’s Clean Technology Trade Alliance hosted a tour of some the Puget Sound’s clean technology companies. The tour aimed to broaden the public’s understanding of clean technology companies, products and services. It highlighted companies like Ozone International, Inland Technology, In the Works and Watson Furniture who are developing and utilizing clean technologies that offer a positive environmental impact. The Clean Technology Trade Alliance is working to develop clean tech certification standards that will broaden the scope of what is considered clean tech. To learn more about clean tech and Washington’s Green Economy, visit the Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development or read the story in the Kitsap Sun.
Washington companies among Forbes.com’s Most Reputable Companies
May 5, 2009 – Three Washington companies earned spots in the top 20 of Forbes.com’s list of America’s Most Reputable Companies. Kirkland-based Costco landed at the 10th spot, Redmond's Microsoft was 11, and Seattle’s Amazon.com was 20. The list was based on research conducted by a group called the Reputation Institute and evaluated companies based on consumers’ trust, esteem, admiration, and good feeling across seven dimensions of reputation. Go to Forbes.com to see the full list of America’s Most Reputable Companies.
Washington’s growing wine industry is driving tourism
May 5, 2009 – Washington’s wine industry is gaining momentum as many local growers and wineries report increased sales this year. Yakima Valley’s biggest wine weekend event, Spring Barrel Tasting, had attendance and spending on par with events from years past, and new wineries are springing up across the state. The wine industry is also driving tourism as wine aficionados are flocking to the state’s more than 600 wineries and 30,000 acres of wine grapes for tastings and tours. Washington is the number two producer of wine in the country, and last year, its domestic retail sales grew 11.8 percent by value and 8.9 percent by volume. To learn more about Washington’s wine industry, read the stories in the Yakima Herald-Republic and the Spokesman Review.
Washington State Energy Summit helps lead the way to a green economy
May 3, 2009 – Washington state is facing a great opportunity to invest in businesses and jobs that will create a clean energy future. The state will receive more than $2 billion for energy related projects from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and our natural resources – including wind, solar energy, waves and tides – position us to lead in clean energy. On May 4, key business and community leaders in the energy industry are gathering to discuss this opportunity and how to use federal recovery dollars to support this transition and lead the way to a green economy. To learn more about clean energy, read the industry spotlight or click here for more information on the Washington State Energy Summit.