Washington State Department of Commerce Director Brian Bonlender released the following statement after shares of Seattle biotech company Juno Therapeutics began trading on NASDAQ this morning. “Juno’s economic impact potential to our state is equal in significance to the company’s enormous life- saving potential of its technology. This historic IPO represents an opportunity for the state to lead the world in yet another industry. It has been incredibly helpful to have Governor Inslee personally…
Author Archives: Penny Thomas
Grants will lower energy costs in public buildings and help fund an estimated 290 jobs The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced more than $8.6 million in the second round of energy efficiency and solar grants to help five higher education institutions, 21 local governments and two state agencies lower energy costs. Construction spending on these projects will help fund an estimated 290 jobs. The total cost for all the projects is about…
Funds will support 479 units of affordable housing and nearly 300 beds for low-income people OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce today awarded $28.98 million in loans and grants from the state’s Housing Trust Fund for 15 affordable housing projects in nine counties across the state. These projects will provide a total of 479 units of affordable housing for low-income households, 200 beds for migrant seasonal farmworkers, 66 beds…
The Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) today approved $115,000 in grants for economic feasibility studies targeting business growth and job creation in Lincoln County, the Port of Pasco and the Port of Skagit. Franklin County – $50,000 grant to the Port of Pasco for a feasibility study to develop a target industry proposal specific to recruiting a dairy processing facility to Connell. The final product will provide a…
Washington activities reach all 39 counties – more than any other U.S. state during worldwide celebration of startups and entrepreneurship Governor Jay Inslee proclaimed Nov. 17-23, 2014 Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) in Washington. This third annual celebration of entrepreneurship and startups will feature more than 100 local education and networking events in all 39 counties – surpassing the reach of any other state program. More events take place year-round in Washington. Thousands of…
Funds will support redevelopment of former Sand Point Naval Station barracks OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced a $9.7 million award to Mercy Housing Northwest to convert a historic Seattle property into 128 units of affordable housing. Building 9, a remnant of the Sand Point Naval Station once located at Warren G. Magnuson Park, will be redeveloped into 128 units designed primarily for families, but will also…
Clean energy expert joins Department of Commerce to serve as Gov. Jay Inslee’s liaison to state clean technology industry leaders Gov. Jay Inslee today welcomed Brian Young as the state’s new Sector Lead on clean energy technology. Washington State Department of Commerce Director Brian Bonlender today announced that Young will coordinate statewide economic development efforts for the state’s clean technology sector. Young brings a rich variety of industry experience to his new…
Initiative to be a model for streamlining regulations, boosting restaurant industry across the state SEATTLE, WA – Governor Jay Inslee, King County Executive Dow Constantine, and Mayor Ed Murray joined the Washington Restaurant Association and restaurant entrepreneurs today in Capitol Hill to announce the launch of Restaurant Success, a new initiative to provide better service and support for prospective restaurateurs. Washington restaurants employ more than 222,900 people statewide with more…
Spokane City Council member to serve on state board promoting jobs, economic development OLYMPIA, WA — Washington State Department of Commerce Director Brian Bonlender today announced the appointment of Spokane City Councilmember Candace Mumm to the Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB). Mumm is CEO of Smartland LLC, a North Spokane company that builds and rehabilitates homes to make them senior-friendly. She received an MBA from Gonzaga University in 2010, and a BA in Broadcast…
Low-income homeowners can save on energy costs and stay warm this winter with weatherization assistance OLYMPIA, WA – Governor Inslee joins community action agencies, housing authorities, and local governments across the state and nation by recognizing October 30, 2014, as Weatherization Day in Washington. As chilly weather sets in, residents across the state are turning up their thermostats to combat dropping temperatures. For low-income families, however, cranking up the heat is not…