Commerce Director Brian Bonlender appoints Randy Hayden to serve a three-year term OLYMPIA, WA – Department of Commerce Director Brian Bonlender today announced the appointment of Randy Hayden to the port representative position on the Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB). Hayden currently serves as the deputy executive director at the Port of Pasco. CERB is a 20-member state board focused on economic development and job growth through public infrastructure investments in partnership…
Funds will support nearly 500 units of affordable housing, and more than 375 beds for low-income people in need OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce today awarded $35.1 million in loans and grants from the Housing Trust Fund for 21 affordable housing projects in 23 counties across the state. Projects funded will provide a total of 499 units of affordable housing for low-income households, as well as 312 beds…
Office of Economic Development and Competiveness continues to build industry leadership team. Department of Commerce Director Brian Bonlender recently named Kristiné Reeves, Maura Little and Will Saunders to the sector lead team in the Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness. All told, the three target industries they will focus on represent more than $35 billion in payroll for residents of Washington State: Information and Communication Technology, Life Sciences and Military and Defense. “Our sector-based economic…
Plant expansion brings $100 million in private investment, adds advanced manufacturing jobs, and strengthens Washington state’s position as one of the world’s leading locations for cost-effective carbon fiber production OLYMPIA – SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers, a joint venture with German luxury automaker BMW, will invest $100 million to add two new production lines at their Moses Lake plant in a project of statewide significance, Commerce Director Brian Bonlender announced today.…
Governor Jay Inslee leaves this morning for Shanghai to join a delegation of more than 100 business and education leaders traveling in China. The trade mission is promoting opportunities to grow and expand markets for Washington products and services in agriculture, advanced manufacturing, information and communications technology, life sciences and clean tech, as well as education and cultural exchanges. Inslee will arrive in Shanghai for events promoting Washington pears and…
One of the largest trade delegations in Washington history convened in Beijing today to begin a six-day trade mission intended to strengthen educational and business ties between Washington state and the world’s most rapidly growing economy. Gov. Jay Inslee, who delayed his departure due to a special session and efforts to secure the 777X project, said from Olympia that he’s impressed by both the depth and breadth of interests represented…
Federal SunShot Initiative funding expands efforts to reduce the cost of installing solar systems OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce received a $2 million award from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) SunShot Initiative to make rooftop solar installations easier, faster and less expensive for residents of Washington and Oregon. The funding will remove hurdles for solar photovoltaic installers across the two states, and increase financing options…
Craft3 and Puget Sound Cooperative Credit Union selected to manage state revolving loan funds for supporting widespread use of proven building energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced that Craft3 and Puget Sound Cooperative Credit Union will be awarded grants of $11.6 million and $2.9 million respectively to help individuals and companies finance residential and commercial building energy efficiency work and renewable…
Ports veteran brings powerful record of public and private sector accomplishments to new post in state’s Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness OLYMPIA, WA – Governor Jay Inslee today welcomed Stephen Sewell to the Department of Commerce as economic development director for the state’s maritime industry sector. He introduced Sewell while participating in a roundtable at Crowley Maritime and tour of the Harbor Island Training Center at Vigor Industries late…
IPZs connect research, private sector, workforce partners to spur development in target clusters OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce today designated three new Innovation Partnership Zones (IPZs) and reauthorized one other to help spur regional economic growth through key sectors such as manufacturing, global health and technology. “Washington is known worldwide for its innovation, research and development, and bold new ideas,” said Commerce Director Brian Bonlender. “The…