OLYMPIA, WA —Eight Washington cities have been named Smart Communities Award winners for 2022. Launched in 2006, the Governor’s Smart Communities Awards program annually recognizes local governments and their partners for exceptional work in implementing the state’s Growth Management Act (GMA) to shape future growth, economic vitality and quality of life in communities across Washington. Award winners can serve as models for other communities on solutions to issues of statewide…
Tag Archives: Economic development
Linda Womack to lead small business and community support; Shannon Halberstadt appointed to creative economy industry sector post OLYMPIA, WA — Washington State Department of Commerce Director Lisa Brown recently announced two new appointments to key leadership roles in the growing agency’s Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness. In a new industry sector lead position, Shannon Halberstadt came on board June 1 as Director of Creative Economy sector development. Expanding and…
Commerce Director Brown appoints 21-member council to advise on policy, strategies and investment to grow regional manufacturing sectors and jobs statewide. OLYMPIA, WA — Washington Department of Commerce Director Lisa Brown today named 21 members to the state’s new Manufacturing Council. Council members are leaders hailing from the private, non-profit and public sectors. The council will advise and consult with the department and its agency partners, including the Office of…
Environmental Protection Agency funding seeks to address economic, social and environmental challenges caused by contaminated land Olympia, Wash. – Washington state’s Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund (BRLF) recently received a $3.9-million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to assist clean up and redevelopment projects on “brownfield” sites statewide. A brownfield is property commonly used for industrial purposes, such as former gas stations or dry cleaners, which are polluted and require…
Liz Rocca to lead communications; Stephanie Bowman appointed to lead maritime sector economic development OLYMPIA, WA — Washington Department of Commerce Director Lisa Brown recently announced two new appointments to key leadership roles in the growing state agency. Veteran journalist Liz Rocca joins Commerce’s Executive Leadership team as Communications Director. In the department’s Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness, former Port of Seattle Commissioner Stephanie Bowman is serving as Governor’s…
Free, self-directed learning series tailored for creative occupations teaches essential skills to build a successful small business OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington Department of Commerce has launched its new Creatives Academy, the third in a series of self-directed educational academies for small business owners. Designed to teach the essential skills needed to turn a creative pursuit into a successful small business, the academy contains 11 tracks. Lessons range from developing…
Innovation Cluster Accelerator supports public-private collaboration and investment to speed research and development, support startups, and expand access to capital and international markets. OLYMPIA, WA – Four additional industry-led consortia were awarded Innovation Cluster Accelerator grants from the Washington State Department of Commerce. These public-private organizations join five others selected earlier this year to grow key industry sectors in Washington state. Each will receive $500,000, along with strategic guidance and…
Beason leads development of state life science and global health sector; Busch comes on board in new position leading workforce innovation and industry sector programs OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Department of Commerce Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness appointed two new industry sector directors this month. Alison Beason joined the team in January as Director/Sector Lead for Life Science and Global Health for the life science and global…
Port of Pasco clean energy project, expected to create over 400 jobs, is among four projects approved for funding at the CERB January meeting. OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) today approved $3,937,996 in low-interest loans and $1,136,999 in grants for economic development and public infrastructure improvements. Projects awarded funding are located in Franklin, Jefferson, Okanogan, and Skamania counties and will spur business growth and…
Governor’s Strategic Reserve Fund Grant Aids Development of Hydrogen-Powered Flight Facility in Snohomish County Paine Field, Snohomish County, WA, January 11, 2022 — The Washington State Department of Commerce awarded a $350,000 economic development grant to support ZeroAvia’s site selection at Paine Field, Snohomish County. Economic Alliance Snohomish County (EASC) requested the funds which will be invested into converting a warehouse building to office and research and development space. ZeroAvia has…