By Lisa Brown, Director It’s hard to believe that a month has passed since I accepted Gov. Inslee’s appointment to lead the Department of Commerce. I knew this was going to be an exciting opportunity for me to apply my experience in government, health science and economics to advance the agency’s mission of strengthening communities all over the state. If these first weeks are any indication, I’m in for a…
In recent weeks, trade policies, tariffs and retaliatory actions are in the news almost daily. Washington state’s economy is more focused on international trade than any other U.S. state – nearly 40 percent of jobs here are tied to trade. That has drawn the attention of local, national and international media seeking to understand what the Trump Administration’s policies and actions mean for American businesses and workers. The latest round…
Director Bonlender delivered these remarks on Feb. 20, 2018 at an event hosted by the Consular Association of Washington. First, I’d like to thank Petra Walker for inviting me to this event this afternoon and the Consular Association of Washington for hosting this important conversation. I also appreciate that Consul General Dondisch representing Mexico and Consul General Brandon Lee representing Canada have taken the time to be here this evening.…
United Arab Emirates one of world’s largest markets for civil and military aircraft OLYMPIA, WA – A 12-member delegation recruited and led by the Washington State Department of Commerce heads to Dubai, United Arab Emirates this weekend, for what has become one of the largest international airshows. Representatives of nine companies will exhibit at the Choose Washington display in the USA Pavilion, and Commerce is representing two additional companies, the…
More than $512 million in sales attributed to State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) since inception OLYMPIA, WA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has awarded the Washington State Department of Commerce a sixth year of funding to help state small businesses grow through exporting. The $900,000 grant, part of the SBA’s State Trade Expansion Program (STEP), is the highest and maximum amount awarded from a total $18 million nationwide.…
Washington state-led delegation makes debut, seeks to tap European, global marine equipment markets featuring innovative Puget Sound companies Basta Boatlifts and Pure Watercraft. Olympia, Wash. – The Washington State Department of Commerce kicks off the state’s first official appearance at METSTRADE, the world’s largest marine equipment trade show, tomorrow in Amsterdam. Innovative products for the recreational boating market from Bellevue-based Basta Boatlifts and Seattle-based Pure Watercraft will highlight the “Choose…
Eight companies in Washington state-led delegation join at least 10 other local firms exhibiting independently at world’s largest medical industry trade show. OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Department of Commerce heads to Dusseldorf, Germany next week to showcase innovative technologies from the state’s life sciences industry at MEDICA, the largest trade show in the world for the medical sector. Washington’s life science and global health sector is a vibrant…
OLYMPIA, Wash – A Washington State Department of Commerce delegation of seven Washington companies and three partner organizations arrive in Tokyo today for the Japan International Aerospace Exhibition, held only once every four years, October 12-15 in Tokyo, Japan. The “ChooseWashington” delegation will promote our state’s position as the leading global hub for aerospace. An estimated 700 exhibitors from over 35 countries participate in the event, organized by the Society…