Once again, Washington posted top GDP numbers of all U.S. states: 3.6% for the first quarter of 2018 against 1.8% nationwide. This comes after our leading annual GDP growth in both 2016 and 2017. A soaring information communication tech (ICT) sector contributed more than half of our overall growth at 1.9 percentage points. Washington’s tech industry is still hiring as fast as companies can find qualified workers, according to Dr.…
Tag Archives: Washington State Department of Commerce
This project represents new technology and an approach that offers grid resiliency and renewable energy integration. The project will include a 500-kilowatt solar array with smart inverters, a 1,000 kW/1,000 kWh lithium-ion battery storage system and several vehicle-to-grid charging stations for use with the PUD’s electric fleet vehicles. Grants from the Washington Clean Energy Fund Grid Modernization Program helped deliver the energy storage elements that enable these and other exciting…
I was honored to speak on behalf of Gov. Inslee at last week’s groundbreaking ceremony for the $180 million Summit Addition to the Washington State Convention Center in downtown Seattle. We need this addition to handle all the potential events that choose Washington state as a destination. As I tweeted that day, it’s time the size of our convention center caught up with our economy – the fastest growing in…
When Congress passed and President Obama signed the Stephen Beck Jr. ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Act in 2014, people with eligible disabilities could finally save for their everyday needs, invest in a tax-free account, and prepare for the future without losing their state or federal benefits. Last month, after years of hard work with advocates and stakeholders across the state, Commerce hosted a celebration of the new Washington…
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…
Pre-construction loans will help 10 Washington communities pursue needed public infrastructure work OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Public Works Board today awarded $5,430,540 in pre-construction loans to 10 cities, counties and water districts throughout the state. This is just the second time in five years the Board has had funding available to issue these low-interest loans for vital public infrastructure improvements to roads, water, sanitary sewer and street systems.…
Low-interest loan and four grants target public infrastructure and job creation in Clallam, Douglas, Island, and Pend Oreille counties.
Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) governing board announces program that could help an estimated 50,000 Washingtonians save for care-related expenses without losing disability benefits. OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Washington State ABLE governing board announced that a new plan to help people with disabilities save for related care expenses without fear of disqualification from essential public benefits will launch by the end of this month. An estimated 50,000 Washingtonians could…
MAKERS Architecture and Urban Design to develop Washington State Guidebook for Military and Community Compatibility Olympia, Wash. – The Washington State Department of Commerce announced today that independent consulting firm MAKERS Architecture and Urban Design, LLP will develop a Washington State Guidebook for Military and Community Compatibility. MAKERS, which has offices in Seattle and San Diego, Calif., will help Commerce develop written guidance and technical assistance tools for communities across…
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.…