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Economic Development Association of Skagit County 204 West Montgomery Mount Vernon, Washington 98273 360-336-6114 tel. 360-336-6116 fax. |
The mission of the Economic Development Association of Skagit County is to enhance Skagit County's quality of life through the creation and preservation of healthy businesses and good jobs.
We accomplish our mission by working with companies that are relocating or expanding to Skagit County; local companies that are expanding or starting up; or Skagit County companies that are working to retain jobs.
Many hands make light work. EDASC partners with numerous jurisdictions, businesses, agencies, organizations and individuals to accomplish the mission of creating and saving jobs including: Skagit County, the Ports of Anacortes and Skagit County, all the local city governments, the Office Trade and Economic Development, the Skagit Council of Governments, Skagit Valley College, Employment Security, the Northwest Workforce Development Council, the Department of Revenue, the U.S. Forest Service, USDA Rural Development and other local, state and federal agencies.
It was another strong year for the Skagit County economy. The number of individuals employed in our community continues to set record marks. Industry sectors that remain very strong include marine, wood products, aerospace, construction, agriculture and health care. Employment in Skagit County increased by 2.6% in 2007.
This new yacht manufacturer located in Sedro-Woolley in late 2006. This maker of 40-foot fiberglass yachts is off to a fast start, expanding to 30 workers in 2007.
transform, L LC – BayridGe Business ParK – BurLinGton area , sKaGit County
Transform is a manufacturer of modular homes and modular commercial buildings. The company started operation in April 2007. They employ 60. EDASC received a significant award of $247,000 from Governor Gregoire’s Strategic Reserve Account for worker training at Transform. Transform’s resources for training also included the Customized Training Program, a tax credit program through the State Board for Community & Technical Colleges. Skagit Valley College delivered the customized training. In November, Transform received a $1,000,000 loan from Washington’s Rural Loan Fund, a fund managed by the Washington State Department of Community, Trade & Economic Development.
BBC Bio ChemiCaL – mount Vernon
BBC Bio Chemical, a biomedical facility, relocated and expanded to South Mount Vernon from Snohomish County. Skagit Pathology has also relocated to the facility. Together these growing companies have created a $15 million investment with over 100 workers. BBC Bio Chemical, with both a manufacturing component and R&D laboratory, provides the health care industry with advanced biomedical reagents and technologies on a global scale.
JaniCKi industries – sedro-WooLLey
Janicki Industries announced plans to continue its expansion. Janicki purchased 100 acres of industrial land in Hamilton in eastern Skagit County with plans to add nearly 300 jobs to their 500 plus workforce. Janicki specializes in producing large milled patterns, molds, plugs and tooling for aerospace, marine and transportation applications.EDASC worked with Janicki and received funds from the Washington State Department of Community, Trade & Economic Development to conduct a feasibility study to upgrade water system fire flow on the Hamilton site.
DAKOTA CREEK INDUSTRIES – PORT OF ANACORTES
Dakota Creek Industries (DCI), the anchor in the local Marine Industry, reflects the success of that industry. DCI, flush with orders through 2012, provides quality jobs for over 200 workers at their Anacortes facility.
This yacht builder has chosen Anacortes as their new home. This start-up yacht manufacturer is another outstanding addition to a marine industry that continues to see strong growth in Skagit County. They will create 12 new jobs in Skagit County.
BayVieW edison industries – sKaGit County
This company manufactures 40’ and 50’ yachts and makes tooling for the marine and wind turbine industry. This manufacturer that started up in 2005 now employs 65 workers.
BMW/Oracle will once again build their Americas Cup Yacht in Anacortes. Core Builders will start construction immediately on the BMW/Oracle racing yacht in preparation for the next Americas Cup in Valencia, Spain.
This manufacturer of engineered wood products located in the Burlington Hill Business Park in the late 1990’s. Their 37 million dollar expansion has expanded the workforce to over 200 employees.
sierra PaCifiC industries – sKaGit County, fredonia Business ParK
This state of the art lumber manufacturing facility began production during the fourth quarter of 2006. This new 90 million dollar lumber manufacturer and cogeneration facility will employ over 200 at full production. Currently Sierra Pacific employs 180 workers. Sierra Pacific is a third generation family owned company with operations in Washington and California.
freedom moBiLe PhotoGraPhy- sedro-WooLLeY
A premier action and spor ts photography business serving Skagit Valley through youth and high school spor ts. Business expansion plans in 2007 prompted the owners to obtain financing to suppor t working capital needs, equipment acquisition, and to hire additional employees. Growth plans continue in 2008.Healthcare
This last year has witnessed strong growth in the Healthcare Industry. Expansion to Skagit Valley and Island Hospitals and the new Skagit Valley Medical Center facility on the United General Campus have added up to 150 million dollars in construction. And a 10 million dollar expansion to Skagit Valley Medical Center in Mount Vernon will be completed in 2008.
All of the projects add up to over 100 new healthcare jobs in Skagit County.
Also Regence BlueShield added another 28 jobs to the payroll raising to 488 the number of employees at the Burlington facility.
Economic Feasibility Studies
EDASC was successful in 2007 in forming partnerships to conduct a number of studies vital to the local economy. The Washington State Department of Community, Trade & Economic Development (CTED), committing funds to these studies, viewed these as very important to the local economy.
Hamilton Water System Study
The proposed expansion of Janicki Industries warranted a study of the water system to ensure adequate fire flow to the project.
The water system plan update includes a description of capital improvements, schematic drainage, system design, permitting, project construction, etc. The project includes the addition of nearly 300 new jobs forJanicki. Janicki Industries provided significant funding for the project.
Marine Based Cluster Studies
EDASC along with the Port of Anacortes, the Port of Skagit County, Skagit Valley College, SVC’s Center for Marine Excellence & Technology, the Northwest Workforce Development Council and other entities completed a study of the Marine Industry in Northwest Washington.
The study, conducted by Berk and Associates, outlined in detail the significance of the industry in Northwest Washington with recommendations to maintain and enhance the industry’s strength.
The four county project was co-managed by EDASC and the Bellingham/Whatcom EDC. The support of economic clusters is part of the Governor’s economic development strategy.
Market Analysis Of Downtown Areas
EDASC contracted with Western Washington University to conduct an analysis of the commercial districts in the downtown areas of Anacortes, Burlington, Mount Vernon, and Sedro- Woolley.
The approach was based on the guidelines provided by the Main Street program of the National Trust for Historical Preservation. This report is the first step in an analysis of downtown market areas in Skagit County. It includes a brief sketch of selected demographics from the four cities. The report outlines findings from an initial focus group meeting in each community and provides results from customer surveys.
The final section offers summary thoughts and recommendations for next steps.
Anacortes- Sydney Ferry- Economic Impact
This feasibility study provided an update on the economic impact of the Anacortes-Sydney Ferry run. The study, funded in part by CTED and conducted by E.D. Hovee & Company, shows the significance of the international run to the region and the State.
The study shows that 1,470 jobs with over $30 million in annual payroll and nearly $126 million in spending are directly and indirectly associated with the run. And, the State receives $4.6 million a year in taxes.
Agricultural Marketing Program- Skagit Fresh, Better Natured Produce Study
This study, completed by the Mindgarden group of Anacortes, underscores the growing importance of local, fresh and organic produce to Northwest Washington consumers.
The study offers recommendations for the best opportunities for market expansion of Skagit fresh produce. This study is part of EDASC’s partnership with Skagitonians to Preserve Farmland.
Complete copies of the above studies are available by contacting the EDASC office.
Infrastructure Investment
The Skagit County Economic Development Public Facilities Fund
Created by the State Legislature, this program is funded by the rebate of State sales tax. Managed by the Skagit County Commissioners, this fund awarded over $2 million for seven economic development projects in 2007. These are public infrastructure projects that helped create jobs at United General and Island hospitals and will lead to jobs at the Port of Anacortes. Proposals also included infrastructure projects in Burlington, Mount Vernon and a PUD fiber optic project in Hamilton.
Federal Funding
Skagit Valley Hospital received $406,000 in federal funds for cutting edge equipment for cancer radiation therapy. Congressman Larsen and Senators Murray and Cantwell were instrumental in securing the funding.
Community Economic Revitalization Board
The Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB), a division of the Department of Community, Trade & Economic Development, authorized a $300,000 grant and a $100,000 loan to the Town of Hamilton for infrastructure development related to the expansion of Janicki Industries.
The grant/loan is for construction of a water reservoir and a new water line necessary for the project. Nearly 300 jobs will be created at the 100 acre site in Hamilton.
Business Retention & Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
The Economic Development Association of Skagit County offers technical assistance to businesses through our Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and our Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) programs. Working to ensure the survival and growth of existing Skagit County businesses is an important part of EDASC's mission for economic development.
In 2005, EDASC's SBDC and BRE programs met with and offered assistance, training and expertise to over 120 clients looking to start or purchase a business, expand or to work to ensure the survival of their business. These programs assisted businesses in securing over $1.25 million in financing for their businesses.
Business owners and potential business owners can receive assistance with preparing business plans, writing financial projections, improving marketing techniques, analyzing financial information, buying or selling a business or approaching a lender for a business loan.
EDASC provides confidential, free of charge, one-on-one counseling on all management topics as well as training, seminars, a resource library, internet accessible computers and research capabilities. The Mount Vernon SBDC is a partnership between EDASC and Skagit Valley College and is one of 22 statewide centers that offer assistance on a variety of topics related to small businesses.
Procurement Technical Assistance Program
Procurement Technical Assistance Center Program
The Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) Program assists companies interested in bidding on federal, state or local government contracts. EDASC provides assistance with government paperwork and registrations, including HUBZone certification, Central Contractors Registration, and GSA Schedules. EDASC also offers seminars and workshops for companies that are interested in doing business with the government. Recent events included seminars on Island County Procurement Opportunities, GSA Construction Projects, 2010 Olympic Business Opportunities, and a Regional Vendor Fair. EDASC has also partnered with the Bellingham/Whatcom Economic Development Council to provide PTAC counseling services in Bellingham one day a month. In 2007 EDASC provided bid information and procurement resources to over 150 companies, resulting in $13,649,533 in reported contracts and subcontracts.
Latino Business Retention & Expansion Program (El Alcance Para La Retencion Y Expansion Del Comercio Latino.
This program was established in 2004 to provide technical assistance to current and prospective Latino business owners. Assistance includes business planning, marketing, sales, accounting, and access to capital. These loans serve as benchmarks for the viability and rise of our Latino Business Community. To date, over $1,000,000 in loans have been made and used by Latino owned businesses in the following areas: a newspaper, an automotive shop, a Mexican grocery store, two Mexican restaurants, a construction company, an import-export company, a paint company, a bi-lingual childcare facility and most recently, a mobile taco restaurant. The Latino Business Retention & Expansion Program is a partnership between EDASC and Skagit Valley College. Whidbey Island Bank created a Revolving Loan Fund for the program. Additional funds for training during 2007 were provided by the Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development.
The Agricultural Marketing Program (AMP), a partnership between the Skagitonians to Preserve Farmland and EDASC, drew significant support in 2007.Underway is a Farm to Institution program. The goal is to provide area institutions with local, fresh produce. CTED provided funds in 2007 to fulfill this mission by assisting with menu planning to transition cafeterias to farm fresh produce, to design and layout promotional materials and to provide training for staff members.
The AMP is supported by funds from the Skagit County Commissioners, The Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED), Washington Women’s Foundation, the Farm Bureau, and USDA Rural Development.
Leadership Skagit
EDASC has partnered with Skagit Valley College and Washington State University to create Leadership Skagit. The Fifth class of Leadership Skagit started in September 2007. Leadership Skagit, winner of the 2004 Governor’s Leadership Award, is a leadership development program whose mission is to strengthen and transform our communities by developing leaders. The program focuses both on emerging and existing leaders from business, government, and the non-profit world. The program combines leadership skill development with in-depth information on a number of topics important to the future of our region. Leadership Skagit is a nine month program. Once a month students spend an entire day exploring a subject and working on leadership skill development. Additional support for training during 2007 was provided by CTED.
Workforce / Training IssuesWorkforce Team Skagit
The Workforce Team helps match employers with potential employees. The Workforce Team assists growing or relocating businesses with their employment needs by helping them advertise job openings, screen and interview candidates, and design training programs for new employees. A significant issue for the group is to review the issue of demand for workers and to continue to address the needs of employers to locate quality employees. Workforce Team Skagit includes EDASC, Skagit Valley College, Northwest Workforce Development Council, Employment Security, DSHS, and the Opportunities Industrialization Center.
Skagit Skills Center
The Skagit Skills Center has been fully funded by the State legislature. EDASC is extending full support for the Skagit Skills Center, a regional vocational training facility for high school and college students in Skagit County. The main facility is planned for location on the Skagit Valley College Campus with a satellite marine training facility in Anacortes. The project initiated by La Conner School Superintendent Tim Bruce and other Skagit County Superintendents and Skagit Valley College President Gary Tollefson passed the 2007 session of the legislature. Representative Dave Quall led the cause for the facility in the State Legislature
Demographics 2008 Seminar
EDASC's Annual Demographics Seminar was held at EDASC on March 28th. This event was co-sponsored by Skagit County and presenters included Alex Von Cube and Kim Berry from Skagit County, Hart Hodges from W.W.U. and Dave Wallace from Washington State Employment Security.
Infrastructure Investments
EDASC continues to support public infrastructure projects for economic development and is represented on the Skagit County Economic Development Public Facilities Fund Board. Public investment in projects that create jobs in Skagit County has leveraged private capital throughout all the jurisdictions in Skagit County, creating excellent economic development projects.
Research & Education Board
EDASC has an established Research & Education Board to assume responsibilities in areas of research and education related to economicdevelopment. The Research & Education Fund Board is the governing board for Leadership Skagit.
Skagit County Manufacturer's Network
EDASC continues its efforts with this network of 11 Skagit County manufacturers. The network represents a unique partnership between EDASC and local business owners and serves as an information resource for all members. EDASC helped found this group in the mid-1990's.