The Washington State Department of Commerce has submitted its recommendations to Gov. Chris Gregoire and the Washington State Legislature for restructuring the department as a leader in the state's economic development efforts. Formerly the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development, Commerce's report outlines two options for creating a more focused and efficient organization dedicated to growing and improving jobs in Washington.
"After listening carefully to business and community leaders, employers and our other key stakeholders around the state, we believe the priorities and organization laid out in this report provide a framework to succeed in keeping Washington state competitive and helping our communities and economies thrive," said Commerce Director Rogers Weed.
The Commerce recommendation to the Legislature is built on four "global" priorities affecting all Washington businesses -- competitiveness, education and workforce training, more efficient regulation, and infrastructure investment -- as well as four targeted priorities -- sector focus, rural focus, small business focus, and community capacity. The plan also aligns with the Washington Economic Development Commission's Feb. 2009 proposal for sustaining a world-class innovation economy in Washington State.
Excerpt from the report "Defining Commerce: Next Steps in our Mission to Grow and Improve Jobs in Washington"
"With innovation at the center of our long‐term vision of the Washington Economy, Commerce has adopted the vision statement in the Washington Economic Development Commission's plan as its own.
Vision Statement: Make Washington the most attractive, creative and fertile investment environment for innovation in the world as a means of achieving long‐term global competitiveness, prosperity and economic opportunity for all the state's citizens.
Commerce has started to chart a path to achieve this vision with a new mission statement and priorities for action."
LINKS:
Report to Gov. Chris Gregoire and the Washington Legislature, November 2009
Appendices:
- Appendix A: Sections of EHB 2242 Directing Changes to Commerce
- Appendix B: Commerce Draft Plan PowerPoint (pdf)
- Appendix C: Stakeholder Involvement Plan and Meeting Summaries
- Appendix D: Survey Report
- Appendix E: State Comparison Research Report
- Appendix F: Washington Innovation Economy (Economic Development Commission Report, Feb. 2009)
Quincy ranks high for high-tech business
Independent study released
Posted: Monday, Jan 11, 2010
By Candice Boutilier
Columbia Basin Herald assistant editor
QUINCY — A cost analysis study has determined Quincy is a competitive place for a high technology manufacturing businesses to locate.
The Boyd Company conducted a study on costs associated with building a 250,000 square-foot facility and operating it with 300 employees.
It was determined Quincy ranked ninth out of 45 other similar cities across the nation as one of the least expensive areas to operate a high-tech manufacturing business.
The study was completed to show potential businesses the positive attributes Quincy has to offer. It saves potential businesses the time and money to conduct their own study.
“We have a lot of prospects that come into the area,” Port of Quincy Business Development Consultant Pat Boss said. “It’s a good tool to have in the toolbox.”
The Boyd Company reviewed all the costs associated with opening a high-tech manufacturing business and then compared them with like cities throughout the nation.
Boyd Company President Jack Boyd explained he visited with Quincy business members and community leaders to witness what Quincy is like and to interview people to gather comparative cost data.
“It’s an economic analysis,” he said. “In today’s economy, that’s what’s driving decisions.”
He determined it would cost $21 million to operate the facility annually based upon labor, power, property and sales tax, corporate travel and amortization costs.
Boyd explained Quincy is the cheapest city to operate a high-tech business in the western United States.
“The analysis has been structured to be a relevant cost-comparison tool for a broad segment of high technology companies engaged in advanced manufacturing operations and computer-operated production processes in sectors such as precision metalworking, engineered plastics, composites and other advanced manufacturing” he noted.
Boss explained there are other qualities to Quincy aside from the cost information. It is central to Moses Lake, Wenatchee and Ellensburg. He said there are secondary job markets, shopping choices and a variety of places to live due to its location.
Boyd explained the access to power, low operating costs, availability of manufacturing skill sets, affordable land and rail access are key attributes enticing businesses to locate to Quincy.
“It’s a huge advantage,” he said about the power availability. “It’s reliable and green.”
Boss said the report further encourages his confidence in Quincy to attract businesses and grow.
Posted by: Bill Johnson | January 13, 2010 at 12:51 AM