Accelerating Innovation

Washington launches export initiative at Port of Seattle

Gov. Chris Gregoire today announced a new state export initiative designed to open additional export opportunities for Washington businesses and create jobs. The initiative complements the National Export Initiative, President Obama's ambitious plan to double the nation's exports by 2015, and commits Washington state to working with the US Department of Commerce as it implements the federal initiative.

"As one of the nation's leading exporting states, Washington state has the ability to act as a testing ground as the US Department of Commerce develops new programs to move the National Export Initiative forward," Gregoire said. "Washington is the gateway to Asia, and those trading partners have not been hit as hard as other areas around the world. We need to continue to increase our efforts to reach out to those trading partners. When our companies have more opportunities to do business, they can expand and create more good jobs for our communities."
Over the next five years, Gregoire expects the state export initiative to increase the number of Washington state companies exporting by 30 percent and help 5,000 Washington businesses achieve $600 million in new export sales.
"Increasing the export of American products and services to global markets can help revive the fortunes of U.S. companies, spur future economic growth and support jobs in the U.S.," said U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke. "I applaud Governor Gregoire and Washington state for partnering with us on the National Export Initiative, and look forward to working with the state."
Gregoire's 6-point plan includes:
• Working as partners with the U.S. Department of Commerce to identify new opportunities for our businesses, serving as a pilot state for "field testing" new programs and tools the federal government develops as a part of the National Export Initiative;
• Directing the Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) to dedicate $3 million in funding toward export counseling assistance to companies seeking to export for the first time;
• Implementing a "Farm-to-Market Initiative" to reward ambitious and achievable proposals to enhance the competiveness of our agricultural enterprises in the global marketplace. It will ask nearly 20 existing state programs to compete for development funds, ensuring we make the most promising investments in this important industry;
• Enhancing our standing as a destination for foreign students who invest in our economy through tuition, lodging and entertainment and encourage Washington students to study abroad; and
• Strengthening and expanding relationships with overseas trading partners. This September, Gregoire will lead a trade mission to Asia to visit the World Expo in Shanghai, stop in other Chinese cities and visit Vietnam, an emerging market for our companies.
• Engaging with the federal government to ensure a fully-funded federal transportation reauthorization act that includes a national freight program aimed at infrastructure investments that enhance our ability to efficiently move goods. This program would match the commitment the state has already made on projects such as the Columbia River Crossing in Vancouver, the North Spokane Corridor, which directs freight to Canada, and the SR 519 project serving the Port of Seattle.

Gregoire announced the state export initiative at the Port of Seattle Headquarters along with Department of Agriculture Director Dan Newhouse and Commerce Director Rogers Weed.

America’s best high schools according to Newsweek

Each year, Newsweek picks the best high schools in the country based on how hard school staffs work to challenge students with advanced placement college-level courses and tests. Just over 1600 schools—only six percent of all the public schools in the U.S.—made the list. To see the full list of America's Best High Schools, click here. Two high schools from Bellevue Washington garnered a top 20 ranking.

# 13 Interlake, Bellevue, Wash.

One of two top 20 schools located in Bellevue (the other is International School at No. 20), IHS saw the first class from its Gifted High School Program graduate this spring. Students from this program completed the IB diploma program in grades 10 and 11, leaving the senior year for Bellevue College courses taught at Interlake by Bellevue College instructors, additional advanced coursework, and a year-long internship program. Seventy-two percent of AP students scored a three or above and eighty-seven percent of IB students scored a 4 or above on exams taken in 2009.

Schools our students are most likely to attend: University of Washington; Bellevue College; Seattle University; Seattle Pacific University; and Western Washington University

 

#20 International School, Bellevue, Wash.

Former Bellevue superintendent Mike Riley, who passed away in 2008, was a strong proponent of AP courses and drastically increased the number of students taking Advanced Placement courses throughout the district. A shot of the school's exterior, taken by junior Jeffrey Sitthi, an aspiring photographer, shows International's range of student talent, in both academics and arts.

Top five colleges most often attended by graduates: University of Washington; Western Washington University; Gonzaga University; Whitman College; Seattle Pacific University

Green Enterprise Conference in Elma

Green Enterprise Conference kicks off Monday, June 7th in Elma, Washington. Northwest consumers are spending more for quality green products and services. Join the emerging community of local, trusted, small businesses meeting this growing demand. Whether you run a business, a small farm or are just considering it, gain the support, knowledge and resources you need all in one place. This Green Enterprise Conference is cultivating a rich, highly visible, network of experienced business owners, non-profits, industry specialists and local entrepreneurs to grow our regional green economy. . Watch for updates at the Green Enterprise Conference on June 7, and on the Enterprise for Equity website at www.enterpriseforequity.org Click here to download a PDF version of the program.