News
News Articles
Economic development can take many forms, and for Economic Development Week, May 6-10, we’ll be sharing some of the ways in which EDSAC applies economic development practices to the needs of businesses and the community.Program: Leadership SkagitNeed: A group of community leaders over 20 years ago identified the need to...
Economic development can take many forms, and for Economic Development Week, May 6-10, we’ll be sharing some of the ways in which EDSAC applies economic development practices to the needs of businesses and the community. Today, we profile one of our key partners in economic development, the Port of Skagit.Governed...
Economic development can take many forms, and for Economic Development Week, May 6-10, we’ll be sharing some of the ways in which EDSAC applies economic development practices to the needs of businesses and the community.Business served: La Catrina Tacos & TequilaChallenge: During the floods of October 2021 and 2022, La...
Economic development can take many forms, and for Economic Development Week, May 6-10, we’ll be sharing some of the ways in which EDSAC applies economic development practices to the needs of businesses and the community.Business served: Dakota Creek IndustriesDakota Creek Industries (DCI) was founded in 1975 in Blaine and relocated...
Economic development can take many forms, and for Economic Development Week, May 6-10, we’ll be sharing some of the ways in which EDSAC applies economic development practices to the needs of businesses and the community.Project: NW Regional Job FairsChallenge/Need: Across all industries, businesses are having a hard time attracting and...
Anacortes family-owned café named 2024 SBA Seattle District Rural Small Business of the Year
Apr 29 2024The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 2024 Seattle District Rural Small Business of the Year is Good Bagels Café in Anacortes.Brothers Alex LaLonde and Nick LaLonde founded Good Bagels in 2020, sourcing local ingredients to produce handcrafted bagels for sale at area events and festivals. In 2023, the co-owners opened...
When an accident occurs at your restaurant, are you ready to investigate?In the case of a serious accident involving hospitalization, a report must be filed with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries and a documented investigation must be completed for any serious injury or illness, even if it...
April is not just about blooming flowers and spring showers; it's also National Financial Literacy Month in the United States. This month reminds us of financial literacy's critical role in empowering individuals and communities nationwide. In Skagit County, Washington, the Economic Development Alliance (EDASC) recognizes the importance of promoting financial...
Chinook Enterprises, with support from EDASC, was awarded a $200,000 Evergreen Manufacturing Growth Grant from the State Department of Commerce to support its strategic expansion, increasing its manufacturing capacity while adding about 25 new jobs within two years.The local manufacturer was one of 10 companies statewide to each be awarded...
Blossoming Beyond Borders: Skagit Valley Tulip Festival and the Economic Growth of Skagit County
Apr 1 2024Skagit Valley explodes with color every spring as millions of tulips bloom, transforming the landscape into a vibrant wonderland. North America's largest celebration of the tulip, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, showcases this natural spectacle throughout April, attracting over 400,000 visitors eager to witness the breathtaking display.A Visual Feast: From...
Leadership Skagit, a program of EDASC in partnership with Skagit Valley College, is now accepting applications for the class of 2025.Start your leadership journey today and join a network of more than 550 individuals who have gone through the program, including elected officials, business owners at all levels, executives and...
A group of young business professionals has revived Skagit Young Professionals, a networking group started in the 2000s. Just as before, the Skagit Young Professionals aims to create business connections with peers, but the new leaders of the group aim to broaden its scope through encouraging civic engagement and growing...
Economic Forecast Night 2024, as in years past, gave guests an opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the county as well as hear about the current state of the economy and a look into its future. This year, guests also heard from Nathan Ohle, president and CEO of the...
First cohort to be offered in Spanish EDASC is excited to offer Startup School, Escuela para Comenzar un Negocio, to entrepreneurs throughout Skagit County and across the state.Whether entrepreneurs are just starting out or looking to gain skills for a business they already have, the 12-week Startup School provides foundational learning...
In the dynamic business landscape of Skagit County, Washington, the importance of a well-crafted business plan cannot be overstated. In an exclusive interview with Kristina Hines, a Certified Business Advisor from Washington SBDC, hosted by Washington State University, we delve into the crucial role a business plan plays in the...
Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County Accredited by the International Economic Development Council
Feb 16 2024International Economic Development Council President and CEO Nathan Ohle announced that EDASC has been recognized as one of 78 economic development organizations accredited by IEDC as an Accredited Economic Development Organization. He presented the award to EDASC CEO John Sternlicht, the board and staff at EDASC’s annual Economic Forecast Night...
If securing government contracts is on your radar – like this Tiger-Pearson Construction project for Whatcom Community College (pictured) – join Washington APEX Accelerators and EDASC on Wednesday, Feb. 7, for the Meet the Buyers – Skagit and Whatcom Counties open house. This half-day event is an opportunity to connect...
The Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County’s annual Economic Forecast Night is taking place Thursday, Feb. 15, at the Swinomish Casino & Lodge in Anacortes. Presented by Banner Bank, the event brings together more than 350 business leaders, elected officials and community representatives to look at economic and business trends...
A pair of grant opportunities aim to provide funding for existing child care facilities as well as for employers looking to provide child care to their employees.The first grant, called the Early Learning Facilities run by the Washington State Department of Commerce, is offering funding for minor renovations to early...
New members join EDASC Board of Directors
Jan 18 2024New members of the EDASC Board of Directors were welcomed at the EDASC Annual Meeting Jan. 18.Joining the board are:John Dumas, Port of Anacortes Peter Donovan, City of Mount VernonKristen Keltz, Skagit Tourism Bureau Four board members were re-elected, including Nathan Wolfe, TRICO Companies LLC; Ryan Sakuma, Sakuma Bros Farms; Brian...
In Memoriam: Diana Morelli-Klima
Dec 17 2023Diana Morelli-Klima, EDASC’s Director of the Latino Business Retention & Expansion Program from 2004-2020, passed away in September 2023 at the age of 81.Morelli-Klima received her Doctor of Philosophy in romance languages, literature and linguistics from the University of Washington, and taught Spanish, English and linguistics at the college level...
In the heart of Skagit County, the essence of community thrives through its local businesses, each representing a unique story and passion. As we delve into the spirit of 'Shop Local' and celebrate the national movement of supporting neighborhood enterprises, it's essential to understand the significance behind this initiative and...
Mount Vernon, WA – The Skagit Tourism Bureau is proud to announce the appointment of Kristen Keltz as its new Chief Executive Officer. Keltz, a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in the tourism and hospitality industry, will lead the Bureau in promoting Skagit County as a premier...
The Washington Arts Commission (ArtsWA) has designated a Certified Creative District in Anacortes. Initiated by the Anacortes Arts Festival, this designation affirms the thriving arts community already established in the city, said the festival’s Executive Director Meredith Mcllmoyle.Anacortes joins communities all over the state with this designation. The Creative District program...