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![CEO Corner Photo](/media/userfiles/subsite_26/images/Sternlicht4_CEO%20Corner.jpg)
CEO Corner
Aug 23 2024The entire EDASC team is extraordinarily proud of our achievement and recognition as the first Accredited Economic Development Organization in the Pacific Northwest. One of the reasons we received this accreditation is that in addition to the “bread and butter” of economic development – business recruitment, retention, and expansion –...
![Celebrating Community and Agriculture: National Farmers Markets Week in Skagit County Photo](/media/userfiles/subsite_26/images/News/stock-photos/farmers-market.png)
Late summer brings a bounty of fresh produce, flowers, and value-added products to farmers' markets around Skagit County. It’s also the time of year when National Farmers Market Week is observed, during the second week of August. There’s good reason to celebrate farmers' markets for their vital role in communities nationwide...
![Workers’ Comp 101: Navigating a workplace injury claim and getting your employee back to work Photo](/media/userfiles/subsite_26/images/News/stock-photos/workers-comp.png)
Workers’ Comp 101: Navigating a workplace injury claim and getting your employee back to work
Aug 1 2024With any luck – and a solid safety culture – your workplace hasn’t experienced a workers’ compensation claim. However, it pays to be aware of your rights and responsibilities as an employer, so you are prepared to handle a claim with the least stress possible.With limited exceptions, all Washington state...
![The Marinas of Skagit County: Anchors of Economic Growth Photo](/media/userfiles/subsite_26/images/News/stock-photos/marina.png)
La Conner Marina: A Vibrant Hub for Work and PlayThe La Conner Marina, located in the charming town of La Conner, offers a unique blend of recreational and commercial amenities that support a thriving community. According to Linda Tyler, communications director at the Port of Skagit, “La Conner Marina offers...
![EDASC staff attend key economic development conferences Photo](/media/userfiles/subsite_26/images/IEDC.jpg)
Staff members from the Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County (EDASC) recently attended two major economic development conferences, bringing back fresh insights and valuable connections to bolster Skagit County's economic landscape.EDASC's Economic Development Managers Aaron Weinberg (Strategic Projects) and Jorge Estefan (Equitable Economic Development), attended the International Economic Development Council...
![Startup School graduates 24 Photo](/media/userfiles/subsite_26/images/Startup%20School%20graduation_SVH.jpg)
Startup School graduates 24
Jul 10 2024New EDASC program sees successful startAt the end of June, 24 students graduated from the first cohort of Startup School, EDASC’s training program for entrepreneurs.Startup School is a partnership between EDASC and the My Own Business Institute (MOBI) at Santa Clara University. EDASC developed the program and engaged MOBI to...
![Leadership Skagit receives grant from Skagit Community Foundation Photo](/media/userfiles/subsite_26/images/Leadership%20Skagit_News%20page%20copy.png)
The Skagit Community Foundation has awarded Leadership Skagit a $5,000 Blackburn Family grant in its most recent round of funding.Leadership Skagit, a program of EDASC in partnership with Skagit Valley College, is a community experiential leadership development program that has graduated nearly 600 participants since the program started in 2003...
![Port of Anacortes profile Photo](/media/userfiles/subsite_26/images/Port%20of%20Anacortes%20Cap%20Sante%20Marina.jpg)
Port of Anacortes profile
May 30 2024The Port of Anacortes was established in 1926, and the Port District was expanded to its current boundaries in 1962. The district includes approximately 100 square miles in Skagit County, including Fidalgo Island and various agricultural and heavy industrial lands in west Skagit County. The Port of Anacortes, located primarily in...
![Economic Development Week: Focus on Leadership Development Photo](/media/userfiles/subsite_26/images/HF%20Sinclair%20LS%20grads_NEWS.jpg)
Economic development can take many forms, and for Economic Development Week, May 6-10, we’ll be sharing some of the ways in which EDASC 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 Week: Focus on Port of Skagit Photo](/media/userfiles/subsite_26/images/Bayview%20Business%20Park_POS_NEWS.jpg)
Economic development can take many forms, and for Economic Development Week, May 6-10, we’ll be sharing some of the ways in which EDASC 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 Week: Focus on Small Business Photo](/media/userfiles/subsite_26/images/La%20Catrina.jpg)
Economic development can take many forms, and for Economic Development Week, May 6-10, we’ll be sharing some of the ways in which EDASC 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 Week: Focus on Maritime Industry Photo](/media/userfiles/subsite_26/images/DCI%20tour%202019_web.jpg)
Economic development can take many forms, and for Economic Development Week, May 6-10, we’ll be sharing some of the ways in which EDASC 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 Week: Focus on Workforce Photo](/media/userfiles/subsite_26/images/Silfab_web.jpg)
Economic development can take many forms, and for Economic Development Week, May 6-10, we’ll be sharing some of the ways in which EDASC 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 Photo](/media/userfiles/subsite_26/images/Good%20Bagels.jpg)
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...
![Workplace accident investigations: The key to prevention Photo](/media/userfiles/subsite_26/images/knife_L%26I_web.jpg)
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...
![Empowering Skagit's Immigrant Community Through Financial Literacy Photo](/media/userfiles/subsite_26/images/financial%20literacy.jpg)
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...
![Skagit County’s Chinook Enterprises receives $200,000 manufacturing grant Photo](/media/userfiles/subsite_26/images/Chinook%20Production%20Team_edit.jpg)
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 Photo](/media/userfiles/subsite_26/images/Tulip%20tourism_website.png)
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 now accepting applications for class of 2025 Photo](/media/userfiles/subsite_26/images/Leadership%20Skagit_News%20page%20copy.png)
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...
![Skagit Young Professionals – Encouraging professional development in the next generation of business leaders Photo](/media/userfiles/subsite_26/images/Skagit%20Young%20Professionals_News.png)
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...
![IEDC President shares views on changing landscape of economic development Photo](/media/userfiles/subsite_26/images/Ohle_EFN_News.png)
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...
![Entrepreneurs can gain foundational skills with new 12-week training Photo](/media/userfiles/subsite_26/images/startup%20school%20with%20icon_final.png)
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...
![Navigating Success: The Indispensable Role of a Business Plan in Skagit County Photo](/media/userfiles/subsite_26/images/pasted%20image%200.jpg)
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 Photo](/media/userfiles/subsite_26/images/AEDO_News.png)
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...