Published February 2004

Competition for economic future heats up

Mobile, Ala., is taking Washington state very seriously these days. And while we in Snohomish County may not be thinking much yet about Mobile, we will be in the future.

Mobile and a number of other cities around the country waged a serious fight in 2003 for the Boeing Co.’s 7E7 program. And while we emerged victorious this time, their serious-minded efforts are one more reminder that we cannot take our companies or our jobs for granted.

“Alabama’s costs were lower, its infrastructure world-class,” wrote Mobile Register newspaper reporter K.A. Turner shortly after Everett was selected as the site for 7E7 final assembly. However, “…Washington did what it could to become more competitive in those areas, then leveraged its work-force advantages until the total package was a winner. And now Mobile must find a way to answer.”

Translation: The competition for our economic future is not over. In many ways, it is just beginning. As our economy recovers, as companies in the coming months and years once again consider expansion, we must be ready to prove again and again why Snohomish County and Washington state are the best places to do business for companies in our targeted areas. That’s why continuing our work to improve this area’s business climate and spreading the word about the benefits of locating businesses and jobs in Snohomish County are Economic Development Council priorities in 2004.

In January, Everett Economic Development Director Lanie McMullin and I traveled to New York to meet with site selectors and others who companies turn to when they’re making location decisions. The effective way the state of Washington’s 7E7 team worked with our own site selector consultant demonstrated how important these relationships can be, and we are determined to be front of mind when they consider locations for companies in our targeted areas of biotechnology, electronics manufacturing and aerospace. In 2004, the EDC team will continue to actively reach out to decision makers who can help us spread the word about the benefits Snohomish County has to offer.

The aerospace portion of this job became significantly easier with the 7E7 decision. Boeing has selected key 7E7 suppliers, and those companies and their own suppliers find great business benefit in being near the 7E7 program headquarters.

I am extremely pleased that former Boeing executive and longtime EDC board member John Monroe has accepted a special assignment to work with the EDC to reach these aerospace companies. His experience as director of 777 program management gives him unparalleled insight into the challenges and requirements of aerospace companies, and the importance of his partnership with the EDC in this area cannot be overstated.

A first opportunity to showcase what Snohomish County has to offer these companies comes Feb. 8-10 at the annual meeting of the Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance, which is being held this year in Lynnwood. Its members are from throughout Washington and Oregon and include the Canadian Consulate General’s Office and the government of Alberta, Canada.

Parallel with our emphasis this year on attracting technology companies as a way to create economic opportunity is our commitment to sustainable economic development. In fact, adoption of sustainable economic development policies is one way to differentiate ourselves from competitors. That’s why encouragement of wise economic development principles is another EDC goal for 2004.

“There is a growing recognition that urbanization can have drastic and unpredictable impacts on land, water and energy resources,” said a coalition of community leaders who have come together to establish an economic development initiative known as Sustainable Development of Snohomish County. “To counter these effects, there is a growing trend among innovative community planners, designers and contractors to develop and construct our growing urban environment in a manner that recognizes and minimizes environmental impacts.

“Collectively, these strategies are commonly referred to as sustainable development, of which sustainable building, which focuses on individual buildings and landscapes, is an important component. Energy efficiency, water conservation, waste minimization, pollution prevention, resource-efficient materials, and indoor air quality concerns and impacts are addressed during design and construction, and these aspects are also managed throughout the course of the building’s life.

“At the heart of sustainable development is the focus on communities and the people who live, work and play there.”

Snohomish County government, Snohomish County cities, the EDC, Snohomish County PUD and others are working together to research sustainable development policies as a way to encourage, not deter, economic growth.

We already know that on a personal worker level, sustainable practices increase worker and student productivity, reduce sick leave and absenteeism, and provide a more comfortable working, learning and living environment — all with related financial savings from increased productivity, reduced doctor visits and lower utility bills.

They become competitive advantages when well-planned and well-built commercial infrastructure begins to attract quality developers and, in turn, lucrative commercial tenants, such as high-technology companies, corporate headquarters or new laboratory facilities. Attracting new business can lead to accompanying residential home demand and the creation of energy- and water-efficient homes that provide comfort and utility savings for all our residents.

Sustainable development allows Snohomish County and its communities to integrate regional and local character into new design elements as well as existing facilities. It provides a pride in Snohomish County that can guide future generations of economic policies.

In February, the group will present a symposium for local elected officials to initiate a community discussion on how green building and sustainable development practices and strategies can contribute to economic vitality in Snohomish County. Topics will include sustainable development, land use, buildings and transportation policies.

Sustained outreach, a powerful aerospace initiative and encouragement of creative public policy: these are examples of ways the EDC is determined to help Snohomish County continue to compete successfully with cities such as Mobile.

Deborah Knutson is president of the Snohomish County Economic Development Council. She can be reached at 425-743-4567 or by e-mail to dknutson@snoedc.org.

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