San Juan County
Economic Development Council

Announcements Archive

Wednesday, November 12, 2007

LSJI Welcomes Class IV

Leadership San Juan Islands is a community leadership program that increases leadership capacity, networking with community leaders and opportunities to understand the complex systems that exist in our diverse County. The program, begun in 2004, is supported by San Juan County EDC, United Way and Skagit Valley College/San Juan Center.

We are pleased to announce the participants for Class IV, beginning in January 2008. We are welcoming into the class: David Bentley (San Juan); Oak Boesky (San Juan, formerly Orcas); Carrie Burke (San Juan); Georgeanna Cook (Lopez); Anna Maria deFreitas (San Juan); Grisha Krivchenia (San Juan); Christine Roberts-Myers (San Juan); Gail Leschine-Seitz (San Juan); Kyle Loring (San Juan); Paul King (Orcas and Seattle); Tracie Red Elk (Lopez); Anji Ringzin (Orcas); and Amy Windrope (San Juan).

Help us maximize our enrollment and sponsorship. We have a few openings and will accept late applications for a very limited time. More information and the application form can be found at http://www.leadershipsanjuanislands.org or by calling Program Coordinator Liz Illg at 360 -317-4010.

Monday, October 8, 2007

The Economic Development Council in partnership with the Orcas Research Group will present a Forum for Entrepreneurs and others who are seeking to build or expand their own businesses in the islands. The forum will be held in the Conference Room at the Orcas Island Public Library from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Saturday, October 20th. The first part of the session will include presentations by entrepreneurs who have or are in the process of establishing business on the island, and how they “made it happen.” In the second part of the forum, there will be presentations by individuals and organizations that act in support of small business, including specialists in finance and accounting, small business consulting, services provided by the EDC, and a representative from the Governor’s office to discuss support that is provided through the Community Trade and Economic Development Office. Those who wish to sign up for this half-day forum are asked to please contact Steve Garrison at garrison@rockisland.com or 376-2883. Please do not wait until the last minute, as space will be limited.

Monday, October 8, 2007

Leadership San Juan Islands Holds October Open Houses to Recruit Class of 2008: Leadership San Juan Islands (LSJI) will hold three open houses in October to recruit current and aspiring leaders for the Class of 2008. LSJI seeks candidates from all sectors of the community, from businesses and non-profits, to education and government. Alumni from LSJI Classes 2005-2007 are also invited to the open houses, as well as graduates of other leadership programs held around the country who now live and/or work in the San Juans.

The three open houses will take place as follows:
Thursday, October 11, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Skagit Valley College in Friday Harbor;
Saturday, October 13, 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the Lopez Island Library;
Sunday, October 14, 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Heartwood House on Orcas Island, 70 Langell Lane near Eastsound.

San Juan County, like many communities across the country, is taking the initiative to develop its own network of home-grown leaders through LSJI. 2008 will mark its fourth year of seminars designed to educate and motivate the islands’ current and aspiring leaders of today and tomorrow. LSJI is searching for adults who would like to develop their professional leadership skills while learning more about issues facing the San Juan Islands within our “systems” of governance, education, economics, environment, social/community health and history/culture.

A total of six, Friday “challenge days,” plus two weekend retreats, will be held January through May 2008. Applicants must be capable of communicating via email and be prepared to commit to a significant public service project upon graduation. Sponsors include Skagit Valley College, United Way of San Juan County and San Juan County Economic Development Council. Deadline for applications is November 19. For further information or to download an application see www.leadershipsanjuanislands.org or call Liz Illg, Program Coordinator, 317-4010. The EDC is a sponsor of LSJI.

Monday, August 6, 2007

The San Juan County Economic Development Council (SJC-EDC) has released its Ferry Fare Study Report. This report begins to understand the economic impact of recent Ferry Fare increases by the Washington State Ferry System on the San Juan County community. The report is provided in two forms, an Executive Summary and the Full Report. The Executive Summary contains the following conclusions drawn from the study: there has been a significant increase in utilization of the Commuter Fare, "Year-Round Residents" are carrying a greater percentage of the cost burden, and Tourism is down in San Juan County while it has increased in Washington State overall (when adjusted for inflation). The SJC-EDC has provided a Cover Letter with the Study which includes recommendations from the EDC Board. (The report is available under "Resources", "Reports / Studies").

Monday, July 16, 2007

2007 Business Climate Report by Island County EDC and San Juan County EDC, was released. This report is an update of the 1999 and 2000 Business Retention and Expansion surveys that were taken during 2006 and early 2007. These surveys and report were performed under a joint contract with Island County EDC with the Washington State Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development (CTED). These surveys are part of the ongoing effort to monitor our current economic climate and business attitudes. The interviews confirm the positive and negative conditions which exist for businesses in our areas, and substantiate what improvements could be made to both Counties' economic plans to assist our local businesses. (The report is available under "Resources", "Reports / Studies").

Friday, June 22, 2007

Northwest Washington Marine Industry Cluster Study Final Report, June 20, 2007 by Berk & Associates, was released. This report is the result of a focused, six-month research effort to explore and analyze the marine sector in Skagit, Island, Whatcom and San Juan Counties. The study defined this sector as comprising of ship and boat manufacturing; boatyards and shipyards; boat and ship suppliers; ship and boat repair and maintenance businesses; marinas; boat charters; and boat storage and non-marina boat storage facilities. The products and outcomes of this study include a deeper understanding of the sector, its economic benefits and strategic opportunities; a set of actionable strategies to help propel the industry towards more job growth and increased competitiveness nationally and globally; and an industry directory that can be maintained by the partners following completion of the study. (The report is available under "Resources", "Reports / Studies").

Monday, June 11, 2007

Smart Growth Principles by John D. Pagini, AICP will be held Wednesday June 20th and Thursday June 21st. The program will look at what worked and didn't work in Nantucket from 1995 to 2005. Pagini, a certified land use planner in private practice with over 32 years of experience as a municipal and regional planner, will introduce "Smart Growth Principles" and open a discussion of the parallels between Nantucket and the San Juan Islands. This workshop will tackle specific issues such as housing, tourism, managing growth, and environmental protection. Panel discussions and small group work-sessions are planned, with an opportunity for questions from the audience. Meetings will be held Wednesday at the Mullis Community Senior Center from 9AM to 4PM and Thursday at the Friday Harbor High School Commons from 9AM to 4PM Check our the San Juan County website for more details and RSVP information (www.co.san-juan.wa.us). (Slide Presentations are available under "Resources", "Reports / Studies").

Monday, June 11, 2007

Attendance is free at the Washington Small Business Fair 2007 being held Saturday, September 8th, 2007 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Renton Technical College, Renton WA. Starting a business? Talk with representatives from federal, state and local governments agencies, local chambers of commerce, and business and trade associations at more than 30 exhibitor booths. Expanding your business? Attend seminars on a wide variety of topics, taught by business experts. Hear from successful small business people. Looking for tips on how to succeed? The Washington Small Business Fair can help turn your dream into a reality! Check it out at www.bizfair.org

Thursday, May 10, 2007

The San Juan County Economic Development Council (EDC) announces that 4 new members have joined the council. The EDC is mandated to include broad representation of community interests. This includes ensuring representation from each of the islands that make up our island county. At the EDC's May 8th meeting, the following four individuals were voted onto the council: Jill Blankenship - Owner of Frontline Call Center, Orcas Island; Bill Evans - Superintendent of Lopez School District - Lopez Island; Steve Hussey - Natural Resource Planner, San Juan Islands Conservation District - Orcas Island; Denise King - Director, San Juan Center for Skagit Valley College - San Juan Island. The EDC is excited to strengthen the representation of all islands and to increase the diversity of the represented economic interests of the county.

Thursday, March 1, 2007

San Juan County Economic Development Council (SJC-EDC) announces that new Business Resource information is available at all San Juan County area libraries (Lopez Island Library, Orcas Island Library, Skagit Valley College Library, Shaw Island Library and San Juan Island Library). This information will be added to the existing business reference information previously provided by the libraries. The SJC-EDC Business Resource information is targeted at county residents who are intersted in starting a new business or expanding their existing business. The pamphlets point to web based resources that help business owners navigate the steps necessary to start a new business. Additional online information includes business plan and spread sheet examples, links to government regulations, forms and requirements, and references to advice and consulting services. This and more information is available at the office of the SJC-EDC, 540 Guard St, Suite 110, Friday Harbor. Call or email to arrange an appointment or to ask questions (info@islandway.org, 360-378-2906, www.islandway.org).

Monday, February 26, 2007

In addition to the office of the Economic Development Council on Guard Street, the EDC is establishing a Business Resource Center (BRC) at each of the county's public libraries. The BRC provides information for county residents interested in starting a new business, expanding their existing business, or looking for support services in a specific business area. In the interest of space conservation, the library BRC's will contain three pamphlets of reference information that provide links to web based information and resources. County residents can still call the EDC office directly for answers to questions or references to resources.

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

The EDC has initiated an economic impact study of ferry fares on selective indicators of the San Juan County economy. This study will primarily be driven by the EDC Staff, only soliciting outside consultants if necessary to gather difficult data items, and/or to assist in analyzing the indicators gathered. It is the objective of the EDC that this study not only provide insight into the current ferry fare issue, but to also lay the ground work for future discussions with the Washington State Ferries. The results of this study will be made public upon its completion. Stay Tuned.

Monday, January 15, 2007

The EDC and the Town of Friday Harbor are bringing Roger Brooks to Friday Harbor on April 5^th, 2007! Roger’s company, Destination Development, focuses on tourism, consumer trends, branding and marketing. He has a special interest in rural areas in regards to creating a healthy economic diversity. We are eagerly anticipating this day with him and are hoping it may lead to future visits and additional topics. For this first speaking engagement on San Juan Island, he will be addressing the Centennial Planning Committee, the Spring SJI Visitor’s Bureau Luncheon and other selected tourism stakeholders in the community. The SJI Visitor’s Bureau and Chamber of Commerce also support Roger Brooks’ visit.