Economic Development

Sept. 17: Field day helps woodland owners care for trees

By Seth Truscott, College of Agricultural, Human & Natural Resource Sciences LOPEZ ISLAND, Wash. – Forest and woodland owners will build skills for caring for their trees at the San Juan Islands Forest Owners Field Day, 8:40 a.m.-2:40 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, at Midnight’s Farm on Lopez Island.

A win-win for farmers and slowing climate change

By Scott Weybright, College of Agricultural, Human & Natural Resource Sciences PULLMAN, Wash. – Climate change is already transforming agriculture in Washington. To help farmers deal with climate change, Bill Pan, a Washington State University professor of crop and soil sciences, is talking to them about ways to both adapt to changes and slow them down.

Aug. 5: Open house celebrates small business success

By Hope Belli Tinney, Washington SBDC EVERETT, Wash. – The Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Everett will host an open house 3-4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5, at the Economic Alliance of Snohomish County to celebrate the successes of more than 20 Snohomish County business owners and highlight the diverse services available to help […]

Gift shop finds treasure in free business advising

By Hope Belli Tinney, Washington SBDC SEQUIM, Wash. – Theresa Rubens is a third-generation resident of Sequim whose grandchildren attend the same schools she and her husband once did. She knows as much about her community as anyone, but she didn’t know where a visitor could buy a Sequim souvenir. And that, she said, was […]

Research fund partner helps WSU innovation advance

By Alyssa Patrick, Office of Economic Development SEATTLE – Since the Commercialization Gap Fund launched at Washington State University two years ago, 14 researchers have received funding to fill the gap between their discoveries and private investment. The Washington Research Foundation (WRF) has just invested up to $1 million for the next four years in […]

Workshops to discuss Columbia Basin water forecast

By Seth Truscott, College of Agricultural, Human & Natural Resource Sciences PULLMAN, Wash. – Changing climate will affect availability and demand for water in Washington’s Columbia River Basin and influence how water will be managed over the next 20 years, according to a new report being prepared for the Washington Department of Ecology’s Office of […]

Great Clips purchase a great fit for business professor

By Hope Belli Tinney, Washington SBDC TACOMA, Wash. – Kory Brown knows business. In fact, he’s a professor of business at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma. Still, when he and his wife, Pam, decided to purchase a Great Clips franchise, they enlisted the help of the Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

Torklift expands exports with global market research

By Hope Belli Tinney, Washington SBDC SUMNER, Wash. – Torklift International has made hitches, suspension products, steps and more in Washington since 1976 and started building export capacity about 10 years ago. Sales in Australia have been so strong that in 2015 the company opened a warehouse and distribution center in Sydney.

Advising helps woodworker grow business, financial acumen

By Hope Belli Tinney, Washington SBDC OLYMPIA, Wash. – Custom cabinetry shop Beech Tree Woodworks grew out of owner Nic James’ passion for wood and appreciation of quality craftsmanship. Then it grew out of its location in a 2,200-square-foot shop under his apartment.