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Prosperity Partnership E-Newsletter
May 19, 2005
EDD Board to take action on draft regional economic strategy
After months of hard work and close collaboration by Prosperity Partnership members, a draft of the regional economic strategy is nearly complete. In June, the EDD board will approve the draft strategy for public release.
Over the course of the summer, we will present the strategy throughout the region and continue to refine it based on comments and suggestions by our cluster work groups, partner organizations, and the general public. The EDD Board will then take action on a final strategy in September.
We would like to talk with your organization and hear what you think. To set up a meeting, please contact Richard Berndt at 206.587.5061.
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Kent creating center for advanced manufacturing
The Kent Chamber of Commerce and the City of Kent are spearheading efforts to create the Center for Advanced Manufacturing. The Center will help move the region toward a more diversified, innovation-based economy, while at the same time strengthening the existing manufacturing base. It will also assist small and mid-market manufacturers make the transition from being low-cost producers to becoming high-value innovators.
The Prosperity Partnership has identified technology commercialization as critical to improving the core elements of our economy. The Center will help strengthen technology commercialization and the region’s innovation systems by connecting businesses with research and discoveries. The Center will also offer training, curriculum and courses to develop skilled workers.
The City and the Chamber are currently raising private sector matching funds from manufacturers and related industries to complete funding for a market analysis and business plan. The study is scheduled to begin this summer and be completed spring 2006. CAM is projected to open its doors late in 2006 or early in 2007.
For more information, please contact Marcelle Pechler, Executive Director of the Kent Chamber of Commerce, at 253-854-1770.
The Kent Chamber is also sponsoring Manufacturing Appreciation Week, a week long event running June 6 - 10. For more information or to register, contact the Kent Chamber at www.kentchamber.com.
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Legislative update
It’s been a busy month for approving new legislation that Prosperity Partnership working groups identified as critical pieces of the regional economic strategy. The following Prosperity Partnership supported initiatives were recently signed into law by Governor Gregoire:
- Creation of a Discovery Fund that will boost life-sciences research funding in Washington by $350 million.
- Changes in the state ethics laws to make it easier for technology transfer to convert research ideas into successful commercial products.
- Legislation to help grow the emerging alternative energy industry in Washington.
- A transportation funding package to build safety, freight, efficiency and capacity projects throughout the central Puget Sound region and state.
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USA-Philippines International Trade Conference in Seattle, June 8-10th
One aim of the Prosperity Partnership is to help the region take advantage of opportunities to strengthen our economy. One prospect is to become a major trading partner with the Philippines. The 2005 USA-Philippines International Trade Conference will bring together more than 50 top Philippine business and government representatives to Seattle from June 8 – 10 to discuss and meet with American business owners and representatives.
The conference, co-sponsored by the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of the Pacific Northwest and The Philippines (National) Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will focus on increasing trade between the regions.
Attend and hear…
- From potential buyers for your products and services to reach 85 million English-speaking customers in the Philippines
- About investment opportunities in a country with a growing economy
- Success stories from local companies and others
- Latest Philippine and US government efforts to promote international trade
- Tips on protecting intellectual property rights and outsourcing processes
For further information or to register, go to: www.filchamnw.org or call Bert Golla at (206) 363-6009 or (206) 363-3009.
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