Research and development, along with legislative support, will pave the way
Research and development
The Washington Roundtable, comprised of chief executives from major private sector employers throughout Washington State, has as one of its two "long-term" priorities for the state to "protect core funding and increase support for research at the state’s postsecondary institutions." Now that Southwest Washington has a full fledged four year university, it is important that we not allow the focus to fade from the research and development already taking place at Washington State University Vancouver. Our regional reputation for innovation and new patents can only be enhanced as we draw bright young undergraduates to a world class institution that leads the state, the region and the world especially in developing advancements in engineering and manufacturing.
The Washington Roundtable, comprised of chief executives from major private sector employers throughout Washington State, has as one of its two "long-term" priorities for the state to "protect core funding and increase support for research at the state’s postsecondary institutions." Now that Southwest Washington has a full fledged four year university, it is important that we not allow the focus to fade from the research and development already taking place at Washington State University Vancouver. Our regional reputation for innovation and new patents can only be enhanced as we draw bright young undergraduates to a world class institution that leads the state, the region and the world especially in developing advancements in engineering and manufacturing.
County Commissioner Steve Stuart talked during his fall campaign of the role the county can and should play in creating a research park adjacent to WSU Vancouver. Stuart related that the county has already been involved in coordinating potential partners through meetings with the university, the Clark County High-Tech Council, Columbia River Economic Development Council, county staff and private business. What’s the hold up? Share with the rest of the business community how the talks are proceeding so we can provide the additional support and advocacy to make this research park a reality.
Legislative support
2005 was a very successful legislative session for the business community of Clark County and Southwest Washington. The combined wish list of Identity Clark County, the CREDC and the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce seems modest in comparison, and rightfully so. Only four items made the list this year and, of those, their request for "meaningful legislation authorizing tax increment financing" for local governments is one we believe will most help. An improved and extended infrastructure made possible with this financing tool assures a collaborative and planned approach to our future growth.
2005 was a very successful legislative session for the business community of Clark County and Southwest Washington. The combined wish list of Identity Clark County, the CREDC and the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce seems modest in comparison, and rightfully so. Only four items made the list this year and, of those, their request for "meaningful legislation authorizing tax increment financing" for local governments is one we believe will most help. An improved and extended infrastructure made possible with this financing tool assures a collaborative and planned approach to our future growth.
Business growth
Rewards are somewhat intrinsic for successful business. Profits increase, locations multiply, jobs are created, and market share expands. These are all measures with which we are familiar but they are for the most part rewarding to those on the inside. Our readers tell us that they are interested in learning about successful businesses almost more than anything else. In a reader study we commissioned this past summer it was second only to learning about new businesses in the community. One of the ways we provide a window into successful businesses is through the annual Southwest Washington Business Growth Awards. This annual recognition rightfully singles out businesses that have surmounted the challenges and hurdles we all face and done it demonstratively better than most. Share with us your successes from 2005, whether it was innovation, rapid growth or the new business you started. Our readers want to know and you deserve the recognition. Log on to www.vbjusa.com or call 360-695-2442 for criteria and entry information.
Rewards are somewhat intrinsic for successful business. Profits increase, locations multiply, jobs are created, and market share expands. These are all measures with which we are familiar but they are for the most part rewarding to those on the inside. Our readers tell us that they are interested in learning about successful businesses almost more than anything else. In a reader study we commissioned this past summer it was second only to learning about new businesses in the community. One of the ways we provide a window into successful businesses is through the annual Southwest Washington Business Growth Awards. This annual recognition rightfully singles out businesses that have surmounted the challenges and hurdles we all face and done it demonstratively better than most. Share with us your successes from 2005, whether it was innovation, rapid growth or the new business you started. Our readers want to know and you deserve the recognition. Log on to www.vbjusa.com or call 360-695-2442 for criteria and entry information.
