2) A recovering housing market has realtors in Southwest Washington feeling good about the direction we’re headed. Check out our real estate & development story on page 5 for more.
3) Same-sex marriage will soon be legal in the state of Washington, and that’s a good thing for equal rights, and for business. An inclusive environment is necessary to attract talent in today’s competitive marketplace.
4) Activity at the Port of Vancouver has been strong and steady in 2012. From the arrival of Farwest Steel to the expansion of United Grain, the port’s moves have created jobs and strengthened our export economy.
5) Opened in 2012, Cinetopia at the Vancouver Mall may very well be the nation’s most advanced theater in terms of its state-of-the-art design and technology. Don’t believe me? Ask the studio executives that come to our neck of the woods to see what their pictures truly look and sound like.
6) Leadership Clark County brought together Pearson Air Museum, Clark County Skills Center and a number of local businesses this year to offer local students an introductory course into the world of aviation-related careers. An estimated 21,000 new aerospace workers will be needed in Washington state over the next decade. Why can’t they come from Southwest Washington?
7) Buying local continues to grow as a narrative in the minds of consumers. And as folks in the community better understand how to keep their dollars local, our small businesses are supported.
8) Manufacturing continued to perform well in 2012, with companies such as Columbia Machine, U.S. Digital, ControlTek, Christensen Shipyards and nLight leading the way.
9) Downtown Vancouver continued its revitalization this year. A growing number of businesses are moving to the heart of the city, giving residents on the other side of the bridge new reasons to visit the area.
10) Development on Highway 503 between Battle Ground and Vancouver is off and running. Businesses are ready to take advantage of this growing part of the county.
11) The Kiggins Theatre is one of those truly American sights that fits oh-so-well with the city’s classic car parades. The theater’s grand reopening earlier this year was embraced by the entire community for good reason.
12) Officers Row continues to be one of Clark County’s hidden gems. Like the Kiggins, it pushes Vancouver’s “cool factor” up a few notches. Companies looking for a creative workspace need look no further.
13) The Port of Camas Washougal is ending 2012 on a high note. The port’s recent purchase of a large parcel of waterfront property along the Columbia River will promote public access in the area while encouraging commercial development.
14) PeaceHealth made 2012 a very special year for Southwest Washington when it chose to move its operations here, bringing sorely needed jobs to the region.
15) The Vancouver Community Library continued to pay dividends in 2012. And while it wasn’t built this year, it remains as one of the city’s most impressive community assets – something that businesses look for when considering where to call home.
16) It was a banner year for brew in the ‘Couve, as a handful of breweries in Clark County opened their doors in 2012. I think we can all toast to that.
17) Speaking of beverages, Clark County’s wine industry continues to grow. Wineries in the region have reported strong showings this year, and it’s easy to see why the Port of Ridgefield wants to get involved.
18) From 139th Street in Vancouver to Highway 14 in Camas/Washougal, a number of road improvement projects have wrapped up. And while enduring these projects may cause headaches along the way, businesses will be celebrating the end results for years to come.
19) Washington State University Vancouver and Clark College spent much of 2012 increasing their ties to the business community. Successful programs, such as WSUV’s Business Growth Mentor and Analysis Program, are helping students make a seamless jump into the local workforce.
20) Each member of the Accomplished & Under 40 Class of 2012 has their own inspirational story. Despite working in different trades, each one lifts up their community, striving to improve the place we all call home.
21) Streamlining the permitting system for development is no easy task, yet local jurisdictions worked hard in 2012 to make it happen. Though there is still work to be done, programs such as the development “fee holiday” have resulted in local projects getting off the ground. Now we just need state and federal agencies to follow suit.
22) Evergreen School District’s new Henrietta Lacks Health and Bioscience High School (HeLa High) is nearing completion near PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center. The school promises to give students hands-on experience for careers in bioscience and health care.
23) Innovators in Clark County emerged from a variety of industries in 2012. From the social networking gurus at KnowledgeVault to the baby product prodigies at Puj, these small businesses are creating jobs and heading confidently into the New Year.
24) There’s nothing quite like Esther Short Park during the holidays. However, the annual tree lighting is just one of many park activities where local businesses are getting involved. The Vancouver Farmers Market, the Recycled Arts Festival, the Wine & Jazz Festival, even Vancouver Brewfest. The list goes on and on.
25) Last but not least, the philanthropic community that we live in deserves a special nod. The giving spirit is certainly on display this time of the year, but it runs strong throughout much of the business community all year round. Nonprofits throughout Southwest Washington know they can rely on generous donations and
support from our local businesses who understand the importance of giving back.
With that, let us all give thanks for the successes of this year. Here’s hoping for even more to celebrate in 2013.
