Group charged with developing Washington State economy

Governor announces 14-member commission to build strategy for state

Two Spokane business leaders were named to the commission Wednesday: Scott Morris, senior vice president of Avista Corp. and president of Avista Utilities, will be the group’s first chairman. WestCoast Hospitality President and CEO Don Barbieri also will serve on the commission.

Washington Gov. Gary Locke announced Wednesday the launch of the Washington Economic Development Commission.

Locke signed the executive order creating the commission at a news conference at the Spokane Intercollegiate Research and Technology Institute. http://www.sirti.org/

Amy Cannata
Staff writer
Spokesman-Review

He said the commission’s tasks are to create a statewide economic development strategy and draft a plan to implement and sustain that strategy.

"This commission will provide crucial private sector input to our state’s economic development policy," he said.

Locke appointed two Spokane business leaders as members of the new commission.

Scott Morris, senior vice president of Avista Corp. and president of Avista Utilities, will serve as the group’s first chairman. Morris first suggested the commission and was instrumental in its creation, said Locke.

Locke also named WestCoast Hospitality President and CEO Don Barbieri to the commission.

The other 12 members represent a variety of Washington industries and regions.

Barbieri said he hopes the new statewide commission will act as a conduit between local governments and economic development agencies across the state.

The first task will be to set a tone of cooperation across industries and regions, he said.

The commission is an outgrowth of the Washington Competitiveness Council.

That council’s work has already brought about change in Washington’s regulatory and taxing climate, said Locke, citing worker’s compensation tax reform and improvements in the speed with which businesses can get state permits.

And Washington is making strides in attracting businesses that could locate in other states, he said. For instance, Wal-Mart decided to locate a multistate distribution center in Washington, he said.

Locke added that improved business conditions means better employment opportunities.

"We want jobs for today’s workers and our kids and our grandkids," he said.

•Amy Cannata can be reached at (509) 459-5497 or by e-mail at [email protected].

http://www.spokesmanreview.com/news-story.asp?date=092602&ID=s1223440&cat=section.business