Come Home Washington

As the region’s inland cities, like Spokane, Boise, Bend, and Walla Walla, grow and mature, I hope they realize there are wise limits. What they offer is an alternative to the idea that more is always better. Create a city that’s just right and stick with it. That way, Seattleites will always have a place to visit, and remember.

In the past year, Amazon added 4,000 jobs worldwide.

“People around here hear me tell them to get ready, because it’s coming,” says John Sporleder, director of human resources at Liberty Lake-based Telect Inc., of the baby boomer exodus. “We’re not having a problem right now, but we want to make sure we’re developing a good farm club.”

Working-class families can own a home here; the surrounding mountains, lakes and forests make Spokane a great place to live; and for anyone coming from the big city, commuting is a breeze.

If the right person is unwilling to relocate to the Puget Sound area, Fate’s lead investor says, the stem-cell research company could end up moving.

"I think, honestly, this town would have sold best if it were just bulldozed."

“This is another example of Washington leading the way on clean energy and scientific research,” said Gov. Chris Gregoire. “Dr. Ahring’s scientific expertise will help our state develop bioproduct technologies that will drive innovation globally and job growth locally.”

The Director is a facilitator among diverse groups of private and public organizations, creating and maintaining excellent working relationships among the groups to create the best environment for growth.

More young companies are moving in downtown, near the art galleries and bookstores around Pioneer Square. Still others are spreading into the surrounding suburbs.

The move from Simi Valley, Calif. to Colfax, Wash. was not only easier than anticipated, it came with some unexpected economic benefits.