Inland Northwest Boat Builders Successfully Export Around the World

A group of nine boat manufacturers located in the Inland Northwest’s Lewis-Clark Valley have made big business out of exporting boats around the world. Known as the Snake River Boat Builders, the manufacturers have successfully joined together to market their welded-aluminum boats to Europe. The Snake River Boat Builders Export Program aims to develop viable foreign markets for the welded-aluminum boats. The joint effort has been very successful, generating more than $20 million (and growing) in annual revenue.

The group, along with Valley Vision, the area’s economic development association, and the U.S. Department of Commercial Service, has completed trade missions to Germany, Spain, Norway and Sweden and participated in three international trade shows in Germany and Spain. The group has held in-bound trade missions with Germany, Spain, Turkey, Russia, The Netherlands, Sweden and Norway.

The trade missions have resulted in interest and sales of welded-aluminum boats for fishing, hauling freight, water skiing and law enforcement. Primary markets to date have included Europe and Canada, with additional sales in Africa and South America.

The program is a great example of successful collaboration between members of a dynamic manufacturing cluster and the economic development community of the Lewiston/Clarkston region. Learn more about the Snake River Boat Builders at www.snakeriverboats.com.

GSI Spokane on the Hunt For Next CEO

Greater Spokane Incorporated has hired Waverly Partners to conduct an executive search for its next CEO.

The Cleveland-based firm will work with search committee members to identify the person who will replace Rich Hadley, who is leaving after 20 years as CEO. Hadley has said he’ll depart in May.

GSI is the Spokane area’s largest economic development agency, uniting the former Spokane Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Spokane Area Economic Development Council.

Board members Linda Elkin of U.S. Bank and Scott Morris of Avista will chair a 17-member search committee.

Hadley said the amount spent on the search will depend on how many candidates are reviewed and how many are brought in for visits. “Our committee has developed a profile with the experience and leadership characteristics of our preferred candidate,” Elkin said in a news release. “We are open to executives with backgrounds in economic development, chambers of commerce, business associations, other kinds of nonprofits, private sector or related experience with a commitment to our mission of business advocacy in this region,” she said.

Pulled from Spokesman Review Release: GSI Hunt for CEO

SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers to double production at Moses Lake Facility #INWRegion

SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers to double production at Moses Lake Facility

Posted on Nov 19, 2013

The Washington State Department of Commerce issued a press release today announcing that SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers, a joint venture with German luxury automaker BMW, has been designated a project of statewide significance.

SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers is investing $100 million to add two new production lines at its Moses Lake plant Commerce Director Brian Bonlender announced today. The company will double production capacity of its current operation, opened in 2012, in order to supply all of the raw carbon fiber used in BMW’s new electric vehicles.

The project of statewide significance designation is prescribed in state law to provide for coordinated efforts such as streamlined permitting in support of industrial development with broad and lasting economic benefits. Partners in the project include Grant County Economic Development, the City of Moses Lake, and the Port of Moses Lake.

“When we began working with SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers in 2009 they had plans for multiple production lines,” said Jonathan Smith, Executive Director of the Grant County EDC. “It is terrific to see them continuing to grow and be successful in our community.”

"I'm happy to congratulate SGL on their plant expansion," said Bill Ecret, Mayor of the City of Moses Lake. "SGL continues to play a major role in the City of Moses Lake, Grant County and Washington State's economy. The City of Moses Lake will continue working with its partners to support SGL's long term growth in our region," .

“This designation by the State will accelerate SGL’s expansion to meet market demand for a great new BMW automobile, one built with the least-cost and greenest industrial power in the U.S., right here in Moses Lake,” said Patrick Jones, Executive Director of the Port of Moses Lake. The SGL plant is located in the ASPI Technology Park near the Port’s airport industrial area.

“This expansion represents another exciting milestone for SGL and our state. Washington is a perfect match for companies dedicated to sustainable, innovative and high-quality industrial production, and I couldn’t be more pleased to participate in the development of this sector that is so important to the economic future of our entire state,” said Governor Jay Inslee.

SGL has been in discussions with Governor Inslee, Bonlender and local economic development leaders working to expand this ongoing partnership.  Inslee traveled to New York for the public rollout of the BMW i3 earlier this year to discuss the Moses Lake expansion and speak alongside the president of BMW.

“The SGL project aligns perfectly with Washington’s economic development comprehensive plan -- it is an ideal example of the cutting edge industries that we must compete for in order to secure our state’s long-term prosperity in the global innovation economy,” said Commerce Director Brian Bonlender.

Washington State’s reputation as one of the world’s premier locations for carbon fiber production and other advanced manufacturing activities is becoming more powerful every day, added Bonlender, who is returning this week from a trade mission to Japan and China with Governor Inslee and some 100 business, education and government leaders from our state.

A combination of abundant, inexpensive hydroelectric power, commitment to sustainable industrial development, and the world’s largest and most highly-skilled workforce built over 100 years of aerospace leadership, place Washington state in a unique position to capture future advanced manufacturing operations and jobs. Boeing 777x wing assembly and aircraft production in Snohomish County was the first ever proposal to receive the statewide significance designation from Commerce.

Lincoln County Organizations Awarded a Tech Planning Team Grant

LINCOLN COUNTY, Wash. – Lincoln County Commissioners and the Lincoln County Economic Development Council have been awarded one of five Local Technology Planning Team (LTPT) grants from the Washington State Broadband Office. LTPT grants fund broadband planning. Lincoln County will use its grant to address economic development opportunities and educational challenges through increased broadband access and use. The one-year planning process, which began in July, follows on the heels of a $5 million ARRA investment in broadband fiber in Lincoln County. To learn more, visit www.commerce.wa.gov

The Cattle Producers of Washington Livestock Processing Cooperative Association

ODESSA, Wash. – The Cattle Producers of Washington Livestock Processing Cooperative Association held a grand opening for their new USDA-inspected livestock processing facility on Aug. 29, 2013. The facility is located in the Odessa Industrial Park and will serve ranchers within a 200-mile radius. The project is a partnership between the Odessa Public Development Authority and the cooperative and was funded with a Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) loan; a grant from USDA; and private investment from the cooperative’s producer members. For more information, visit http://livestockprocessors.com.

Outotec Energy Products Adding Fabrication Facility in Coeur d'Alene #cdaid

Outotec Energy Products recently announced a major expansion, adding a new fabrication facility in Coeur d’Alene. The new manufacturing facility will support Outotec in delivering renewable energy systems worldwide. For more information visit http://labor.idaho.gov or www.outotec.com.

Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Coeur d’Alene is expanding

COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho – 

The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Coeur d’Alene is expanding. The $1.15 million expansion will add 2,700 sq. ft. of new fitness space to the west end of the building. Construction is expected to be complete in January 2014. 

Visit www.kroccda.org to learn more.