Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County - EDASC

08/27/2026

Skagit County's beautiful agricultural lands are front and center in the Skagit Valley's landscape, but did you know manufacturing employment outpaces ag, construction and healthcare industries in Skagit County?

From sizeable employers such as Janicki Industries and Hexcel Corp to niche companies such as Goodwinds Composites and Rothenbuhler Engineering, manufacturing offers plentiful family-wage jobs to a skilled workforce.

https://www.skagit.org/news/p/item/68507/skagit-county-trends-shares-top-5-sectors-by-employment

08/21/2026

Is your business experiencing financial or operational impacts due to the eastbound closure of the SR 536 bridge? Please weigh in on the Skagit Valley Chamber of Commerce's survey.

The SR 536 Skagit River Bridge in Mount Vernon is undergoing a full restoration, a vital project that will protect and preserve this iconic landmark, ensuring safe, reliable connection across the Skagit River for decades to come.

However, the closure of all eastbound traffic, the detours, and the difficulty in communicating to local people and travelers, have already caused immediate and significant financial damage to many businesses.

If the Mount Vernon bridge restoration project is affecting your customers, employees, deliveries, or bottom line, we want to hear from you!

The Skagit Valley Chamber is gathering feedback from local businesses to get a better picture of what you’re experiencing and help advocate for solutions and support.

𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬. 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐛𝐲 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟐𝟒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔.

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/KdSNYyEuzw

08/21/2026

More Music in the Park Saturday!

Join us for the Music in the Park @ SWIFT Summer Concert Series!! Enjoy great music in Skagit County's most unforgettable setting, in the grass at SWIFT Center, the former Northern State Hospital campus. Bring your lawn chair, bring your family, enjoy the food trucks and beer garden, and take in the music and surroundings for three fantastic FREE concert events! Visit www.portofskagit.com/music for more details!

08/20/2026

The folks in L&I's Small Business Office are so helpful! Don't hesitate to contact them if you're looking for answers.

Own a small business in Washington?
Want to understand employer requirements, how to hire employees, and more?

L&I’s Small Business Office can help!
https://Lni.wa.gov/SmallBusiness
Call: (800) 987-0145 or email: [email protected].

08/12/2026

Join our Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness for the next webinar in the International Trade Talk series from 10 to 11: 30 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 26.

This event will discuss the latest developments in U.S. trade policy, tariffs, and the challenges shaping international trade.

Whether you're an exporter, importer, manufacturer, distributor, or trade professional, this webinar will help you better understand today's trade landscape and what these developments may mean for your business.

Webinar topics will include:
• Overview of current U.S. trade policy priorities and strategy
• Recent tariff, non-tariff, and trade agreement developments
• Updates on key litigation
• Potential tariff refund opportunities
• Practical implications for Washington businesses

Register for the Aug. 26 event: https://wastatecommerce.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_a0OdnvcfQhe4zzQ6XZdcDw #/registration

08/11/2026

Congratulations to our own John B. Sternlicht who received the WEDA Leadership Award last week at the Washington Economic Development Association's summer conference.

John and EDASC Deputy Director Ken Huste attended the conference in Tri-Cities on behalf of EDASC.

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08/06/2026

From floods to fire season, United Way of Skagit County is working to develop community-lead sustainable disaster relief. Want to get involved? Join the kick-off meeting for the Skagit Long Term Recovery Group on Aug. 13.

This will be an opportunity for the general public to learn more about our community led effort to develop a sustainable disaster recovery and response program. Get to know who all is involved and the roles we play to make this a cohesive unit and to share both successes and challenges that we've experienced after the December floods.
Want to learn more? Want to know how YOU can become part of the effort. Come join us!

08/04/2026

Did you know? You don't have to be an EDASC Investor to get help from our staff. We are here to help all businesses, nonprofits and entrepreneurs be successful!

Learn more at www.skagit.org

08/04/2026

Remember to keep outdoor workers safe during this time of poor air quality.

El humo de los catastróficos incendios forestales que afectan a Spokane está creando condiciones peligrosas para los trabajadores al aire libre al este de las montañas y podría afectar pronto también al oeste de Washington.

Recuerde que, cuando el índice de calidad del aire (AQI) supera el 101, los empleadores deben proporcionar mascarillas a los trabajadores para su uso voluntario. Una mascarilla N95 es la mejor forma de proteger a sus trabajadores.

07/28/2026

Looking forward to this coffee chat! Rep. Paul is a champion for workforce development.

Join us Thursday, August 6 for a conversation with Rep. Dave Paul, Chair of the House Postsecondary Education & Workforce Committee and Director of Community Relations at Skagit Valley College.

We'll explore how state-level decisions shape local economic opportunity, the unique challenges facing rural communities, and what it takes to build a stronger workforce for the future.

☕ EDC Coffee Chat
📅 Thursday, August 6
🕘 9:00–10:00 AM
💻 Virtual | Free to attend

As always, there will be plenty of time for questions and discussion.

Register: https://economicdevelopmentcouncilforislandcounty.growthzoneapp.com/ap/Events/Register/EqFRYlkigC6C9