WASHINGTON STATE 2023
BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Washington State is home to one of the largest and most diverse aviation and aerospace industries in the U.S., placing it at the top of the list as one of the most competitive states for global aerospace manufacturing. More than 150,000 jobs can be directly and indirectly attributed to the aerospace industry, exceeding jobs in other large aerospace states, including California and Texas; both with significantly larger populations than Washington.
The state has the highest density of aerospace workers in the United States, coming in at more than 70,000 direct employees. An additional 80,000 employees are considered indirect. Also, there are over 1,500 suppliers and vendors in Washington state, supporting more than $5B in purchases each year.
Additional factors driving aerospace jobs in Washington are the presence of other aviation and aerospace-related industries such as space, electric, hydrogen and hybrid powered aircraft, uncrewed and autonomous systems, and next-generation air mobility. Significant efforts are occurring in this statewide industry, including the establishment of working groups and committees focused on these subsectors, to determine how to effectively support the expansion of research and development, targeted industry legislation, and development of a 21st century workforce.
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Key Sectors
Aviation, Aerospace & Commercial Space
With more than 1,500 aerospace-related suppliers and vendors, Washington’s supply chain is the largest in the United States. The state’s aerospace industry specializes in aerostructures, composites, advanced materials, avionics, ICT technologies, R&D, next-generation air mobility, space, and sustainable energy sources such as hydrogen.
Agriculture & Food Manufacturing
The state’s 39,500 farms and 104,000 workers produce and ship 300 different crops. Washington is the top U.S. producer of apples, blueberries, hops and many other crops and the second largest producer of wine, potatoes, and more.
Creative Economy
The monetization of ideas is one of the primary pathways to sustainable economic growth, equity and inclusion. Washington’s Creative Economy supports a workforce of nearly 200,000 creatives. The state works with a wide range of stakeholders to provide the resources, policy, connections and opportunities the creative sector needs to turn ideas into new products and services.
Clean Technology
Washington is a major player in developing new, renewable, sustainable energy sources while protecting the environment. The state is advancing new technologies to decarbonize the “built” environment, including human-made structures, energy and transportation systems, offices, apartment buildings and homes.
Forest Products
For nearly 200 years, Washington’s forest products sector has been a mainstay of the state’s economy. With 1,700+ companies, the sector generates a range of product lines, from raw timber and laminates to next-generation biofuels and cross-laminated construction materials.
Information & Communication Technology
Washington is a global technology center of more than 18,000 firms with Washington roots. A new generation of innovative startups and high-growth firms can leverage the talent of 360,000 top-tier tech workers. New 5G, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, gaming, cloud computing and block chain opportunities are fueling exponential growth.
Life Science & Global Health
Some of the most significant advances in medicine and global health have come from Washington State, including revolutionary new treatments for cancer and kidney and heart disease. More than 1,100 organizations across the state are involved in researching, developing, and producing a new generation of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, health technologies, and much more to improve health outcomes worldwide.
Maritime
With thousands of miles of shoreline, Washington State has a robust maritime industry, including operating the fourth-largest container gateway in North America and handling approximately $75 billion in waterborne trade. Looking to the future, the state is focused on the electrification of marine vessels, autonomous
technologies and sustainable harvests of the ocean’s bounty.
Tourism
Thanks to the state’s diverse geography and unique cultural experiences, Washington is a popular destination for more than a million visitors annually. Tourism, the state’s fourth largest industry, brings in more than $21 billion annually to Washington and employs 180,000+ workers statewide.
Developing a future-forward economy
Inspired by home-grown global giants, companies across the state are staking claims in a future focused on clean energy sources, commercial space, autonomous transportation systems, biopharma, medical devices, artificial intelligence, robotics and more. The state is consistently ranked as one of the top places to start a business and for entrepreneurs to bring their ideas successfully to market.
A
dynamic, diverse workforce
Few places in the United States have a more educated, skilled workforce and ready to help businesses succeed than Washington State. The state attracts talent from all over the world. The state workforce is supported by worldclass research universities, a network of community colleges and technical schools and one of only 10 national laboratories in the U.S., the prestigious Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL).
A fantastic place to call home
Washington State prides itself on its breathtaking natural landscape that is as inspirational as it is beautiful. The state boasts an unparalleled quality of life, vibrant communities, diverse cultures and a lifelong love of learning and recreation.
A Few Fortune 500 Companies Headquartered in Washington
Amazon
Costco
Microsoft
Starbucks
Expedia
T-Mobile
Alaska Air
CHOOSE
WHY
WASHINGTON
A powerhouse of clean tech
The state plans to be carbon-neutral by 2045, drawing 100% of its energy from clean sources. Researchers, utilities, and private enterprises are exploring new ideas in wind, solar, hydrogen, and tidal power production, as well as new battery storage systems, smart-grid management, and industrial symbiosis, turning one company’s waste into another company’s new products.
Global Connectivity
Washington’s transportation network includes 75 ports, 139 airports and 3,300 miles of roadways. It is equidistant to European and Asian markets, served by direct flights to international business centers.
WASHINGTON?
Washington and the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association were recently selected as a Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub by the U.S. Department of Energy to leverage the abundant clean power and innovative technology companies in the Pacific Northwest to accelerate the transition to clean hydrogen production and use.
Fast Facts
• Even though Washington is the 18th largest state in the U.S., we are one of the top 10 economies.
• We are a coastal state with ports that are a day or more closer to major Asian ports.
• Seattle was the fastest-growing big city in the U.S. in 2022
• Being an educated state, our folks have nearly 10% more science and engineering degrees than the national average
• 75% of the state’s energy production is renewable; nearly 70% is hydroelectric.
Washington State
Washington State is equidistant between key Asian and European markets.
Washington
State is...
Innovative
Washington is a state of firsts. Eddie Bauer created the first down parka; K2 invented the first fiberglass snow skis. The bass guitar, cellular networks, pickleball and the jumbo jet were developed in Washington, too. So were the world’s first espresso cart, tree farm and yum! –Cinnabons.
Clustered
We change the world a little every day, driven by a passion for building a brighter future. Collaboration and cross-pollination of ideas are the norms, leading to quantum leaps in innovation and discovery. Perhaps that’s why we are consistently ranked as one of the top places to start a business and for entrepreneurs to bring their ideas successfully to market.
Trendsetting
Washington rocked your world with the music of Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, Heart and Macklemore, broke new ground in computing with some Windows and Words, and turned red hot sand into stunning works of art (thanks, Dale Chihuly!). And we turned hot wax into stacks of hits, and when vinyl records became passe, we created compact discs.
Connected
Washington’s transportation network includes 75 ports, 139 airports and 3,300 miles of roadways. It is equidistant to European and Asian markets, served by direct flights to international business centers. The Internet and Washington are one: 93.7% of all residents have access to the Internet via 100Mbps+ broadband.
Smart
36.7% of residents have a bachelor’s degree or higher, and the state’s two public universities, private and public colleges, 34 community colleges and workforce training programs ensure a steady stream of highly educated, highly skilled workers. Washington residents are naturally curious and well-read, as evidenced by our bevy of bookstores and public libraries.
Energetic
More than three-quarters of the state’s power comes from renewable, clean energy sources, including hydroelectric, solar and wind. Washington’s network of hydroelectric power plants is the nation’s largest, allowing the state to be one of the lowest-cost energy providers in the United States.
Diverse
Washington celebrates diversity on so many levels. Our varied climate features vastly different ecosystems, from the temperate rain forest on the coast of the Pacific Ocean to the plains-like lands of Eastern Washington, which enjoy more sunny days than some parts of Florida. Our people are equally diverse. Every creed, color, religion and ethnicity can be found within our borders, creating a rich landscape of multicultural influences that is an excellent source of state pride.
Resilient
We don’t accept defeat easily. From the historic fires that leveled bustling city centers to the ups and downs of an economy that once relied too heavily on a single industry, Washington’s residents continue to dust themselves off in times of adversity and recommit themselves to success. It is part of our independent spirit that helped us tame this once-wild land, striking a delicate balance between preservation and progress.
Savvy
Yes, Washington is tucked up in the northwest corner of the United States. But don’t think for a moment that we’re out of touch. Residents are very well informed about the world. We tend to lead the way when it comes to embracing new ideas, and we have our own pulse and rhythm that drives our natural curiosity, passion for lifelong learning and competitive nature. We even have indoor plumbing.
Vibrant
Washington offers an unparalleled quality of life, one that is eclectic, energetic and diverse. There are plenty of cultural events to explore, world-class museums, restaurants and galleries, theaters, symphonies, the opera and ballet, and a calendar of events that is ever-changing and slightly overwhelming, particularly in the summer months.
Investment opportunities abound Washington’s intellectual capital, legendary entrepreneurial mindset, collaborative ecosystem and trade-savvy culture have drawn some of the world’s largest, most well-known companies to open offices in the state. They are joined by a host of multinational firms with U.S. headquarters or subsidiaries in Washington State.
Choose success.
Choose Washington. Washington State has a rich and distinguished history of creating, nurturing, and building some of the most wellknown businesses, innovative products and services, and highly respected brands in the world. Our legendary companies have ushered in the age of jet and space travel, spawned an international coffee culture with a language all its own, built digital empires out of slivers of silicon and strings of binary code, and, in the process, fundamentally changed the way we think, shop, travel, communicate, eat, drink and play.
MORE INFORMATION www.ChooseWashingtonState.com moreinfo@choosewashingtonstate.com 1+ (206) 256-6100
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