2021 ANNUAL REPORT
TOGETHER WE’RE GREATER
MISSION We lead transformative business and community initiatives to build a robust regional economy. VISION A vibrant Spokane region where businesses and communities thrive. VALUES Collaboration We are inclusive and welcome diverse perspectives that reflect the aspirations of our community.
COMMUNITY Together, we put the pieces in place to attract organizations, talent, and people with big dreams to create a vibrant community. GROWTH Together, we support business expansion to create job growth for a thriving economy. VOICE Together, we have a greater voice for the future of our region.
Innovation We are resourceful and creative and strive for intentional progress in all that we do.
TALENT Together, we build, champion and retain a talented workforce.
Respect We foster mutually respectful relationships between members, our partners and the community.
ENGAGEMENT Investment, Communications, Partnerships, Events, Programming
The Spokane Region’s Business Development Organization (509) 624-1393 | GreaterSpokane.org | Greater Spokane Inc is a non-profit 501C6 with a 501C3 Foundation
MEMBER PARTNERS. The power of connection. Connection has always been a powerful attribute of the greater Spokane region and our business community, and today, it’s more important than ever. Your business is at the heart of our economy and it’s the partnerships in place that move us forward. GSI played a big role again in 2021 in supporting our region with economic recovery and navigating complexities due to the pandemic. We launched new initiatives aimed to keep us moving forward and making progress toward our goals. Some include:
• Launched THRIVE Spokane, the building of a
comprehensive economic development strategy for our region, which helps create the community we all want to see over the next twenty years. • Implemented a targeted life science business recruitment and expansion campaign to build on our life sciences community and position our region to compete successfully. Business expansions mean more dollars circulating in our community and for your business. • Launched Team Spokane, a grassroots advocacy program, that gives you a direct line of communication with elected officials who want to hear from you. • Implemented strategies to increase our region’s education attainment rate to 52.9%, up from 49.1% since 2018. This is an important strategy to address workforce and talent needs.
• Renewed a three-year contract to operate the
Spokane STEM Network because a majority of the fastest-growing jobs require STEM skills.
At GSI, we lead an economic development vision, implement strategies, and work on creating a place that your business can thrive. It’s a shared vision, in partnership with others – one with many facets and expertise at the table. Our staff, Board of Trustees, community leaders, member partners, and committee members all worked together to push these forward. These same partners have been around the table for our strategic focus areas for 2022, which emphasizes economic development opportunities, workforce & talent solutions, and advocacy for our region and your business. We’re excited for the year ahead and what’s next. Here’s to renewed hope, perseverance, and possibility. TOGETHER WE’RE GREATER.
Alisha Benson CEO Greater Spokane Inc.
2021 GREATER GROWTH Together, we support business expansion to create job growth for a thriving economy.
2022
Partnered to deliver 21 Business Recruitment Proposals to businesses considering the Spokane region.
Project 100 Site Visit • Hosted Software Development company looking to bring 150 tech jobs to downtown Spokane • Partnered with more than 30 community members to host meetings and tours over two days • Heightened awareness of the tech sector in Spokane
Secured $350,000 in Strategic Reserve Funds awarded to CarbonQuest to retain 12 employees and create 200 new jobs in the next four years.
For more information on business development contact: Gary Ballew VP Economic Development (509) 321-3634 gballew@greaterspokane.org
StartUp Spokane • GSI partnered with the Spokane Public Library to reboot StartUp Spokane post pandemic • Kicked off JumpStart series by hosting five events
THRIVE Spokane • Awarded $200,000 from the Economic Development Administration for the update to the region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) • Built Steering Committee including over 30 community organizations • Conducted 13 Focus Groups with more than 150 participants
Hosted the virtual International Economic Development Council Economic Future Forum June 7-8.
2021
Advantage Spokane Newsletter reached: • 400 cities • 44 states • 27 countries
Extended collaboration efforts across northern Idaho and Montana in response to submitting a proposal for the EDA Build Back Better grant opportunity to formulate a Mountain Northwest Innovation Coalition for companies providing and consuming life and health science contract research, development, and advanced manufacturing services.
Collaborated with multiple Life Science entities to complete a proposal for WA Commerce Innovation Cluster Accelerator program to develop a Spokane-based state-wide biopharma contract services supply chain innovation cluster referred to as Evergreen Bioscience Innovation Cluster.
2022
WA Procurement Technical Assistance Center • 368 hours of counseling • 803 sessions with 201 unique clients • $209,172,348 awarded to 1,543 with 142 unique clients • 22 events with 259 attendees
AgShow • 100% virtual event via Map Your Show (MYS) platform with a portal on agshow.org • 900+ registrations • 66 exhibiting companies • 9,600 session engagements • 1,600 direct exhibit connections • 1,500 pesticide credits submitted
2022
2021 GREATER VOICE Together, we have a greater voice for the future of our region.
Positioned the Spokane region’s business community as a voice of thoughtful, results-driven, and credible leadership.
Partnered with the Greater Spokane Valley and the West Plains Chambers of Commerce to host a virtual Olympia Fly-In six session advocacy event series.
Advocated in two legislative sessions to support sustainable funding through a statewide campaign led by Washington Economic Development Association (WEDA) and GSI.
Hosted two virtual Washington D.C. legislative fly-ins in collaboration with the Greater Spokane Valley and the West Plains Chambers of Commerce.
PUBLIC POLICY COUNCIL
We invite you to get engaged and have your voice heard. For more information, or to participate contact: Jake Mayson Director, Public Policy (509) 321-3626 jmayson@greaterspokane.org
Activated mobilization tool for streamlining GSI advocacy communications and priorities for statewide campaigning. Enabling continued advocacy for: • Nursing licensure compact – 1,100 emails sent to legislators in support of the bill. • The Point 09 initiative for border counties in partnership with WEDA, Clark County and other interested parties. In 2021, approx. 150 individuals sent 11,000 notes to state leaders regarding this legislation.
TEAM SPOKANE When Team Spokane activates, you will receive all the materials you need to be an informed advocate. With the tools in the palm of your hand, you can contact elected leaders on the local, state, and federal level by email, through social media, or over the phone directly through this platform. Text GREATER to 52886 to join today!
2021 GREATER TALENT Together, we build, champion and retain a talented workforce. Your investment incorporates and supports all areas of our Education & Talent work including early learning, career connected learning, Spokane STEM Network, Career Connect Washington, Greater Minds, bonds and levies, and more. With your investment in 2021, we: Awarded 75 returning adult students with $53,513 through scholarships and microgrants.
Participated in a national report, The Comebackers Odyssey, published by The Graduate! Network.
Pivoted our wellknown Business AfterSchool and Teaching the Teachers programs to a virtual setting.
Piloted the Washington Workforce Portal in partnership with the Association of Washington Business Institute.
Continued serving as NEWESD 101’s Career Connect Washington Regional Network.
Passed all school districts’ local levies because #EducationGrowsEconomies.
Created and distributed hELLO Math materials to community partners. Convened 30 business and education leaders in a new monthly format as the Education & Talent Alliance.
60%
by 2025
52.9%
GET INVOLVED
For more information or details on how you can get involved and be part of our Education & Talent efforts, contact: Jodi Brant Cassidy Peterson Education Attainment Navigator Career Connected Learning Manager (509) 321-3623 (509) 321-3621 jbrant@greaterspokane.org cpeterson@greaterspokane.org
for 2021
Education Attainment
Goal For Spokane County
40% in 2015
2021 COMMUNITY Together, we put the pieces in place to attract organizations, talent, and people with big dreams to create a vibrant community. 775 MEMBER PARTNERS BY LOCATION
43 Regional
115 Northside
3 Seattle
28 Other
52 West Plains 321 Downtown 65 Southside
*Map is a visual representation, locations are not guaranteed.
132 Valley
16 Liberty Lake
2021 ENGAGEMENT Investment, Communications, Partnerships, Events, Programming In 2021 and beyond, it's all about our community and creating a vibrant region that is connected, inspired, and driven to succeed. We can't do this work alone. We work with local businesses, our community, non-profits, and the surrounding region to build a robust regional economy. It's these continued and new partnerships that help create the space where organizations come together. Some 2021 partnering communication pieces include: • Engaged partners and community members to create Connect Magazine to highlight stories around the region • Worked with a lobbyist in Olympia to advocate for pro-business initiatives (State Legislative Agenda) and a federal lobbyist in D.C. to connect with congressional leaders and advance critical community initiatives (Federal Legislative Agenda). • Partnered with Visit Spokane for a collaborative Annual Manual from The Inlander. • Supported GSI initiatives and the promotion of the Spokane region through digital platforms such as websites, social media, and newsletters. • Offered sponsorship opportunities for partners to engage in GSI signature events.
EVENTS 2022 VIRTUAL OLYMPIA FLY-IN JAN 18-19, 25-26 FEB 1-2 SPOKANE AGSHOW FEB 1-3 ANNUAL CELEBRATION MAR 7 STATE OF THE CITY APR DC FLY-IN JUN 7-9 THRIVE SPOKANE ROLLOUT JUN 22 GOLF TOURNAMENT JUL 6-7 STATE OF THE COUNTY SEP ECONOMIC FORECAST NOV 15 LEGISLATIVE FORUM DEC 7
2021 ECONOMIC FORECAST
For updated event and sponsorship information, visit: GreaterSpokane.org/Events
SAVE THE DATES!
BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2022
CHAIR
Marcelo Morales A4Ventures
CHAIR-ELECT Carla Cicero Numerica Credit Union
IMMEDIATE PAST-CHAIR Paul Read Journal of Business
GENERAL COUNSEL William Symmes Witherspoon Kelley
TREASURER Charlotte Nemec Canopy Credit Union
Matt Albright* Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce Jay Allert Allert Cattle Ranch Brooke Baker-Spink Baker Construction Col Cassius Bentley* Fairchild Air Force Base Bill Bouten Bouten Construction Jasen Bronec Inland Power
Nadine Burgess Spokane Gymnastics David Condon Premera Blue Cross W. Stacey Cowles Cowles Company Stephanie Curran Spokane Public Facilities District Dan Demchuk Moss Adams LLP Richard Denenny Lee & Hayes Daryll DeWald WSU Health Sciences Spokane Scott Dietzen CliftonLarsonAllen LLP Deloris Duquette Itron, Inc. Steve Duvoisin Inland Imaging, LLC Ezra Eckhardt STCU Kyle England Kaiser Aluminum Matthew Ewers IEDS Logistics Roger Flint Parametrix, Inc.
Al French Spokane County Joel Gilbertson Providence Health Care Chris Grover* City of Cheney Pam Haley* City of Spokane Valley Rustin Hall ALSC Architects, PS Steve Hauschild BECU Michelle Hege DH Gordon Hester Kiemle & Hagood Company Julie Honekamp SNAP/Woman's Business Center Christine Johnson Community Colleges of Spokane Jeff Johnson NAI Black Cris Kaminskas* City of Liberty Lake Otto Klein Spokane Indians Baseball-Longball, Inc. Eva Marquette FreshVue
David May Eastern Washington University Thayne McCulloh Gonzaga University Chris McFaul Horizon Hospice Patricia McRae KHQ TV Alex Jackson MultiCare Health System Shelly O'Quinn Innovia Foundation Kevin Person Wagstaff, Inc. Jeff Philipps Individual Nick Pierre Northern Quest Resort & Casino Melanie Rose* West Plains Chamber of Commerce Kara Rowe North by Northwest Keith Schmidt Eide Bailly Dale Silha McKinstry Company Ben Small Central Valley School District
Nicole Sohn Journey Discovery Center, Inc. Keva Sonderen Sonderen Packaging Co., Inc. Gary Stokes KSPS-TV Adam Swinyard Spokane Public Schools Don Ting Pyrotek Inc. Kevin Twohig* Forward Fairchild Linda Underwood U.S. Bank Steve Utt Washington Trust Bank Jim van Loben Sels Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park Christine Varela* Public Policy Council Francisco R. Velázquez Spokane Regional Health District Dennis Vermillion Avista Nadine Woodward* City of Spokane *Ex Officio As of 02/28/2022
BOARD RETREAT 2022
RIVERFRONT PARK
REGIONAL VISIONARIES Avista Cowles Company Itron MultiCare Health System Providence Health Care Spokane County STCU Washington Trust Bank
COMMUNITY LEADERS
BECU Idaho Central Credit Union Kalispel Tribal Economic Authority Numerica Credit Union U.S. Bank URM Stores, Inc.
CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE
Banner Bank Bouten Construction Central Pre-Mix Concrete Co a CRH Company Chase Bank Garco Construction Gesa Credit Union Gonzaga University Inland Northwest Behavioral Health Inland Power Kaiser Aluminum Lukins & Annis PS Lydig Construction NAI Black Northwest Farm Credit Services Pearson Packaging Systems Premera Blue Cross Rosauers Supermarkets WSU Health Sciences Spokane Wells Fargo Bank Whitworth University
CIVIC PARTNERS
Spokane County City of Spokane Washington State Department of Commerce City of Liberty Lake City of Spokane Valley City of Cheney City of Deer Park City of Medical Lake City of Millwood City of Newport
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES Lisa Poplawski Lewis VP Resource Development (509) 321-3619 lplewis@greaterspokane.org
VOICE • Advocate for investment in economic development, infrastructure, transportation, small business, and entrepreneurial support. • Advocate for investments in childcare, K-12, and higher education. • Collaborate with state partners on statewide recovery and growth efforts. • Advocate for business climate and employer competitiveness needs. TOGETHER WE’RE GREATER.
TALENT • Work on public/private partnerships to address childcare access solutions. • Provide support and education for programs/ initiatives focused on attracting and retaining talent, upskilling employees, and increasing regional education attainment. • Reinvigorate efforts around career connected learning, internships, and training pathways including STEM and trade industries. • Activate Education & Talent Alliance subcommittees focused on Childcare and Early Learning; K-12/Dual Credit and Career Connected Learning; and Education Attainment and Completion. The Spokane Region’s Business Development Organization (509) 624-1393 | GreaterSpokane.org 801 W Riverside, Suite 200 | Spokane, WA 99201
STRATEGIC FOCUS AREAS 2022
GROWTH • Complete CEDS/THRIVE Spokane and take action that will strengthen our economy. • Revisit regional sustainable economic development funding mechanism. • Continue the acceleration of outbound marketing and sales missions around target sectors. • Leverage business support organizations to grow existing businesses. • Engage in efforts around equity and diversity, transportation, housing, downtown vitality, and homelessness.