Community Collaboration Targeted to Create $1 Billion in Economic Impact
Greater Spokane Inc. (GSI) and community partners announced the launch of a new campaign at its Annual Celebration on Wednesday to increase economic vitality with a focus on economic development and talent attraction and retention. The five-year campaign called Believe Spokane is projected to create $1 Billion in total economic impact and create 5,000 jobs.
Strategies in the campaign were developed to:
- Solidify critical services to support small and underserved businesses
- Market our community with a focus on the life sciences, health care, advanced manufacturing, energy, and technology industries
- Increase leadership around local, state, and federal economic advocacy that drives business and regional competitiveness, sustainability, and prosperity
- Establish a fund to ensure the region can proactively react to unique growth opportunities
- Double down on the development of talent and sustainable career pathways
- Implement equity-minded tactics to focus on targeted populations to ensure none are left behind
Strategies are already underway including launching a new Spokane County Business Accelerator, targeting advanced manufacturing and life science businesses recruitment, amping up business advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels, establishing an internship network for post-secondary students with employers, and more.
“The campaign provides more opportunities to our community, laser-focused on growth, equity, and agility. It’s targeted to promote economic prosperity for everyone, and aligns with our region’s Community Economic Development Strategy – THRIVE Spokane,” said Alisha Benson, CEO, of Greater Spokane Inc. “The partnerships in place and businesses that are choosing to invest in this campaign are critical to its focus and success.”
Believe Spokane funders include Avista, Providence, Cowles Company, BECU, Garco, Numerica Credit Union, MultiCare Health System, Pearson Packaging Systems, Premera, DAA Northwest, DH, Gonzaga University, McKinstry, Rosauers Supermarkets, University of Washington, URM Stores, Wagstaff, Washington State University Spokane, Bouten Construction, Canopy Credit Union, Central Pre-Mix, CHAS Health, FreshVue, Gesa Credit Union, Inland Imaging, Kaiser Aluminum, Nuvodia, Parametrix, Baker Construction & Development, Broadway Truck Stops, Wendle Ford, and SNAP.
Learn more at BelieveSpokane.com.
About Greater Spokane Inc.
Greater Spokane Inc. (GSI) is the Spokane region’s business development organization. GSI creates the place where organizations come together to advocate for the region, drive strategic economic growth, and champion a talented workforce. GSI is funded through a combination of private and public investment, including over 800 private-sector members; Spokane County; Washington State Department of Commerce; and the cities of Spokane, Spokane Valley, Cheney, Deer Park, Liberty Lake, Airway Heights, Medical Lake, Millwood, Newport, and the Kalispel Tribe of Indians. For more information visit GreaterSpokane.org.
