CEO Guide to Site Selection

Washington

EVERGREEN GROWTH

Although tech and aviation remain bedrock sectors in the state, Washington is continually growing its green economy with investments in sustainability and new energy sources. In September 2024, the Washington State Department of Commerce
announced 46 grants and more than $37 million to support energy planning, design and construction projects throughout the state. The quantum computing industry is also growing here. IonQ, a leading quantum computer company, opened its first
quantum computer manufacturing facility in Bothell in early 2024 and plans to invest more than $1 billion in the region over the next decade.

“My transition team includes Washingtonians of both parties from every region of the state. I’m excited to work with anyone who shares my passion to improve government, protect Washingtonians’ rights and move our state forward. I’m focused on public safety, housing and making it more affordable to raise a family in Washington.”
Bob Furguson
Governor

TAXES

No corporate income tax

# 0

on the Tax Foundation’s State Tax Competitiveness Index

EDUCATION

0 %

of adults 25 years of age and older graduated high school

0 %

of adults age 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree or higher

UNEMPLOYMENT RATE

0 %

RIGHT TO WORK STATE

No

QUALITY OF LIFE

# 0

POPULATION GROWTH

0 %

increase between 2020 and 2023

KEY INCENTIVES

CERB: The Community Empowerment Revitalization Board provides low-cost financing for public facility improvements, such as access road maintenance and sewer and water line extensions, to foster private development.

Job Skills Program: Offers a competitive grant for an average of $1,200 per trainee to help employers partner with community and technical colleges on training solutions.

Sales and Use Tax Exemption on Equipment: Offers a sales and use tax exemption for machinery and equipment used directly in a manufacturing or R&D operation for savings that amounts to 6.5% plus the local rate.

Sales and Use Tax Deferral for Clean Tech Projects: Offers a deferral and possible reduction of up to 100% of sales and use taxes for eligible investments in clean technology projects and renewable energy storage, as well as production facilities for clean fuel and hydrogen.

EDCs

Washington State Department of Commerce

choosewashingtonstate.com/about-us

Seattle Office of Economic Development

seattle.ecdev.org

Thurston Economic Development Council

thurstonedc.com

Advantage Spokane

advantagespokane.com

Make it Tacoma

makeittacoma.com

HIGHLIGHTED PROGRAM OR INITIATIVE

The American Aerospace Materials Manufacturing Center (AAMMC) was named a regional tech hub in the fall of 2023. It is one of 31 hubs designated nationwide vying for up to $70 million from the U.S. Economic Development Administration. The AAMMC Tech Hub will create a world-class test bed for advancing high-rate manufacturing techniques for next-generation aerospace materials and parts. It will
be located in the Spokane-Coeur d’Alene region.

BIG DEALS

  • Atlas Agro, a manufacturer of low-carbon nitrogen fertilizers, announced intent in March 2024 to build a $1.1 billion carbon-free fertilizer production plant,
    the first of its kind, in Richland.
  • Rockwool signed an agreement in March 2024 to build a $175 million manufacturing facility and create 125 jobs in Walla Walla County.
  • SkyNRG announced plans in May 2024 to locate a major new biogas plant in Walla Walla County.
  • Sana Biotechnology completed construction of its Bothell facility in August 2024 and expects to spend more than $500 million increasing capability at the
    new building.

BIG COMPANIES

Seventeen Fortune 500 companies headquartered in state, including:

  • Amazon
  • Costco
  • Microsoft
  • Starbucks
  • Paccar
  • Coupang
  • Nordstrom
  • Expedia Group
Roundtable

Strategic Planning Workshop

1:00 - 5:00 pm

Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process

Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:

  1. Lack of systematic approach (70%)
  2. Laundry lists without prioritization (68%)
  3. Decisions based on personalities rather than facts and information (65%)

 

Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns.  They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning.  Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process.  This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented.  If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form.  The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.

To sign up, select this option in your registration form. Additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.

New York, NY: ​​​Chief Executive's Corporate Citizenship Awards 2017

Women in Leadership Seminar and Peer Discussion

2:00 - 5:00 pm

Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations. 

Limited space available.

To sign up, select this option in your registration form. Additional fee of $495 will be added to your total.

Golf Outing

10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS

General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.

The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.

To sign up, select this option in your registration form. Additional fee of $295 will be added to your total.