Submitted by the Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council
The Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council (PacMtn); is excited to announce the completion and public release of their highly anticipated, regional Industry Cluster Study. The Cluster Study was completed for the five counties of, Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific and Thurston, all located within the Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Area.
The PacMtn WDC Board is comprised of both private and public leaders. The 35 member board is focused on three main platforms: forging a 21st century workforce environment, fostering economic growth through cutting edge and innovative training, and strategic planning for economic development actions and partnerships.
PacMtn management, the WDC Board and community partner leaders recognized a need to engage in a rigorous data-driven process of identifying target clusters and development strategies. The process developed strategies to attract, grow, and diversify industries within the region in order to strengthen the regional economy increase economic stability and create more jobs.
Understanding the value of the data from the study, all five county Economic Development Councils’ and the presidents of the 2-yr colleges in the region worked with the consultants, Economic Modeling Specialist Int. (EMSI), based out of Moscow, Idaho to complete the study. Jason Robertson of J. Robertson and Co. located in Olympia WA teamed with EMSI to ensure local input to the project was not missed.
Michael Cade, Executive Director – Thurston Economic Development Council states that the unique and resourceful data products associated with the project, the conclusions of the significant clusters of the region as economic drivers and the basic elements of putting this body of research and analysis to work, will greatly support and advance the regional partner efforts to sustain, grow and improve our regional economy. This study will easily set the course for economic and community development strategies the will enhance the region’s ability to retain and expand employment and investment opportunities.
PacMtn and regional leaders can now move forward strategically aligning economic development, workforce, and education resources to accelerate the growth and position of key industry clusters in the region.
The detailed Industry Cluster Study Final Report can be viewed on the PacMtn website at www.pacmtn.org
