Fostering economic growth and development is as intricate as the Pacific coastline and as fluid as the Salish Sea. Locally, the Thurston Economic Development Council (EDC) and partner economic development organizations are always seeking to build and bring new tools to help execute a simple vision: a vibrant economy that supports a sustainable community. Together, the region is forging strategies that can be utilized to support the entire district.
Over the past several years, the Pacific Salish Economic Development District (PSEDD) was formed with Annette Roth newly installed as its first Executive Director. Working alongside civic groups like the Thurston EDC, Roth hopes to build a more resilient and welcoming community across a four-county footprint.
The Pacific Salish Economic Development District is Building Strong, Sustainable Growth
Thurston EDC Executive Director Michael Cade explains that economic development strategies require careful consideration, critical thinking and detailed data analysis. “The emerging Pacific Salish Economic Development District represents a critical toolbox for our region,” he says, “and is a direct connection to opportunities to support a regional economic development strategy.”
The PSEDD will encompass Thurston, Mason, Grays Harbor and Pacific counties. Cade believes that this new district “will build a strong conduit and connection between strategy development to grow and support jobs and employers, and the agencies that fund projects that represent the missing and crucial link and component of any economic development strategy.”
Roth is no stranger to the Thurston EDC, having been on their team from 2010 until 2017. She’s excited to jump into this new leadership position of “helping the counties think more regionally, to collectively work together to solve issues and to bring investment into the entire region.”
Coordinated Investment Makes a Resilient Community That Attracts Businesses and Jobs
Roth says that the issues we face in Thurston County, like housing affordability and infrastructure upgrades, are not unique. She hopes the PSEDD will be a key driver of change. “When we pool together with our regional partners, including the tribal communities, we can sustainably grow the regional economy,” she says. This will take coordinated investment but promises to attract new businesses and jobs.
With a background self-described as “fairly wide,” Roth is up for the challenge. She has previous experience in marketing, communications, web and UX design, technology and economic development. She’s been employed in many different environments: corporate, small business, government, nonprofit and even a community college adjunct instructor at Lacey’s SPSCC campus.
But Cade and the EDC team know she’s up for the job. “Annette has the skill set and experience of bringing together regions to focus on singular success,” he says. “She has a strong acumen of establishing a work program that builds success not just in the near term but also is reflective of long-range visionary goals. I am excited to be working with someone that has a strong ability to communicate complex issues and ensure that work efforts are understood and are implementable.”
Crafting a Vibrant Economy for Employers and Employees Alike
As she gets started, Roth is diving into things, blending the extensive work done by four partner counties into an activated and engaged district. She’ll begin with organizational processes like establishing a managerial board, getting the district certified, building and launching a website, establishing federal nonprofit status and other behind-the-scenes duties.
“While I’m doing that,” says Roth, “I’m also traveling around the region to meet with folks to get a solid understanding of the various economic conditions and challenges in each county, to determine what type of support the individual EDCs and their partners will need from the PSEDD.”
This helps when applying for grant funding or developing projects and plans. For example, crafting a coordinated region-wide emergency management plan in case of natural disaster. “We are looking to support individual counties and cities with their projects,” Roth says, “as well as larger, region-wide projects designed to help solve the bigger problems we all face.”
Working Together is Job One at the Pacific Salish Economic Development District
Even with all the necessary start-up hoops and paperwork, Roth says that PSEDD’s long term vision is simple. They aim to make our regional economy sustainable, diverse and connected. One where entrepreneurs are supported and able to bring their ideas to market. “Ultimately,” says Roth, “this will allow communities of all sizes to thrive, and give residents opportunities to access interesting, meaningful employment.”
This is the first time Thurston County has been part of an economic development district, Roth explains. The other three counties were part of a different district which disbanded many years ago. “What this means is that all four counties will have the opportunity to access U.S. Economic Development Agency and other federal grants that they may not have been eligible for or likely to receive without the EDD designation,” she says. “Most of these funds are for infrastructure, sector development and regional economic development planning.”
When not working tirelessly on behalf of Western Washington families, Roth enjoys gardening, hiking, competitive sailing, reading, watching movies and going to concerts with her teenage son.
Until PSEDD’s website goes live in Spring 2025, reach out to Roth directly at aroth@thurstonedc.com with questions. Or sign up for the Thurston EDC’s newsletter for updates.
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