Create Something Greater It takes a community to build a business GSI is dedicated and passionate about making Spokane great. GSI gives me the confidence to build my business here because they believe every organization, even a small one like mine, adds big value to our community. Eva Marquette, Freshvue When a community grows, business thrives There s no group that advocates for the overall business climate and concerns themselves with recruitment issues like GSI. They work to make our entire community a more desirable place, they work to make Spokane grow. Mark Aden, DCI Engineers Giving small business a big voice GSI has had a huge impact on our growth, focusing on big picture goals for the community and giving our small business a big voice at the table. Adrian Folsom, Ptera 2016 ANNUAL REPORT Creating Something Greater
Thank you Members! Thank you for your partnership with us throughout this year. Our work to create something greater in this region couldn t happen without YOU. I m honored to lead the organization this year and work with all of you to drive important community initiatives, to advocate with you for a thriving business environment, and to provide the resources you need to be successful as an employer in our community. With your help, GSI convenes, coordinates, facilitates and leads economic development efforts that support the health and success of your business and our economy, that ultimately results in the creation of a highly skilled workforce, job growth, an increase in residents average household income, the creation of new business startups, business expansion and increased access to customers, the attraction of job-creating entities, and improved fiscal health of our communities. In the year ahead, we will focus our efforts on the Greater Spokane 7: Achieve, Advocate, Build, Startup, Expand, Retain, and Recruit. These key areas give us the focus we need to streamline strategies and efforts that help us create something greater for businesses and our community. Thank you for your support and your continued investment! Todd Mielke CEO, Greater Spokane Incorporated 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 a diversity of perspectives that reflect the aspirations of our community. Innovation: We are resourceful and creative, and strive for intentional progress in all that we do. Respect: We foster mutually respectful relationships between members, our partners, and the community. Top Level Investors We would like to recognize our member investors whose significant financial support of Greater Spokane Incorporated this year has enabled us to be increasingly effective, introduce new programs and services, and continue to be the premier business development organization in the region. Regional Visionaries Avista Cowles Company Providence Health Care Rockwood Health System Spokane County Washington Trust Bank Community Leaders Itron Northern Quest Resort & Casino PAML LLC Umpqua Bank Chairman s Circle Bank of America Banner Bank BECU Central Pre-Mix Concrete Co CenturyLink Garco Construction Inc Gonzaga University Inland Northwest Health Services Inland Power KXLY Broadcast Group Lydig Construction Moss Adams LLP Northwest Farm Credit Services Numerica Credit Union Pearson Packaging Systems Potlatch Corporation Premera Blue Cross Red Lion Hotels Corporation Spokane International Airport STCU University of Washington URM Stores Inc U.S. Bank Washington State University Health Sciences spokane Wells Fargo Whitworth University President s Club Aero-Flite Altek Inc Asuris Northwest Health DAA Northwest Davenport Hotels DoubleTree by Hilton Spokane City Center Eide Bailly Graham Construction and Management Inc Guardian Life Insurance Company of America Inland Empire Paper Co Iron Bridge Office Campus Jensen Distribution Services Jubilant HollisterStier LLC Kaiser Aluminum Kiemle & Hagood Company NAI Black Rosauers Supermarkets Inc Sysco Spokane Inc Telect Inc Wagstaff Inc Walmart Market Office Witherspoon Kelley Civic Partners Spokane County Washington State Department of Commerce City of Spokane City of Spokane Valley Kalispel Tribe of Indians City of Cheney City of Deer Park City of Liberty Lake City of Medical Lake City of Millwood City of Newport
Greater Spokane Seven It Takes a Community We work with many partners throughout the year that play an integral part to move forward initiatives that help transform our community. Thank you to the more than 8,000 volunteers who further important work and help us create something greater for the Spokane region. 1 2 3 Achieve A strong economy depends on world-class people. GSI works to create and retain a GREATER talent pool of skilled workers who drive innovation and productivity to meet the needs of employers. Advocate A supportive business environment is critical to business success. GSI provides a GREATER voice on behalf of employers and the community at the local, state and federal level. Build Core infrastructure is necessary to meet the needs of an expanding economy. GSI supports GREATER financing, creation and expansion of core infrastructure necessary to fuel the growth of commerce. 4 5 Startup Today s startup is tomorrow s business. GSI creates GREATER opportunities for entrepreneurs and startups by fostering the growth of intellectual capital and the resources needed to develop and pursue business ideas to launch and grow new businesses and jobs. Expand Business expansion creates more job growth. GSI supports GREATER growth of existing businesses in the region. 6 7 Retain Employers fuel our economy. GSI works to create a healthier business climate where existing businesses have a GREATER chance to succeed, compete and grow. Recruit Accelerating business investments in the region leads to well-paying jobs and a vibrant economy. GSI provides GREATER visibility of the Spokane region through enhanced marketing and attraction efforts to strategic industries interested in relocating or expanding.
Provided 57 through Startup Spokane, the entrepreneurial program of GSI, working year-round to connect entrepreneurs with the resources they need to take their idea to the next level. work shops Launched the Mentor Connect program, securing 15 experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts to advise and coach startups. Assisted 2,210 entrepreneurs and business startups with resources and support for their venture. Provided office space at Startup Central to 32 entrepreneurs, giving them a home. Provided consulting services for 375 companies needing business assistance. Assisted 24 businesses with international trade issues and launched Certificate of Origin program. Business recruitment efforts created nearly $6 million in annual economic impact and $33 million in capital investment. Companies recruited include HighLine Grain, Captora, and Applied Pavement Technology. Business expansion and retention efforts helped Tainio Technology & Technique, AccraFab, Kaiser Aluminum, K-L Manufacturing, Once Upon a Child, and Highwood Global Manufacturing grow, creating 228 new jobs, and more than $65 million in annual economic impact. Utilized the AIR Spokane supply chain study for the targeting of recruitment prospects, continuing to drive aerospace investments in Spokane County. Connected 333 local companies with the government marketplace and new revenue streams. These companies obtained more than $54 million in new government contracts. Provided community leadership and advocacy efforts for the development of state and federal agendas, communicating priority projects and recommendations on businessfriendly regulations. Advanced key legislative priorities and initiatives, leading a delegation of 100 business leaders to Olympia and 40 business leaders to Washington, D.C. Provided a voice for fully funded basic education, reducing the reliance on local levies, and providing more support for teachers and para-educators. Successfully defeated the Worker Bill of Rights Initiative, which would have mandated a costly new wage structure for hundreds of local businesses, causing them to lay off employees and raise prices. Advocated for the state Legislature s expansion of four-year medical education in Spokane, supporting both the creation of an independently accredited medical school at Washington State University Health Sciences Spokane and the expansion of the Spokane-based University of Washington School of Medicine s WWAMI medical education program, in partnership with Gonzaga University. In collaboration with transportation and civic partners, successfully secured the funding to complete the North Spokane Corridor, which will improve connections and make safety improvements to roads and bridges throughout the region.
Fostered partnerships to advance a business plan for the Port District of Spokane, which will provide a platform to educate and inform voters on community needs, forecasted activities, authorities, construction, financing and development of a new Port Authority. Connected 47 Teachers to local businesses and the region s largest and fastest growing industries through the Teaching the Teachers program. Other 1% Public Funding & Grants 26% Revenue Sources Membership 47% Events 26% Advocated on behalf of Fairchild Air Force Base in support of KC-46A Tankers and received funding for military priority projects. Worked to protect the base against encroachment. Participated in local regulatory issues and task forces such as the City of Spokane s Earned Safe & Sick Leave ordinance to ensure the business community was well represented, addressing the needs of employees and employers and working to minimize burdens or mandates. Launched an employer pilot program to increase education attainment from 40% to 60% by 2025 with a focus on the working adult student. Engaged 318 students, 32 teachers and 63 community members through the Business AfterSchool program, introducing kids to the world of business and future career opportunities. Supported the development of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) skills by leading the Spokane STEM Network, including advocating for STEM policy changes, supporting robotics, the STEMposium competition, and the Washington STEM Learning Tour. Advanced community initiative VISION 2030 to create robust healthcare and life sciences industry growth through the expansion of health and medical sciences education, commercialization of research and enhanced health and life sciences business development. Connected 11,000 businesses to more business opportunities and valuable educational offerings at 300 events and meetings. 101-500 11% 51-100 9% 26-50 15% Valley 18% Financial Services 6% Manufacturing/ Technology 7% Non-profits 6% Members by number of employees 500+ 5% 11-25 21% Members by industry Business Products Other 20% & Services 9% Telecom/Energy/ Utilities 1% Professional Services 14% Government 2% 1-10 39% Members By Location Other 4% Liberty Lake 2% West Plains 6% Southside 7% Agriculture 5% Northside 16% Regional 4% Downtown 43% Education 4% Construction 8% Healthcare 8% Retail Trade 3% Hospitality Services 7%
Creating Something Greater 2016 BOARD OF TRUSTEES Chair Larry Soehren Kiemle & Hagood Company Chair-Elect Jack Heath Washington Trust Bank Immediate Past Chair Dr. Christine Johnson Community Colleges of Spokane General Counsel Bill Symmes Witherspoon Kelley Treasurer Carla Altepeter Numerica Credit Union Jay Allert Aslin-Finch Company Barry Baker Baker Construction & Development Inc Rick Betts Moss Adams LLP David Black NAI Black Bill Bouten Bouten Construction Clark Brekke Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest Dr. Lisa Brown Washington State University Spokane Nadine Burgess Spokane Gymnastics Brady Cass Asuris Northwest Health Maurine Cate Deaconess Hospital Dr. Ana Mari Cauce University of Washington Mayor David Condon* City of Spokane Elaine Couture Providence Health Care W. Stacey Cowles The Spokesman Review Dr. Mary Cullinan Eastern Washington University Marty Dickinson Umpqua Bank Scott Dietzen CliftonLarsonAllen Steve Duvoisin Inland Imaging Linda Elkin U.S. Bank Ryan Gee Gee Automotive Brad Gile Caterpillar Inc Rustin Hall ALSC Architects Phil Haugen Northern Quest Resort & Casino Steve Hauschild BECU Michelle Hege DH Chris Henjum Hydrafab Northwest Inc Craig Higashi Spokane Produce Inc Mayor Rod Higgins* City of Spokane Valley Tom Johnson STCU Otto Klein Larry Krauter Spokane Indians Baseball Spokane Longball Inc International Airport Tyler Lafferty Seven2 Lewis Lee Lee & Hayes Russell Lee Inland Northwest Bank Regina Malveaux YWCA of Spokane Dr. Thayne McCulloh Gonzaga University Patricia McRae KHQ TV Sharelynn Moore Itron Inc Marcelo Morales A4Ventures Scott Morris Avista Commissioner Shelly O Quinn* Spokane County Kevin Person Wagstaff Inc Mayor Steve Peterson* City of Liberty Lake Jeff Philipps Rosauers Supermarkets Inc Paul Read Journal of Business Dr. Shelley Redinger Spokane Public Schools Col. Ryan Samuelson* Fairchild Air Force Base John Shogren Central Pre-Mix Concrete Co * Ex Officio Dale Silha McKinstry Company Harry Sladich Red Lion Hotels Corporation Ben Small Central Valley School District Kelly Stanford Columbia Medical Associates Dr. Beck Taylor Whitworth University Don Ting Pyrotek Inc Mayor Tom Trulove* City of Cheney Kevin Twohig* Spokane Public Facilities District (PFD) As of 10/4/2016 Christine Varela* DH Dr. Francisco R. Velázquez PAML LLC Kurt Walsdorf Bank of America Clancy Welsh Garco Construction Inc Steve Wulf* Sunshine Disposal & Recycling Create Something Greater 509.624.1393 GreaterSpokane.org AdvantageSpokane.com