Education & Research
WBA hosts webinar on cybersecurity
Whatcom Business Alliance Hosts Webinar on Cybersecurity As a part of its ongoing “Recovery Whatcom” webinar series, the Whatcom Business Alliance (WBA) hosted “Cybersecurity and the New Risks to Your Business” on Wednesday, September 16. Chase Bank’s Merrick Tam, Vice President, Treasury Management hosted the session, which provided advice and guidance for Whatcom County businesses looking…
Read MoreWhere to find fact-based industry data in Whatcom County
Local business leaders, small-business owners and voters have relied on Whatcom Business Alliance to advocate on their behalf since 2013. It has become WBA’s role in the community to help stakeholders in Bellingham, Lynden, Ferndale and throughout Whatcom County access policy information and fact-based research during key decision-making periods. When important issues arise in Whatcom…
Read MoreCherry Point wages are twice the county average
The average annual wage in the Cherry Point Industrial Zone is more than double the average wage in Whatcom County as a whole. According to the 2019 Employment at Cherry Point study prepared by Western Washington University’s Center for Economic and Business Research, the average wage at Cherry Point of $110,690 dwarfs the county average…
Read MoreNavigating water and property rights in the state of Washington
originally published April 11, 2017— “Water, water, everywhere, And all the boards did shrink; Water, water, everywhere, Nor any drop to drink.” ― Samuel Taylor Coleridge, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner Washington State can feel like this sometimes. Though it seems abundant, water isn’t necessarily always available for use ― even for those who…
Read MoreRecent decisions severely impact property owners
originally published March 27, 2017— By: Jim McKinney, Executive Director, Common Threads Northwest The WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL moratoriums on Cherry Point industrial growth and drilling previously exempt home-use wells have a dramatic impact on our economy and tax base. They cost businesses and individual property owners hundreds of millions of dollars. Because of the Council…
Read MoreWhat Cherry Point taxes mean to local schools
originally published March 2017— A significant portion of income for Whatcom County public school districts comes from: Maintenance and operations (M&O) levies, which help fund the ongoing costs of running the school, and Bonds, which typically are used to fund larger school renovations, new construction, and other capital projects. In the Ferndale School District, for…
Read MoreWill paid family and medical leave be the next labor mandate imposed on Washington’s employers?
originally published March 2017 in Business Pulse magazine– Erin Shannon | Center for Small Business & Labor, WPC Imposing a paid family and medical leave law has emerged as the business issue du jour this legislative session in the Washington state capitol. While Washington state already has a paid family leave law, it never has…
Read MoreWater rights decision bogs down water rights on wells
originally published March 2017— Perry Eskridge | Executive Officer and Government Affairs Director Whatcom County Association of REALTORS® “Whiskey’s for drinkin’, water’s for fightin’.” – Mark Twain The Washington Supreme Court upended established water law several months ago with the October 6, 2016 decision in Hirst vs. Whatcom County. Prior to the decision, water appropriation…
Read MoreLocal Elections Matter
originally published March 2017— First turnover of County Council under new system holds profound implications with 4 seats open By Business Pulse magazine staff One of the most important elements of any democracy is how representatives are elected. It is no less important here in Whatcom County. In 2015 County voters approved significant changes to…
Read MoreWhatcom County Council has a choice: Is Cherry Point open for business, or not?
originally published Jan. 2017— Whatcom County Council has a choice: Is Cherry Point open for business, or not? John Huntley, president of Mills Electric in Bellingham, found himself recently in a place he never thought he’d be – in a room full of people on a snowy night, standing in front of the Whatcom County…
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