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Whatcom County businesses must step forward and make their voice heard
Things were normal. Then they weren’t. Then everything was closed. Then a few things could open—and that is where things have stayed. In early June Whatcom County moved to Phase 2 of the Governor’s Safe Start Plan, and for the time being that is where Whatcom County will remain. Per Governor Jay Inslee’s latest order,…
Read MoreIn an economic downturn, you shouldn’t give up on marketing and sales
In an economic downturn, marketing and sales are often the first budgetary items to get cut. So, what can Whatcom County’s local businesses do to align what the community knows about their company (public relations), their value proposition (marketing), and close customers (sales)? They can begin by asking the following four questions. Question 1: Who…
Read MoreRebound and Recovery website aims to help small business bounce back
By Kris Johnson We’ve all learned new terms and acronyms in the last few months, from “flattening the curve” and “social distancing” to WFH (working from home) and PPE (personal protective equipment). It’s remarkable how quickly COVID-19 has upended our lives and inserted itself into our daily rhythms. If you run a business, the terms…
Read MoreTax increases considered as a solution to the coronavirus budget shortfalls
The impact of the coronavirus pandemic and the economic restrictions implemented to contain the spread of COVID-19 have had a dramatic impact on the state budget, with shortfalls as large as $10B projected over the next three years. While Governor Inslee has remained non-committal about the prospect of tax increases, members of his administration have…
Read MoreWorkforce development 101
By its very nature, workforce development is a community prosperity initiative. After all, helping workers gain valuable skills attacks the roots of poverty. Training workers for living-wage jobs can help break the cycle of dead-end work. What’s more, boosting the skills of Whatcom County workers helps local companies fill important jobs so they can grow.…
Read MoreWhatcom County needs living wage jobs
In early 2018, WBA began an effort to bring attention to the importance of local workforce development, engaging with employers, educators, parents and other stakeholders. As one way to address workforce development, WBA has launched the YESWhatcom.com recruitment portal, which aspires to help Whatcom County employers meet workforce needs while assisting local youth and other…
Read MorePast Events
Whatcom Business Alliance launches Youth Engagement Initiative “The key to success is showing up – you have got to show up!” On February 7, 2018 the Whatcom Business Alliance (WBA) launched the Youth Engagement Initiative at a kickoff event attended by five area high schools with over 250 students in attendance. Community Business leaders…
Read MoreLearn about Job Shadow in Whatcom County
The Whatcom Business Alliance has partnered with the Junior Achievement to assist in the implementation of the Job Shadow curriculum in local high schools and businesses. In review | On February 7, 2018 the Whatcom Business Alliance (WBA) launched the Youth Engagement Initiative at a kickoff event attended by five area high schools with over 250…
Read MoreHistory of YEI formation
History of the Youth Engagement Initiative: Phase 1, Phase 2 & Moving Forward… The Whatcom Business Alliance (WBA) launched the Step Up Campaign for Business Advocacy, Research and Education in September 2016. The vision of the campaign is to engage with the community through research, education and advocacy to support business success because business success…
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