CREATING THE FUTURE TODAY
The unwavering partnership and support from our Believe Spokane investors has been instrumental in driving the growth and prosperity of our community. Significant progress is being made toward our Economic Development and Talent Attraction and Retention goals, thanks to collaborative efforts.
We are still adjusting to a post-Covid world, and we are responding to an ever-changing environment. As detailed in this Q2 2024 Campaign Update, we discuss how a tight labor market is adjusting the balance between private investment and job growth and how initiatives like the Spokane Inclusive Business Catalyst and Supplier Diversity Platform Pilot are building on the community’s desire for equity in economic development. These programs are key components in building a resilient and inclusive economy where all community members can thrive.
The transformative changes we see in the region today are a direct result of the Believe Spokane community’s continued commitment and support. Together, we are not just imagining the future—we are creating it today. The future is bright as these efforts continue to shape a vibrant and thriving Spokane.
Alisha Benson CEO Greater Spokane Inc.
Garry Ballew VP of Economic Development
Greater Spokane Inc.
THANK YOU FOR INVESTING IN THE SPOKANE REGION
DIAMOND
PLATINUM
GOLD
BECU
GARCO CONSTRUCTION
MULTICARE
NUMERICA CREDIT UNION
PEARSON PACKAGING
PREMERA BLUE CROSS
SILVER
COMMUNITY COLLEGES OF SPOKANE
DAA NORTHWEST
DH
GONZAGA UNIVERSITY
MCKINSTRY
ROSAUERS SUPERMARKETS
UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
URM STORES
WAGSTAFF
WSU SPOKANE
BRONZE
ALLIANT
BOUTEN CONSTRUCTION
CANOPY CREDIT UNION
CENTRAL PREMIX / INLAND ASPHALT
CHAS HEALTH
FRESH VUE
GESA CREDIT UNION
INLAND IMAGING
KAISER ALUMINUM
NUVODIA
PARAMETRIX
WHITWORTH UNIVERSITY
FRIENDS
BAKER CONSTRUCTION
BROADWAY TRUCK STOPS
EIDE BAILLY
MOSS ADAMS
WENDLE FORD
SUPPORTERS SNAP
SUSAN STACEY
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Business recruitment and expansion in targeted sectors
The Great Reset that was COVID continues to have repercussions. Talent remains a scarcity, though there has been some easing on that front. Part of that easing comes from the use of automation, which is increasing rapidly in our targeted sectors. This is not full automation, but collaborative robotics that make a single worker much more efficient. Automating repetitive tasks has never been easier or less expensive. Overall, we are seeing less labor and higher capital investments. As we look towards our Believe Spokane goal Create 5,000 jobs and $1 billion in new investment in targeted sectors, we are likely going to see a higher number on the investment side and a lower number on the jobs side.
Recruitment Efforts Non-Commerce Leads
move forward Leads by Industry
These leads are primarily generated through sales missions and trade shows, with a few that come from passive means (referrals and outreach by the company to GSI).
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Support of underrepresented businesses
Spokane Inclusive Business Catalyst 2024 Accomplishments
Support
Business, Retention, and Expanision (BRE) Connections to underrepresented businesses
For more information about IDC, contact: Karen Cash, Inclusive Business Strategist (509) 319-5014
kcash@greaterspokane.org
In 2024, the Inclusive Development Council (IDC) became part of GSI. The IDC honors the commitment to implement a vision for equitable growth and wealth creation opportunities. The IDC’s flagship project, the Supplier Diversity (SD) Platform Pilot, is making significant strides. This web-based project enhances transparency, fosters buyer-seller relationships, and tracks the performance of supplier diversity initiatives. The project facilitates connections between large corporations, community partners, and underrepresented and diverse businesses to promote equitable and inclusive regional economic growth.
One GSI program that supports the IDC’s mission of enhancing equitable economic growth is the Spokane Inclusive Business Catalyst (SIBC). The SIBC is a transformative business accelerator program for underserved small business owners in Spokane County.
The collaboration between IDC and SIBC exemplifies how targeted support and shared vision can drive substantial economic growth. The synergy between these programs supports individual business success and enhances Spokane’s overall business ecosystem. Together, they are building a resilient and inclusive economy where all members have the opportunity to thrive.
First SIBC cohort - reporting amazing results with several seeing revenue growth from 10% to 110%.
MEET ERIN VINCENT, VP OF EDUCATION & TALENT
At 18, I worked for an attorney downtown Seattle filing papers while attending Art School. My career journey shifted from graphic design to law and then political science, creating a unique path that has shaped my fulfilling career. Like a foundation used in earthquake-prone areas, my story has blended diverse and unexpected elements that work together to withstand tumult. Why do I share a bit of my own story? Because I recognize these same characteristics of resiliency live at Greater Spokane Incorporated (GSI).
COVID-19 acted like an earthquake, shaking industries to their core. GSI, grounded in Voice, Talent, and Growth, adapted swiftly, reshaping goals and strategies. Just as sturdy foundations stabilize skyscrapers, our approach created resiliency during this seismic event. Because of our foundation, this was a time of profound learning, not collapse.
Looking ahead, we are using what we learned in COVID to reevaluate our goals in Talent and Education, ensuring metrics align with our organizational impact. Updates on internships, training, and career pathways will reflect this evolution, promising exciting developments in childcare, K-12 support, and career connected learning.
On the following page, let me show you what it means to re-shape our Believe Spokane goals based on what we know about life post-pandemic.
Stay tuned as we refine our approach and strive for even greater impact. The best is yet to come! - Erin
TALENT ATTRACTION & RETENTION
GOAL ACTION
Establish Spokane regional partnerships, bridging businesses with education sectors to provide a minimum of 300 internships for post-secondary students
Provide workforce and employee upskill training support for 100 underserved businesses in the Spokane region through external partnerships and/or grant funding
Provide 5,000 students in the Spokane region career pathway experiences prior to high school graduation in partnership with Career Connect Washington and the Spokane STEM Network
Establish additional Spokane regional business and education partnerships to develop 30% more career pathways and the progression through pathways to postsecondary education and/or employment
NEW:
Businesses consistently report that childcare availability is a top concern for employee retention. Greater Spokane Incorporated has been a leader in this area, and we propose to focus on this work moving forward.
NEW:
K-12 education is vital to our region’s economic success, and local community interest and investment are key to preparing students for the workforce.
We are excited to develop an Internship Network that connects emerging talent with employers through internships. So far, our events and training have resulted in three confirmed internships. Moving forward, we propose reporting a metric more aligned with our direct impact: the number of students and companies we connect through our network.
We remain committed to our goal of providing upskill training support to 100 underserved businesses in the Spokane region. In addition to reporting the number of businesses and organizations supported, we propose also tracking the number of individuals served through our partnerships.
This has been an area of success, and we propose continuing to report the number of students served through career pathway experiences.
The term “pathway” lacks clarity and a measurable baseline. We propose integrating this goal into our career experiences work and reporting on the diversity of experiences we provide across various career pathways.
Our plan includes:
• Developing data-driven solutions around childcare in our region.
• Annually recognizing ten childcare champions from within the business community.
• Convening stakeholders around the four pillars of childcare: quality, affordability, accessibility, and inclusivity.
Our plan includes:
• Launching a multi-faceted communications campaign to strengthen community relationships with K-12 schools.
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 diverse 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.
WHAT WE DO
As the Spokane area’s business development organization, GSI brings regional partners together to advocate for our community’s priorities with a strong, unified voice. Together, we have a greater voice for the future of our region.
Thank you for investing in the Spokane region. For more information, contact Lisa Poplawski Lewis | (509) 321-3619 | lplewis@greaterspokane.org