Purpose and Goal
Five North King County communities sharing strategies for regional economic vitality.
The 2007 North King program was designed to identify specific activities and possible strategies for bringing economic investment and other opportunity to the five North King County communities of Bothell, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, Shoreline and Woodinville. Emphasis was given to acquiring information that employers can use in their strategic decision-making during the next two years. The program was a cooperative effort by King County Councilmember Bob Ferguson with the five cities, chambers and other business associations, local employers and other community leaders. Ongoing activities were identified that encourage the five communities to continue working together during the next two years on mutually beneficial programs and activities. TOP
Background
This project capitalized on the work of the first survey and summit event in 2005 that culminated with a major Summit luncheon at the University of Washington – Bothell / Cascadia Community College on April 4, 2005. The event attracted an overflow, standing-room-only crowd of more than 200 leaders from business, government and service organizations. A three-volume project report was published and made available to the public. Support for the project was provided by more than 20 public- and private-sector organizations. Project organizers and participants agreed that the project should be updated in two years, leading to this 2007 program. TOP
The 2007 Public Opinion Survey
Once again, the heart of the program was a professionally administered opinion survey of 300 employers distributed evenly among the five North King County communities. Organizers worked with stakeholders from the five cities and GMA Research on questions and issues included in the survey. Here are the results.
TOP
The Summit Conference
This year’s reporting mechanism was expanded from the leadership luncheon held in 2005 to a half-day Summit Conference that included four morning break-out sessions culminating in a regional luncheon. Speakers and session facilitators were finalized for the event with several specific topics: “Employees: Supply, Training & Retention”; “Government Services: A help or a hindrance” (including discussion of the state’s streamlined sales tax); “Retail Centers: Projects and Vision”; and “Transportation: Construction, Congestion & Costs.” Other topics discussed were education and health care. Those attending the Summit Conference had direct access to state and local leaders for two-way dialogue.
A digital video will soon be available for online "streaming", meaning that anyone who has a computer and broadband access may review the Summit highlights. The 2007 North King County Heritage Tourism map was also completed and distributed at the Summit Conference luncheon. TOP
Who Can Be Involved
Financial sponsorships were once again critical to the success of the program. Individuals interested in economic progress in the North King region comprised by the five communities were invited to become involved in the 2007 program. Stakeholders designed the entire program and made decisions about its content and structure. Residents, employers and others with direct interest in a flourishing economy in North King County suggested ideas to improve the program. You may contact the Executive Director at davidendicott@forwardshoreline.us or (206) 285-0288; or Project Chair Dom Amor at dom.amor@pse.com or (425) 462-3536. Information is also available at www.ForwardShoreline.us. TOP
Financial Issues
King County Councilmember Bob Ferguson made a major financial investment in the Summit Conference and was its Presenting Sponsor. Other investors included Forward Shoreline (et al), which once again was asked to organize the entire program and Summit Conference events. All five communities were invited to provide financial and in-kind support to the program. Forward Shoreline is a 501(c)(6) organization for tax purposes. TOP
Event Timetable
2007 North King Economic Summit Conference
TOP OF PAGE
