The Port of Seattle reports that it met with the Port of Moses Lake today to discover possible partnerships in economic development for King and Grant Counties. Commissioners and executive staff from both ports held a roundtable discussion highlighting ways the two agencies could work together to promote economic growth across the state.
From the press release:
"The Port of Seattle had a record cargo year in 2010 and is beginning to see signs of growth in all of its business divisions. "We are partnering with ports across the state to ignite Washington's economic recovery," said Seattle Commission President Bill Bryant. "We are committed to finding ways to increase exports and jobs."
Like Seattle, Port of Moses Lake operates an airport, the Grant County International Airport, and has a thriving industrial park within the agency's Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ). The port is also working with WSDOT to study and fund the North Columbia Basin Railroad Project, which would increase access to rail for businesses in surrounding areas.
In addition, BMW recently broke ground on a facility shared with SGL, manufacturer of automotive carbon fibers. The plant is expected to create 200 jobs and is sparking economic renewal in the region.
"For a century, ports in Washington have shared the mission of creating economic opportunity," said Port of Moses Lake Commission President D. Kent Jones. "By exploring partnerships in tourism and economic development with Port of Seattle, we hope to spur business growth on both sides of the state."
The Port of Seattle has recently increased efforts to work with Eastern Washington businesses, including agriculture exporters, by hiring Mark Wen as manager for inland cargo and business development. Wen has extensive experience in Eastern Washington, including managing international business development for Key Tronic Corporation in Spokane."
For more about the Port of Moses Lake and its vital role in Grant Count, please visit www.portofmoseslake.com/
For more information about the Port of Seattle, visit www.portseattle.org.
