Strong people harnessed the value of these resources with a dynamic vision for the future. These were the people that built the dams, channeled the water, pioneered the fruit industry, constructed the ski resorts, created the parks, developed the golf courses, paved the trails, revitalized aging communities, and found a way to make things happen.

This creative and determined energy lives on in the next generation of strong people to create a new vision for capitalizing on our resources. Our educated and multi-lingual workforce features employees with a high retention rate, often having a long history with a single employer. This "let's go to work" attitude is eager to support new businesses coming to our area, which provides a ready pool of employment applicants whose wage scale is often competitively less than urban labor markets.

A cooperative effort also exists among public entities that strive to make this a dynamic place to live and do business.
Steve Lacy
Mayor
Ken Stanton
County
Commissioner
Bill Dobbins
Douglas PUD
Mark Kulaas
County
Planner's Office


Steve Lacy's comments ~ East Wenatchee is very interested in facilitating the location of new business within its jurisdictional limits, both as a means of enhancing the economic vitality of the area and for the purpose of reducing East Wenatchee's dependence on forms of taxation other than sales tax. To that end our Office of Community Development seeks to earn and merit a "user friendly" reputation. We'll help you get it done.

Ken Stanton's comments ~ On behalf of the Douglas County Commissioners I welcome the interest you have shown in our community. The Commissioners have a very good working relationship with the other jurisdictions in our area and strive to make Douglas County open and friendly to new development. We realize that the vitality of our community depends on continued economic growth and that we are dedicated to working with you in your efforts.

Bill Dobbins' comments ~ Douglas County Public Utility District welcomes your interest in locating in Douglas County. Our utility has a stable electric supply that can accommodate substantial load growth. Douglas PUD benefits from local control to provide the lowest electric prices in the country along with state of the art fiber optic connectivity. We are eager to be of service to you.

Mark Kulaas' comments ~ Douglas County was the first agency in the area to adopt permit-processing procedures under the Regulatory Reform Act of 1995. Our pre-application meetings save time and costs by connecting the development community with development assistance staff from local agencies and utility purveyors early in the design process. Broad parameters for development standards offer opportunities for design flexibility and innovation. Permit processing is coordinated to expedite project approval. Douglas County Transportation & Land Services seeks to promote and facilitate sustainable economic growth and development of Douglas County, as guided by the County's Comprehensive Plan and development regulations.

A strong business community, made up of a cross-section of industry professionals also supports our labor resources. The collective wisdom and knowledge of this business resource provides for a dynamic Chamber of Commerce, an experienced Service Corps of Retired Executives, a resourceful Greater Wenatchee Area Technology Alliance and an active Small Business Development Council. All of these groups can be a useful resource for existing or start-up businesses needing assistance for growth, relocation or solving company problems.