SnoCo convenes economic task force

Representatives of key economic sectors have joined the new Snohomish County Economic Task Force to help guide legislative actions to improve the local economy.

People from aerospace, agriculture, home builders, green jobs and technology, transportation and the tourism industry join county councilmen Dave Somers (D – Monroe) and Brian Sullivan (D – Everett) who are co-chairing the task force, and County Executive Aaron Reardon, along with tribal leaders, members of the Economic Development Council, chambers of commerce, labor organizations and area community colleges.

“I thank the members of this task force for their willingness to serve. We need their valuable input to make sure we’re doing everything we can to keep a competitive business climate. We can’t do it alone,” Somers said. The group was formed in response to a workshop last year with area business leaders, hosted by the county council.

Participants expressed an interest in the formation of such a group to foster communication on economic issues among the community and its legislative leaders.

“My hope is that by bringing all of these individuals and organizations together we can create synergy around ideas and improve how we communicate with each other,” Sullivan said.A

final written report is expected by the end of the year and will be presented to the council during a public meeting.