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Forecast looks bright for Skagit County
EDASC economic forecast dinner presents bullish outlook for 2006
by Hilary Parker

The Skagit County business community gathered in February to honor its own and learn what’s in store for the year ahead at the annual Economic Development Association of Skagit County’s (EDASC) annual forecast dinner.
Special guest at the evening’s dinner was Jerry Pohlman, an economist who splits his time between Bellingham and Helena, Mont. Pohlman specializes in economic analysis, financial markets and investment banking.
Pohlman applauded the members of EDASC for the strong business community they have created. “The vibrancy of this group is very much reflected in the economic development of this area.”
His speech focused on perceptions versus the reality of the economy as we head into 2006. “Washington, and this region in particular, are doing better than the rest of the U.S.,” he remarked.
As the housing market is a top subject for speculation, Pohlman spent some time building his case for why the region shouldn’t be concerned about a bursting housing bubble. While some slowdown in the housing market will happen over the next year, it is a “healthy” slowdown that shouldn’t result in a crash.
Based on his assessment of the number of jobs being created in the region, and with more jobs and additional population moving into the northern counties, it’s right in line with the area’s housing growth.
Bringing jobs to Skagit County is one of EDASC’s main focuses, and the evening was dedicated to celebrating those successes. Among the success stories of the evening is the partnership between Janicki Industries of Sedro Woolley and BMW Oracle Racing, the group constructing the United State’s 2007 entry into the America’s Cup, set to take place in Valencia, Spain.
Janicki constructed the hulls for two boats that will head for the competition in Spain. It also constructed the hulls for BMW Oracle’s entry in the America’s Cup four year ago, when the boat was built in California. That meant trucking the hulls down I-5 – a tricky and time consuming undertaking.
So, this time, it made sense to locate closer to Janicki. “We knew it was going to be Janicki and thought why don’t we position ourselves close to them,” said Tim Smyth, member of the BMW Oracle management team.
With the guidance of EDASC Executive Director Don Wick, and the strong marine industry presence in Anacortes, the city became home base for the BMW Oracle team.
It’s been a boon for the group in many ways, said Smyth. “The Holy Grail for us is being able to work and live nearby.”
Soon the boats will be shipped to Spain to begin trials for the race next spring. If all goes well, Smyth says Skagit County may expect to see the BMW Oracle team again.
“It’s been a wonderful experience to build here,” he said.
Another shining success story also has a California connection. Sierra Pacific Industries, a California-based integrated forest company, is building a sawmill and co-generation plant in Burlington. The $90 million investment will create 200 full-time jobs, starting as early as this November.
“What this means to the economy is just unbelievable,” said Wick, also noting the company has the endorsement of environmental groups, including the Nature Conservancy, because of Sierra Pacific’s commitment to sustainable forests.
Sheri Nelson, Sierra Pacific’s spokesperson for operations in Washington state, which also includes a mill in Aberdeen, told the group gathered for the dinner that a big “thank you” was due to the community.
“We have never had the kind of welcome, endorsements and support that we’ve received from Skagit County,” she said.
“The EDASC has done more for our company than we ever could have done for ourselves,” she continued, saying that the organization’s assistance sealed the deal for Sierra Pacific’s decision to choose the Skagit County site.
Nelson said Sierra Pacific is committed to a long-term relationship with the county and “being a very vital part of the community.”

Forecast looks bright for Skagit County EDASC economic forecast dinner presents bullish outlook for 2006 by Hilary Parker The Skagit County business community gathered in February to honor its own and learn what’s in store for the year ahead at the annual Economic Development Association of Skagit County’s (EDASC) annual forecast dinner. Special guest at the evening’s dinner was Jerry Pohlman, an economist who splits his time between Bellingham and Helena, Mont. Pohlman specializes in economic analysis, financial markets and investment banking. Pohlman applauded the members of EDASC for the strong business community they have created. “The vibrancy of this group is very much reflected in the economic development of this area.” His speech focused on perceptions versus the reality of the economy as we head into 2006. “Washington, and this region in particular, are doing better than the rest of the U.S.,” he remarked. As the housing market is a top subject for speculation, Pohlman spent some time building his case for why the region shouldn’t be concerned about a bursting housing bubble. While some slowdown in the housing market will happen over the next year, it is a “healthy” slowdown that shouldn’t result in a crash. Based on his assessment of the number of jobs being created in the region, and with more jobs and additional population moving into the northern counties, it’s right in line with the area’s housing growth. Bringing jobs to Skagit County is one of EDASC’s main focuses, and the evening was dedicated to celebrating those successes. Among the success stories of the evening is the partnership between Janicki Industries of Sedro Woolley and BMW Oracle Racing, the group constructing the United State’s 2007 entry into the America’s Cup, set to take place in Valencia, Spain. Janicki constructed the hulls for two boats that will head for the competition in Spain. It also constructed the hulls for BMW Oracle’s entry in the America’s Cup four year ago, when the boat was built in California. That meant trucking the hulls down I-5 – a tricky and time consuming undertaking. So, this time, it made sense to locate closer to Janicki. “We knew it was going to be Janicki and thought why don’t we position ourselves close to them,” said Tim Smyth, member of the BMW Oracle management team. With the guidance of EDASC Executive Director Don Wick, and the strong marine industry presence in Anacortes, the city became home base for the BMW Oracle team. It’s been a boon for the group in many ways, said Smyth. “The Holy Grail for us is being able to work and live nearby.” Soon the boats will be shipped to Spain to begin trials for the race next spring. If all goes well, Smyth says Skagit County may expect to see the BMW Oracle team again. “It’s been a wonderful experience to build here,” he said. Another shining success story also has a California connection. Sierra Pacific Industries, a California-based integrated forest company, is building a sawmill and co-generation plant in Burlington. The $90 million investment will create 200 full-time jobs, starting as early as this November. “What this means to the economy is just unbelievable,” said Wick, also noting the company has the endorsement of environmental groups, including the Nature Conservancy, because of Sierra Pacific’s commitment to sustainable forests. Sheri Nelson, Sierra Pacific’s spokesperson for operations in Washington state, which also includes a mill in Aberdeen, told the group gathered for the dinner that a big “thank you” was due to the community. “We have never had the kind of welcome, endorsements and support that we’ve received from Skagit County,” she said. “The EDASC has done more for our company than we ever could have done for ourselves,” she continued, saying that the organization’s assistance sealed the deal for Sierra Pacific’s decision to choose the Skagit County site. Nelson said Sierra Pacific is committed to a long-term relationship with the county and “being a very vital part of the community.”
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