Making its first presentation to the Tacoma-Pierce Co. Chamber's Military Affairs Forum, Chris Strow and Olivia Robinson detailed the tremendous economic impact of the defense sector throughout the region.
A 2003 economic impact study showed a total of about 132,000 direct and indirect jobs in the region related to military bases. Sales by Puget Sound companies to local bases total $350 million per year.
The working group identified four main initiatives, which guided the selection of specific action items and implementation strategies:
- Understand and support the military mission in Washington state and at individual bases
- Enhance employment opportunities for military spouses and veterans
- Improve education opportunities for military personnel, spouses and children
- Use business attraction, retention and expansion strategies to expand the region’s military industry cluster.
Initiative item #3 is gaining traction in the current legislative session with companion bills HB1075 and SB5248.
The full strategy document will be available in February 2009.
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