Contact: Carolyn Casey
Port of Bellingham
(360) 676-2500
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 17, 2007
Port Commission Continues Support for Rural Businesses
[Bellingham, Wash.] Operators of small businesses in rural Whatcom County will continue to have free business counseling in their communities thanks in part to funding approved by the Port of Bellingham’s Board of Commissioners.
At the commission’s first meeting of 2007, they approved spending $80,000 on a contract with Western Washington University’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for its Rural Business Outreach Program. The port has provided funding for this program since 2002 as a way to assist with countywide economic development. Other funding for this program comes from Western Washington University and the federal Small Business Administration.
“Thanks to the Port’s continued contribution, Lynden business owners have access to crucial assistance on their path to success,” said Gary Vis Executive Director of the Lynden Chamber of Commerce.
Half of the $80,000 will be paid through the port’s General Economic Development budget, which is funded by countywide property tax revenue. The other half of the contract will be paid through the port’s Industrial Development Corporation, which is funded through the port’s issuance of Industrial Revenue Bonds.
The SBDC rural outreach is an especially valuable program because business operators can meet within their own communities, reducing the time spent away from their businesses. Satellite offices for this program are in Ferndale, Lynden, Sumas, Blaine, Birch Bay, Everson/Nooksack, Point Roberts and the Mount Baker Foothills.
"Without the Port's investment, we could not support the level of assistance the SBDC provides to the business community," said Ferndale Mayor Jerry Landcastle.
In addition to this program, the port also provides rural towns and cities with matching money for economic development planning efforts. The port manages this program through its involvement with the Partnership for a Sustainable Economy.
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