Rogers Weed, director of Washington's recently re-named Department of Commerce, unveiled a list of priorities Monday that will guide the effort to create new jobs and boost the state's economy.
The priorities, which offer a preview of a full report from the Commerce Department that's due next week, drew praise from Gov. Chris Gregoire and many of the state's business leaders.
They so-called "global" priorities include:
- Competitiveness and innovation
- Education and workforce training
- More efficient regulation
- Infrastructure investment
In addition, the Commerce Department plans to zero in on four specific priorities -- building up communities by investing through community service agencies and local governments, focusing on rural areas, helping small business and focusing on industry sectors.
In a news release, Gregoire said Weed outlined "the right priorities at the right time" and called on business, labor and community groups to work together to build the state's economy.
AWB President Don Brunell also praised Weed's effort to re-define the Commerce Department, which was formerly known as the state Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development.
"We are encouraged by the work he and his team have done to date and appreciate their willingness to include input from businesses of all size and industry," Brunell said.
The governor's press release included quotes from an array of business leaders, including the heads of the Washington Roundtable, Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce, Greater Spokane Incorporated, Tri-City Development Council, and Washington Technology Industry Association.
Weed, a former Microsoft executive, thanked the representatives from the business community and others who helped his department prepare the report.
"Government doesn't create jobs, businesses do," Weed said. "About 80 percent of our state's economy comes from the private sector, so we must have a strong, mutually beneficial relationship between government and the community if we are to succeed in our mission to grow and improve jobs throughout the state."
