Industry
Clusters
Clallam EDC was awarded the Governor's Award for Partnerships in 2003 for its Industry Cluster development. In addition, Washington State selected cluster development as the “Best Practice” in economic development. The state of Washington has targeted the promotion and growth of clusters as one of its 2007-2013 Strategic Plan Initiatives.
What are Industry Clusters?
Clusters are composed of individuals from similar and related industries who identify opportunities and challenges, and work jointly to find solutions and pathways forward. As the Clusters continue in their evolution, participation and activity varies depending on industry needs and individual commitment. Some cluster members continue to meet monthly, while others meet only as needed, when a topic of interest is introduced.
Cluster topics may include:
- Opportunities and barriers for expansion of incumbent businesses
- Training requirements for existing or expanding workforce
- Challenges regarding skilled employee attraction and retention
Cluster activities are designed to be private industry and employer driven. Cluster targets are intended to address both the immediate and long-term development needs of the industry in question. Topics such as public policy and legislative issues are also included in Cluster activity.
Clusters normally represent industries that match one or more of the following descriptions:
- Industries that employ significant numbers of local residents
- Industries that are expanding or are considering locating/relocating to the area
- Industries that are making the effort to move to higher levels of competence but are restricted by the skill levels of their current employee base and worker pool
Clallam County Industry Clusters
- Technology
- Marine Services
- Forest Resources
- Agriculture
- Tourism
- Education
- Healthcare
- Building and Construction Trades
- Finance
Economic Impact of Home Building in Clallam County Study
This study was done by Elliott Eisenberg, National Association of Home Builders and details income, jobs and taxes generated by building homes. The report was commissioned by the North Peninsula Building Association in partnership with the Sequim Association of Realtors, the Port Angeles Association of Realtors and the Clallam EDC Building Trades Cluster.
Click Here for a PDF file of Impact of Home Building.
Click Here for a PDF file of the Net Benefits Report.
