NEWS & UPCOMING EVENTS!

March 22, 2012

FREE TRAINING OPPORTUNITY!

Mary Jo Juarez PTAC Counselor and Business Consultant

Government Contracting 101

Wednesday, March 28TH 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

KEDA Office, 4312 Kitsap Way, Suite 103, Bremerton

The Kitsap Economic Development Alliance will host a free training workshop for small businesses who are interested in expanding their business through government contracting. Participants will learn the basics of government contracting from 30-year veteran, Mary Jo Juarez, and Susan Veach, Consultant and President of Accountability Plus, Inc. Visit the Washington PTAC website for more information and to register.

Questions? Contact Theresa Mangrum at 360-479-3712

Did you attend the 2012 Alliance NW Conference?

Click here for presentations and conference material.

Save the date!
2013 Alliance NW Conference: March 14, 2013

Be sure to check the Washington Procurement Technical Assistance Center's

Training Calendar for upcoming training opportunities.

1st Annual Clean Technology Defense Symposium

Presented by The Pacific Northwest Defense Coalition

Wednesday, April 26th 8:00am - 5:00pm

Hotel Murano,Tacoma WA

This event offers small businesses, government entities, and clean technology firms an opportunity to meet and engage on important Department of Defense sustainability efforts. Participants will hear from the staffs of - Navy Region / NAVFAC Northwest, Joint Base Lewis McCord, Army Corps of Engineers Seattle Division, and Coast Guard District 13, on their current efforts to become more sustainable in the areas of energy, waste and water.

Visit www.pndc.us/cleantech.htm for more information and to register!

NEWS & NOTEWORTHY

Jobless rate dips to 8.2 percent in Washington State, the lowest level in more than 3 years

March 21, 2012

Politicians have been hesitant to declare a full economic recovery, but here's more evidence that things are turning around (at least in Washington state). The unemploy-ment rate fell again during the month of February, dropping to 8.2 percent as the state added 4,200 jobs. In a report today, the state's Employment Security Department said that it is part of the region's "gradual climb up the employment ladder."

It also marks the lowest unemployment rate in the state since January 2009. Because of the improving economic picture, the state also announced today that it plans to reduce the maximum weeks of unemployment benefits from 99 weeks to 73 weeks. Those changes will take effect next month. Read more...

Click here for Kitsap County employment data and other economic indicators

Bremerton High School receives Washington STEM

Entrepreneur Award

March 15, 2012 · 1:48 PM

Bremerton High School is one of among 14 schools or organizations that were awarded a Washington STEM Entrepreneur Award in March.

The award supports the exploration of breakthrough ideas and promising approaches in STEM education and the high school will receive $10,000 to transition its 9th grade science curriculum to a STEM-based one, according to a statement from the Bremerton School District. Read more...

Visiting admiral pushes for science-focused
'aviation high school

By Rachel Pritchett

Posted March 13, 2012 at 6:52 p.m.

Retired Vice Adm. Gerald Howeing, president of the National Flight Academy of Pensacola, Fla., met with local leaders in education and economic development last couple of days on someday starting a high school in Kitsap County that would make STEM courses fun. The academy, with that aim, has helped in setting up six such high schools across the nation.

The nearest is affiliated with Highline Public Schools, with a new permanent home now in the making at the Museum of Flight in Seattle. Three Kitsap students attend that school. Read more...

Dr. David Mitchell Honored at KEDA 2012
Annual Meeting

March 9, 2012

Dr. David Mitchell, President of Olympic College, was recognized for his leadership in workforce development when he received the Economic Development Champion Award on Friday, March 9, 2012 at the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) Annual Meeting.

Since 2004 the Economic Development Champion Award has recognized leaders in Kitsap County who have promoted economic development in the region. KEDA's Board of Directors singled out Dr. Mitchell as their unanimous choice to receive the 2012 Champion Award. KEDA's Executive Director, John Powers expressed their regard for him saying "Dr. Mitchell is an exceptional leader in higher education and provides an effective voice in Olympia fighting to protect the State's investment in higher education and workforce development. Dr. Mitchell and OC are critical partners for our Economic Development Alliance as we work with business to address their human capital needs - the most essential capital in a knowledge based economy." Read more...

Small Businesses Important to DOD Energy Plans,

Official Says

By Lisa Daniel
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 5, 2012 - Small businesses are an important part of the Defense Department's plans for better managing how it uses energy, the assistant secretary of defense for operational energy plans and programs said.

Sharon E. Burke spoke to about 450 audience members at the Operational Energy Capabilities Improvement Fund's Small Business Conference in Crystal City, Va.,
March 2. "The fact is, small businesses and entrepreneurs matter to DOD," Burke said. "Small businesses are a hub of ideas and innovation."

Throughout government, Burke said, the Defense Department has taken the lead on releasing funds for small businesses to compete on energy-related contracts. "We often find a powerful combination when small businesses team with large companies" on defense programs, she said. Read more...