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| Statewide Contract Opens Doors for Local Businesses
Thurston EDC Awarded Statewide PTAC Contract
 Assistance for businesses interested in selling to federal, state and local governments has been significantly expanded in the Thurston County region.
The Thurston EDC was awarded the statewide Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) cooperative agreement with Department of Defense, Defense Logistics Agency. This program offers no-cost technical assistance to help businesses better compete and perform on government work.
The annual budget is about $900,000. Half of it is funded by the Department of Defense with the other half funded through local match by the Thurston EDC and its six sub-centers.
The return on investment is significant. Last year PTAC clients statewide won $135 million in government contracts.
"The Thurston EDC's goal is to increase this number in 2012 and have an even greater impact on our economy," explains Tiffany Scroggs, program manager for the newly expanded PTAC. "We want to continue to increase the number of Washington State firms successful in the government marketplace."
Until this month, the EDC was a part-time sub-center to the main program housed in Everett and was limited in the amount of assistance they were able to provide.
"PTAC fits well with the EDC's mission to retain and create jobs. The expansion of this program will have significant impacts on local business' ability to expand and hire more people," said Michael Cade, Thurston EDC executive director.
According to a 2010 Washington Economic Development Commission study, Defense spending alone accounts for 4% of our state's GDP and was responsible for creating nearly 200,000 jobs in fiscal year 2009.
While Washington ranks 9th in size based on military personnel it is only ranked 18th in contracting activity. This disparity is partly attributed to a lack of understanding by businesses on how to find opportunities and bid.
Olympia's Phoenix Inn and Suites experienced this first hand. "We knew our proximity to Joint Base Lewis McChord, Forest Service and other government activity was a largely untapped customer base, particularly related to group government room nights," said Sales Manager Michael Davidson. "However, we were unsure of how to make inroads on this market."
PTAC partnered with the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater Visitor & Convention Bureau which was instrumental in bringing together hoteliers. PTAC workshops were held, providing insights on appropriate registrations, strategies to market to federal and state government and receiving payment.
"With PTAC assistance we were able to increase our government business by about 30%," Davidson said. Scroggs added, "Local businesses from a wide variety of industries can find success in the government marketplace."
The statewide PTAC team consists of 11 counselors many of which are located at sub-center locations around the state including Highline Community College, Kitsap Economic Development Alliance, Economic Alliance Snohomish County, Bates Technical College, Tri City Regional Chamber of Commerce and Greater Spokane Incorporated.
For a schedule of upcoming events and trainings, visit the PTAC website. For additional information on accessing PTAC resources email Tiffany Scroggs or contact her at 360.754.6320. |
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 Annual Meeting & Business Recognition Awards
Finalists Represent Broad Cross Section of Community
Our community's private businesses and non-profit organizations play a significant role in creating a healthy and diverse local economy.
At the 2012 Annual Meeting and Business Recognition Awards, finalists in each category will be applauded and award winners announced. All nominees have demonstrated innovation, entrepreneurship and commitment to community. Their stories are inspirational.
Please join us in honoring their outstanding accomplishments.
Annual Meeting & Business Recognition Awards
Tuesday, April 10 / Red Lion - Olympia
11:30am - 1:30pm
Register Now
Small Business Finalists
- Fairchild Record Search
- FASTSIGNS
- KMB Design Group, Inc. P.S.
New Business FInalists
- Access the USA
- High Definition Homes
- ThurstonTalk.com
Corporate Employer Finalists
- Providence St. Peter Hospital
- Puget Sound Energy
- Titus-Will Chevrolet Cadillac Hyundai
Non-Profit Organization Finalists
- Faith Harvest Helpers Yelm
- Family Education & Support Services
- Olympia Farmer's Market
Annual Meeting & Business Recognition Awards sponsor. |
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Hawks Prairie Business Growing Globally
Fourth-Generation Mint Oil Manufacturer on Upward Trajectory
I.P. Callison & Sons is not a household name...but their product is likely in your home.
A producer of mint oil, this Hawks Prairie based company is a world-wide ingredient supplier for oral care and chewing gum products. Toothpaste, oral rinses, dental floss and more all include I.P. Callison's peppermint and spearmint flavors.
 A Global, Growing Company
On an upward trajectory, Callison is adding 34,000 square feet to their existing 60,000. The expansion includes additional warehouse space and six new offices. The $2 million plus expansion is expected to be completed in the middle of July.
What do they attribute their success to in the flavor market? "The expansion of the middle class globally," said Damon Smith, I.P. Callison & Sons' operations and facilities manager.
"We serve a global market. The core products where our mint is used - oral care and chewing gum - are seeing significant growth," Smith explained. He also attributed their success to improved technologies and communications, as well as efficiencies in shipping. Callison's mint oil is shipped globally in 55-gallon drums.
Parallels between Mint and Wine
Washington is the largest grower of mint in the United States. Much like the grapes that make Washington's wines famous, mint produced in various regions of the state have distinct flavors.
"We work directly with private farmers to help them produce quality mint and have successful businesses," shared Smith. They have ties directly with farmers to assist with producing a consistent product that meets the needs of Callison's customers.
Creating Jobs for Four Generations
I.P. Callison and Sons employs 118 people with 65-70 in Thurston County in the laboratory, warehouse, I.T. and administration. There are another 20 in Lewis County at a manufacturing plant and the balance at a plant in Indiana.
The company is a division of Callisons Inc. which also owns Sherwood Forest Farms. This Tumwater manufacturer buys local greenery from area foresters to make wreaths and garland for non-profits to sell as fundraisers.
Founded in 1903, Callisons is a privately held, fourth generation company. It's run by President Jim Burgett, the great-grandson of company founder I.P. Callison. The corporate headquarters were relocated from Seattle to Hawks Prairie in 2005. |
Free Consulting to Small Manufacturers
Impact Washington Helping Businesses with Less than 10 Employees
A program to help the state's smallest manufacturers grow has just been launched.
The Small Business Consulting Program is for manufacturers with under 10 employees, a segment that comprises over half of the manufacturers statewide.
This new program is sponsored by Impact Washington, a Thurston EDC partner. It provides assistance with no out of pocket cost to the manufacturer, helping them improve and grow.
To qualify for the program your company must:
- Be a manufacturer
- Have fewer than 10 employees
- Do less than $1 million in annual sales
- Agree to do a short customer satisfaction survey in 3-6 months
Work within the Small Business Consulting Program typically focuses on strategic planning, SWOT analysis and other foundational work. Special requests are considered too.
Interested in finding out more? Contact Jessica Ingle at 425.438.1146 x109 or jingle@impactwashington.org.
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Scott Homes
Receives
Green Award
Olympia builder
Scott Homes received the Gold Award in the 2012 national EnergyValue Housing Award (EVHA) competition. It is the third award they've received from the EVHA.
The EVHA, a program of the National Association of Home Builders, honors builders and remodelers who voluntarily incorporate energy efficiency in the design, construction and marketing of homes.
Scott Homes, founded in 1983 by President Scott Bergford, is a family owned and operated design/build company. |
Experts Provide Tips & Insights for Doing Business with JBLM
Want to be more competitive in pursuing federal contracts? Intimidated by the process? Attend "Doing Business with JBLM."
At this first-of-its-kind informational Forum, military and civilian experts will provide tips and insights for doing business with JBLM.
Over the next four years more than $2 billion in construction work alone is scheduled at the West Coast's largest military installation.
Doing Business
with JBLM
Tues, June 12
8am - Noon
Clover Park Tech College
Lakewood
Register
Presented by
South Sound Military and Communities Partnership and WA Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) working together with JBLM and the United States Army Corps of Engineers. |
New Medical Building Taking Shape
Olympia Orthopaedic Associates is more than half way through building a new medical clinic and outpatient surgery center.
The 63,000 square foot facility includes an ambulatory surgery center with six surgery rooms, a patient clinic, a state-of-the-art imaging center and a physical therapy suite. It's located at 3901 Capital Mall Boulevard in Olympia.
The project, one of the largest orthopaedic centers in the Pacific Northwest, is expected to be completed August of this year. |
Tax Credits to Benefit Your Bottom-line
There are 17 new tax cuts for small business according to the Small Business Administration.
Which ones might
apply to you?
Are you a start-up business? You can deduct $5,000 for start-up expenditures.
Purchased new equipment? Write-off up to $560,000 this year rather than depreciating.
Provide health care to employees or self? Tax credits apply even if you are self-employed.
Use a cell phone? Deducting the cost was simplified.
Are you an investor in a small business? Capital gains on investments held more than 5 years are 100% exempt for the 2012 tax year.
Work with your accountant to be sure you're taking full advantage of the new laws. |
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