Gossett Re-elected to Key Trade Office
Snohomish County Councilmember Dave Gossett was re-elected as Treasurer of the Trade Development Alliance of Greater Seattle for 2010. The Trade Development Alliance (TDA) works closely with Puget Sound businesses and government agencies to promote international trade and local jobs.
"This region is the economic hub of the most trade-dependent state in the nation," said Gossett. "Almost three quarters of Washington State's exports originate in the Northwest, and international trade accounts for about one in three jobs in the local economy. And nothing is more important now than increasing jobs."
The mission of the Trade Development Alliance is to promote the Puget Sound region as one of North America's best international gateways and commercial centers. It works to increase awareness in foreign countries about opportunities for trade with the Puget Sound, to increase opportunities for local companies to sell products overseas, and to increase public understanding of the importance of trade to the local economy and jobs.
"Vital to our economic future is our region's depth in key industry clusters," noted Gossett. "Aerospace, biotechnology and life sciences, information technology, clean technology, education, and logistics are amongst our strengths. The TDA is especially active in these areas."
The Trade Development Alliance is a collaboration of the public and private sectors. Agencies such as counties, cities, colleges, and ports take part as well as roughly 200 private sector firms. Key regional businesses such as Microsoft, Boeing, and Starbucks play a vital role. Unions, recognizing the importance of trade to jobs, are also members. The profile of members offers a sampling of the Greater Seattle region's mature and emerging industry-sectors: the arts, manufacturing, aerospace, agriculture, banking/financial, legal, environmental, research, life sciences, information technology, logistics and distribution, marketing, public relations, economic development, and other trade-related services.
"Snohomish County needs to be active in trade issues so that we can promote local economic growth and jobs," said Gossett. "I am glad to have the opportunity to be associated with the TDA."
