Gossett Appointed to National International Economic Development Task Force

Snohomish County Council member Dave Gossett has been named a member of the National Association of Counties' (NACo) International Economic Development Task Force. NACo represents the interests of the nation's county governments and their residents at the federal government level and also serves as forum for county leaders to share solutions to common issues.

"Serving on this committee will allow me to learn what other communities across the country are doing to promote economic growth and trade," said Gossett. "The Puget Sound region is one of the most trade dependant regions of the country. We need to work hard to build global partnerships with the goal of bringing jobs to the northwest."

NACo's International Economic Development Task Force will focus on developing local strategies to promote export of American products. Only 1% of U.S. companies currently export, though in Washington State the number is closer to 4%. In nations like Germany the number is far higher, ranging between 15 and 20%.

"For every $1 billion in additional exports of goods or services 5,000 U.S. jobs are created," noted Gossett. "Providing ways to help small businesses export needs to be an important part of our jobs strategy."

Gossett has a long standing interest in economic development and trade issues. He serves on the board of the Puget Sound's Economic Development District and has been active with the Prosperity Partnership, an alliance of labor, business, and government to promote job creation. He is also the Treasurer of the Greater Seattle Trade Development Alliance. Governor Gregoire has appointed him to the state's Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board which focuses on promoting economic development by improving the movement of freight.

"Not only will I be able to bring ideas to create jobs from all over the country back to Snohomish County," said Gossett, "but being appointed to serve on the Task Force puts me in a great position to help lobby the federal government about what needs to be done at the local level to build back a vibrant economy."

The Task Force will make recommendations on legislative policies and goals that will be presented to NACo's membership and, if approved, become part of the organization's annual efforts to represent the nation's counties before Congress and the White House.