In partnership with the City of Bellingham and Whatcom County (the Regional Economic Partnership), the Port of Bellingham has developed a new economic development brochure touting the benefits of doing business throughout Whatcom County to promote and encourage economic growth throughout the region.

Identifying the highlights that make Whatcom County an ideal place for businesses to grow, the publication summarizes quality of life aspects, partnerships and a healty work-life balance, along with a list of resources available to companies interested in relocating to Whatcom County.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Partner with British Columbia in the Cascadia Innovation Corridor

• Strong agricultural sector with over 100,000 acres of fertile farm land (Specialty: Berries and Dairies)

• Strong marine trade

• Manufacturing sector producing everything from doors to shoe insoles to organic body lotions and balms

• Growing composites and food processing sectors

• Supportive tax environment: Washington State has no corporate or personal income tax, regardless of company size or profitability; no taxes on intangible assets such as bank accounts, stocks, or bonds.

• Quality of Life: farmers markets, eclectic eateries, and brew pubs abound

WHATCOM COUNTY BY THE NUMBERS:

• 7,000,000 Residents within 90 miles

• 5 Ports of Entry

• 5 Higher Education Institutions

• Home to over 30,000 higher education students

• Ranked 22nd by Forbes as one of the best places for small businesses and careers

• 18,000 small businesses of which more than 6,500 are active employers.

• International Airport

• Positioned Between 2 Metropolitan Areas

• 130 Miles of Coastline

• 1,207,015 Acres of Public Land