Supporting a Strong Economy in Thurston County since 1982.

Our Mission

To create a dynamic and sustainable economy that supports the values of the people who live and work in Thurston County.

 Retain, Expand, Recruit.

At the foundation of the work we do are three main principles: recruit, retain, and expand.

Retain: We work to maintain the health of local businesses by offering technical assistance, and providing advocacy on their behalf.

Expand: We present market opportunities to Thurston County employers, providing support for them to expand their operations.

Recruit: We actively attract investment and employment opportunities into our region through outreach, promotion and trade missions.

Our Vision

 That Thurston County has a prosperous economy that provides employment, cultural, educational, and investment opportunities that create a sustainable and vibrant community.

What is Economic Development? 

Economic development is about identifying opportunities and applying effort that results in creating a vibrant and vital economy.

We do this by:

  • We connect local businesses with experts and resources that help them remain competitive
  • We create and deliver strategic messages that attract new investment into our community
  • We work with our community partners to enhance our collective prosperity and encourage our economic future
  • We participate regionally to ensure that Thurston County has an appropriate role and placement on the regional economic stage

Through the leadership of our Board of Directors and senior management team, we have continued to strengthen and grow the organization over the past 10 years. By taking strategic action to expand critical services for businesses in all stages of development, a strong foundation has been laid to foster economic progress throughout Thurston County. We are positioned to ensure that our region is well represented and prepared for economic growth in the coming years. We are actively working to drive investment and additional resources to this community. Through our partnerships, this organization is at the helm of a regional effort to cultivate new market opportunities that are sustainable, dynamic and vibrant.

As the state-designated lead economic development organization in Thurston County, the resources and programs we develop support the strategic diversification of our economy. We actively recruit investment and employment opportunities into our region through outreach, promotion and trade missions. We work to maintain the health of local businesses by offering technical assistance to businesses, and providing advocacy on their behalf. And we work diligently to present market opportunities to Thurston County employers, providing support for them to expand their operations.

Programs for Business

The purposeful mix of programs and projects at the EDC is designed to provide entrepreneurs, small businesses, large firms and our partner organizations with comprehensive and innovative services that support their growth and the strength and diversity of our local economy.

Board of Directors

The Thurston Economic Development Council is governed by a 25-member Board of directors, made up of community members in both the public and private sector.

Thurston EDC Staff

Learn more about members of our staff, and how they work to serve the business community in Thurston County.

Contact Us

Contact us to day to learn how we can serve you and the needs of your business.