Skip to content
360.754.6320|office@thurstonedc.com
FacebookLinkedInTwitter
Thurston Economic Development Council Logo
  • DONATE to the Economic Relief Fund
  • THINK THURSTON
    • Property Search & Site Selection
    • Naturally Located
    • Regional Agricultural Development
      • SW WA Agricultural Business & Innovation Park
    • Craft Brewing & Distilling
    • Thurston Economic Alliance
    • Innovation Partnership Zone
  • ABOUT
    • About Thurston EDC
    • Center for Business & Innovation
    • Board of Directors
    • Our Team
    • Our Investors
    • Contact Us
  • BUSINESS RESOURCES
    • Start A Business
    • Grow Your Business
    • Established Businesses
    • Shop South
      • Shop South Businesses
      • Become a Shop South Business
    • Washington Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC)
    • Washington Center for Women in Business
    • South Thurston Economic Development Initiative (STEDI)
    • Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
    • Thurston Investment Network (ThINk)
  • EVENTS & MEDIA
    • Notable & Newsworthy
    • Alliance Northwest
    • Hootenanny!
    • Regional Economic Forecast & Innovation Expo
      • EXPO Breakout Sessions and Media Kit
    • Mineral Trade From Democratic Republic of Congo to Washington State
    • Real Estate Forum
    • Event Sponsorship
    • Join our Newsletter
    • Reports & More
    • Event Calendar
  • DONATE to the Economic Relief Fund
  • THINK THURSTON
    • Property Search & Site Selection
    • Naturally Located
    • Regional Agricultural Development
      • SW WA Agricultural Business & Innovation Park
    • Craft Brewing & Distilling
    • Thurston Economic Alliance
    • Innovation Partnership Zone
  • ABOUT
    • About Thurston EDC
    • Center for Business & Innovation
    • Board of Directors
    • Our Team
    • Our Investors
    • Contact Us
  • BUSINESS RESOURCES
    • Start A Business
    • Grow Your Business
    • Established Businesses
    • Shop South
      • Shop South Businesses
      • Become a Shop South Business
    • Washington Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC)
    • Washington Center for Women in Business
    • South Thurston Economic Development Initiative (STEDI)
    • Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
    • Thurston Investment Network (ThINk)
  • EVENTS & MEDIA
    • Notable & Newsworthy
    • Alliance Northwest
    • Hootenanny!
    • Regional Economic Forecast & Innovation Expo
      • EXPO Breakout Sessions and Media Kit
    • Mineral Trade From Democratic Republic of Congo to Washington State
    • Real Estate Forum
    • Event Sponsorship
    • Join our Newsletter
    • Reports & More
    • Event Calendar
A Statement from our Executive Director

The process of economic development is rooted in the act of implementing strategic steps that result in the creation of a sustainable, vibrant and supportive community. The recent senseless actions that led to the death of George Floyd a week ago is deeply troubling. Those events and the underlying roots of actions are anathema to any possibility of economic development. We also must remember that George Floyd’s murder was not an isolated incident – and that there are tragic historical elements that must be realized, confronted, and met with strong and consistent actions and efforts.

Thurston County is a community that values healthy communities – we cherish our children and youth; we respect our neighbors, we see partnerships in the pillars of our community. The Thurston Economic Development Council is a broadly constructed organization – comprised of leaders from the entire region brought together to create a dynamic and sustainable economy that supports the values of the people who live and work here. We have a strong ethos of service, partnership and inclusiveness – but we can and must do more to ensure that our organization and its leadership reflect the diversity of our community. We will invest in making that happen going forwards.

We must stand in solidarity with those in the Black community and with people of color everywhere. We must use economic development and investment in communities of color as one tool to eradicate systemic racism. We will also examine our organization’s work and programs to ensure that objective is expressly incorporated and reflected in what we do. Without that solidarity and supportive network that communion brings, there can be no true economic development. We all have a role in building a truly dynamic and vibrant community.

Natasha Ashenhurst2020-06-05T17:58:00-07:00

Privacy Policy

© Copyright    |   Thurston Economic Development Council   |   All Rights Reserved
FacebookLinkedInTwitter
Page load link
Go to Top