2023/03/15 Council Agenda Packet

Economic Alliance SNOHOMISH COUNTY RELOCATION AND RENT ASSISTANCE Focus on technical assistance, business incubation programs and reestablishing the Everett Chamber of Commerce Economic Alliance Snohomish County (EASC) requests $300,000 in American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funds for office relocation and rent assistance for two years. This request also supports our intention to reestablish the Everett Chamber of Commerce, providing expanded services and coordination of economic development activities for the Everett small business community. Economic Alliance Snohomish County (EASC) works to connect businesses to valuable relationships and resources, drive business and community initiatives to improve our region, and advocate for business with a unified voice. As the largest regional chamber and economic development organization in Snohomish County, EASC works on behalf of our members to advocate for sound public policy that fosters business development, job creation and community growth throughout Snohomish County. Our mission is to lead economic growth through collaboration with the leadership in our communities and by providing a business - friendly environment where companies can thrive. EASC convenes, coordinates, facilitates, and leads economic development efforts that: • Drive the creation of a highly skilled workforce that meets the future needs of employers • Increase the number of jobs • Grow our residents' average household income • Support innovation through the creation and growth of entrepreneurship and business start- • ups • Expand area businesses through increased access to information and resources that will lead to • greater customer exposure and greater success • Retain local companies • Assist local companies in expanding; and • Recruit new companies within targeted industry clusters In 2011, the Economic Development Council of Snohomish County, the Everett Chamber of Commerce, and the South Snohomish County Chamber of Commerce merged to create Economic Alliance Snohomish County. These three organizations knew their combined efforts would be strengthened to further drive Snohomish County's economic vitality. The office location in South Everett was chosen as the most equitable for the merging organizations. It wasn't long before the Everett Chamber and the South County Chamber (now known as the Lynnwood Chamber) reemerged as their own separate organizations again. Unfortunately. the Everett Chamber folded again in 2012. Fast forward to March 2020. COVID-19 hit, and it hit hard. 1