Invest in our future
This campaign is about investing in the future of Yakima County. The funds raised will fuel initiatives that foster economic development, create job opportunities, and enhance the overall quality of life for everyone in our community.
For more information about the campaign, and partnership opportunities, or to become an investor contact our Investor Relations Director; Terry Edmands.
2024 - 2028 Initiatives
Initiative One
Build a strong workforce: Train, attract & retain
YCDA Role:
- Connect Yakima County businesses with existing training programs to meet their workforce needs.
- Develop and deploy customized year-round training with partner ocranizations to address the professional development needs of local employers.
- Track and report workforce trends for Yakima County's key industry clusters.
- Strengthen methods of connecting local graduates with loal jobs.
Initiative Two
Fostering success and growth with local business
YCDA Role:
- Provide one-on-one business outreach in English and Spanish with local businesses to facilitate timely solutions to their unique needs.
- Continue to host WSU's Small Business Development Center (SBDC) certified Advisor.
- Assist businesses to navigate site selection, permitting, regulations, worfkforce, and funding.
- Host large-scale resource fairs to connect business owners with subject matter experts in Strategy, Entrepreneurship, and Business Development.
- Host events to showcase local business accomplishments.
- Maintain a comprehensive online database of local businesses to guide strategic decisions.
- Provide leadership to establish a professionally managed venture capital investment fund that is overseen by local leaders.
- Provide industry-specific training to craft beverage, Ag-tech, Childcare, and other industry clusters.
Initiative Three
Bring New Industry, Jobs, and investment to Yakima County
YCDA Role:
- Proactively maintain and develop relationships with site selectors and local commercial real estate professionals.
- Research, identify, and target companies that aligh with local development goals, and have growth potential to support our economy.
- Assist businesses from outside the area to establish operations in Yakima County.
- Develop and distribute compelling marketing materials to targeted industry site selectors.
- Invite local businesses to co-exhibit at select trade-shows.
Initiative Four
Develop Infrastructure for a thriving economy
YCDA Role
- Identify, qualify, and advise project funding through the Supporting Investments in Economic Development (SIED) program.
- Provide economic impact analysis for public works projects that support job and business growth.
- Help reduce the costs and risks associated with private development.
- Assist local cities and the county in streamlining and improving permitting and regulartory processes.
- Support and pursue funding for transportation, private & public utilities, and broadband throughout Yakima County.
- Provide economic development training and advice to local cities and towns.
WANT TO GET INVOLVED?
We are asking business and community leaders to join our existing investors in our efforts by helping in three ways:
Be informed about the Choose Yakima Valley initiative and the benefits of its strategic economic development initiatives.
Accept a call from our team to discuss the program and your contributions to this vital economic development initiative to enhance the Yakima Valley’s economy.
Support this critically important project as your time and resources permit. Becoming an investor lets everyone know that you and your firm are committed to enhancing the economy of the Yakima Valley. You will be recognized publicly for your contribution.
Join us in ensuring the Yakima Valley’s economic future is bright and not left to chance.
With optimism for the future and warm personal regards,
Jonathan Smith, CEcD
Executive Director, Yakima County
Development Association
What Businesses are saying
Become an investor!
Becoming an investor lets everyone know that you and your firm are committed to enhancing the economy of the Yakima Valley and mutual prosperity. You will be recognized publicly for your contribution.