
Choose Yakima Valley 2019-2023
Investment Campaign

Our Promise to Yakima County
The purpose of the Choose Yakima Valley campaign is to stimulate economic prosperity for all by generating jobs and capital investment in the Yakima Valley.
This 5-year campaign will raise over $3 million for local business development, and bring 2,500 jobs to the area and nearly $93 Million in new earnings and payroll annually.
Initiatives
Initiative One
Expand and Retain Existing Industries
Actions & Goals:
- Identify Yakima County’s economic opportunities and challenges and assist businesses with strategic planning and solutions.
- Connect business leaders with Yakima County companies through events such as industry roundtables to enable conversations and interactions.
- Create and execute an industry recognition program to enhance public awareness of Yakima County’s business achievements and contributions.
- Provide ongoing workforce development services to Yakima County employers; offering half-day sessions for higher-level certifications.
- Include county businesses as co-exhibitors with us at select trade shows.
Initiative Two
Recruit New Industry
Actions & Goals:
- Create and market a one-stop comprehensive website to provide site selectors and businesses with the critical information necessary to make informed decisions about locating to Yakima County.
- Provide customized business relocation packets to companies that leverage Yakima County’s unique economic and business environment.
- Actively engage site selectors and national commercial real estate representatives that specialize in Yakima County’s identified target sectors.
- Identify and actively recruit suppliers and customers of Yakima County companies.
- Develop marketing materials that emphasize business advantages of locating facilities in Yakima County.
- Partner with economic development allies and site selectors to promote Yakima County to their clients.
Initiative Three
Strengthen the Business Environment to Improve Quality of Place
Actions & Goals:
- Develop and execute workforce development programs to address the needs of Yakima County’s employers.
- Attract and retain skilled workers and professionals to the area through various initiatives including job fairs, the relocation guide, and welcome receptions for new residents.
- Administer the Supporting Investments in Economic Development (SIED) program to fund Public Works Infrastructure improvements such as road, water, and sewer that result in new jobs.
- Serve as an active voice for business on federal and state policy issues.
- Engage elected officials in the economic development processes through workshops and seminars that highlight their role in Yakima County’s economic growth.
- Post Yakima County news related to business growth, new jobs, private investment, infrastructure, etc., on our comprehensive website.
- Expand Industry Roundtables to include discussion among business leaders on Yakima County business issues
Initiative Four
Encourage Small Business Growth
Actions & Goals:
- Host the local office of Washington State’s Small Business Development Center network where a Certified Business Advisor provides business development training, counseling, and advisory services to Yakima County’s businesses and entrepreneurs.
- Assist in area incubator and accelerator programs throughout the county.
- Continue the annual Enterprise Challenge Business Plan Competition to identify, assist, and launch small business ventures in Yakima County.
- Strengthen partnerships with other small business service providers including Rural Community Development Resources, SCORE and local chambers of commerce.
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.