Announcements

EDC Announces Energy Retrofit Training for Contractors April 18-21

The San Juan County Economic Development Council (EDC) announces an Energy Efficiency Retrofit Technician training for currently employed or recently unemployed contractors and builders. This training will stimulate green jobs, drive market transformation, and improve energy efficiency in new and existing homes.

In partnership with, and with a grant from, the Northwest Workforce Council, the EDC will offer the training through the Building Performance Center (BPC) in Bellingham, WA. The workshop will be held over four days at the BPC, from April 18th through the 21st. The training will touch on energy-efficiency strategies, systematic home assessments and repairs, and energy retrofit analyses. Participants will leave with certification as Energy Efficiency Retrofit Technicians.

Class size is limited to 12 participants. Please contact the EDC by March 18th to reserve a space: 360-378-2906 or email info@sanjuansedc.org. The $500 cost of the training has been entirely underwritten by the grant from the Northwest Workforce Council; contractors are required to pay only a $50 non-refundable deposit when reserving their space. For additional information about the content of the class and the core competencies you will learn, see: Core Competencies for retrofit class.pdf.

The Building Performance Center provides a wide spectrum of technical training geared towards diagnosing problems associated with the indoor living environment, energy efficiency, building durability and occupant comfort.   For more information on the Building Performance Center: http://bpc.oppco.org.

The Northwest Workforce Council advocates for regional workforce needs, works to build a skilled workforce, invests in training, and targets industry sectors through collaborative partnerships and resource investment of training dollars. Additionally, they oversee full service WorkSource centers in Northwest Washington, including the Career Center at 540 Guard Street in Friday Harbor. For more information on the Northwest Workforce Council: www.nwboard.org.

The San Juan County Economic Development Council (EDC) strives to strengthen and diversify the economy of San Juan County. We believe a strong economy builds a strong community. The EDC works to build an environment that helps business owners create jobs. We serve business: linking organizations and resources, providing valuable information, rendering assistance and advocating for an improved island business environment. 

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FREE workshop on hiring employees October 26th

Need a little help around the office but are afraid to take the first steps to hiring an employee?  Wondering what the difference is between an employee and a contractor, or how to screen employees? 

Learn what you must do, what you should do, and what you should avoid when hiring employees at a FREE two hour workshop presented by the San Juan County Economic Development Council, on Tuesday, October 26 from 9-11 a.m.

The workshop course material will be presented by Cathy Cavanagh, noted small business consultant and local CPA.  Cavanagh works with clients throughout the United States and the Virgin Islands, and has over 30 years of experience as a real estate consultant and small business educator.

Date:  Tuesday, October 26, from 9-11 a.m., at Skagit Valley College’s Community Room, 221 Weber Way, Friday Harbor.  Advance registration recommended:  call 360-378-2906 to reserve your space, or email:  info@sanjuansedc.org.   The EDC thanks Skagit Valley College and San Juan County for supporting our Business Education Series.

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FREE workshop on business planning and financing November 3

The San Juan County Economic Development Council will present a FREE half-day workshop for small businesses and entrepreneurs on San Juan Island on Wednesday, November 3, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.  The class will be held in the community room at Skagit Valley College, 221 Weber Way, Friday Harbor.

The business and financing workshop course material will be presented by James McCafferty, director of the Skagit/San Juan Islands Small Business Development Center, and a management consultant for over 10 years. 

As part of the workshop, McCafferty will cover business financing, discuss a variety of financing options and will provide a reality check for those considering a new or expanded business venture.   He will be available for one-on-one consultation after the workshop.

Participants in the workshop will leave with the resources and support they need to create a business plan including a realistic financial plan.  In addition, McCafferty will cover current federal and Washington State tax incentive programs for small businesses.

Date:  Wednesday, November 3, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.  Advance registration recommended.  Sponsored by the San Juan County Economic Development Council and hosted by Skagit Valley College, 221 Weber Way, Friday Harbor.  Call 360-378-2906 to reserve your space, or email:  info@sanjuansedc.org.  The EDC thanks Skagit Valley College and San Juan County for supporting our Business Education Series.

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FREE Business Financing Seminar presented by the EDC - November 8

Learn about a variety of business financing options available from traditional and alternative agencies and lenders, during a Business Financing Seminar presented by the San Juan County Economic Development Council.  The event will be held at the Mullis Street Fire Hall, 1011 Mullis Street, Friday Harbor, on Monday, November 8, from 9-11 a.m.

Attendees will meet representatives from financing agencies, including the SBA, the USDA, EFACWA, the Northwest Women’s Business Center, local lenders, and more – over eight representatives will attend.  Participants will leave the seminar knowing which program will best suit their businesses’ needs. 

Topics will include local, state and federal loan and grant sources, loan requirements, the recent expansion of federal funding through federal and state agencies, export financing assistance, alternative financing options, hiring incentives and other services available to assist businesses.

The EDC thanks San Juan County, the Town of Friday Harbor and the Ports of Friday Harbor and Lopez for supporting our Business Financing Seminar.

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