Economic development is of major importance to the state of Washington. The attraction of new business, retention and expansion of businesses of all size, marketing of Washington products to foreign countries, job development and training, attraction of tourists to the state, and having an adequate infrastructure to support these activities are top priorities for the state of Washington. While the Department of Commerce and Economic Development is the primary agency involved with these matters, several other agencies are involved in related activities such as job and community development. In order to provide better coordination between these agencies, it is desirable that an Interagency Economic Development Coordinating Council be established.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, John Spellman, Governor of the state of Washington, by virtue of the authority vested in me, do hereby order and direct the following:
A. A council known as the Interagency Economic Development Coordinating Council shall be established.
B. The Council shall be composed of the director (or the equivalent) of such cabinet and non-cabinet agencies, boards, commissions, councils or institutions, and such staff persons, as the Governor shall determine will assist in achieving integrated, consistent, and comprehensive state policies and activities in furtherance of economic development. Initial membership includes the directors of the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Commerce and Economic Development, the Department of Ecology, the Department of Employment Security, the Department of Revenue, the Office of Financial Management, the Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises, the Energy Office, the Commission for Vocational Education, the State Board for Community College Education, the Small Business Development Center, and the Governor's Assistant for Education. The Governor shall designate the chair or chairpersons of the Council. The Council shall meet regularly and shall create subcommittees as needed to deal with specific issues or concerns.
C. The Council shall review the administrative efforts of its member agencies to provide adequate infrastructure support, small business development coordination, and other actions necessary to, foster economic development within the State of Washington.
D. The Council shall report periodically its recommendations for action to the Governor, who shall disseminate them to the legislature and the public.