When it comes to business growth, you couldn't pick a better time to come to Skagit County! The economy is booming now, and is seen as one of the fastest growing areas in all Washington state.

In addition to agriculture, fishing, timber and wood products, business in Skagit County has grown with tourism, specialized manufacturing, and international trade. And with the addition of the huge malls and professional/personal trades, the county is ahead of the national curve.

The reasons for this growth are easily evident to most who live here. The quality of life overall in Skagit Valley makes it easy to call home. With quick and easy access to all points north-south-east-west, the Valley has become a hub of commerce. Accessible ports in Anacortes allow national and international shipping, and makes us the center of the state's petroleum industry. And there is considerable "spill-over" of employees from nearby areas wanting to live more affordably in the Valley.

Specifically, Skagit County is outpacing the state in job growth. One of the strongest areas of our business sector is the industrial diversification. Unlike other areas, our manufacturing companies are not mutually reliant on one another. So economic downturns for one company doesn't necessarily affect the others.

Another big factor which is predicted to make Skagit County a preferred growth area for employers is the strong labor force that exists here. That, along with ample room for expansion and lower tax bases gives Skagit County an edge over many other areas.

If you'd like to read and learn more about the bright forecasts for business in Skagit County, we've added some links. The Skagit Business Pulse follows all the local business news. The Work Force Explorer is your source for Washington's labor market information. The Skagit Valley Herald is Skagit County's largest newspaper.