The EDC attended the 2007 Medical Device & Manufacturing (MD&MWest) conference/trade show in Anaheim, CA this February. The event boasted well over 1,000 exhibitors offering products and services to the medical device industry. The EDC attended to understand the scope of the industry and assess what types of companies might be candidates to locate in Snohomish County. The objective is to grow our region's current industry by having a solid support infrastructure, including suppliers, located close to their operations.

With advice from local device manufacturers, the EDC targeted exhibitors from three sectors; injection molding, contract manufacturing and sterilization. 20 firms were identified with whom we wanted to initiate conversations about Snohomish County, though there is no indication of any near or short term expansion plans at this point. Long term success in meeting the objective is to work with local firms so they understand our interest in supporting them, which should generate either additional sector recommendations or introductions to specific supplier firms.

Thank you to all EDC Investors. For a complete list or for information on becoming an investor, please visit the EDC website.

Congratulations to the Port of Edmonds as Marina Dock Age Magazine's 2006 Marina of the Year! Between 50 and 100 of the 12,000 marinas in the United States applied. The Port of Edmonds is the first West Coast port to receive this prestigious award. State of the art cleaning systems, community educational programs and the 50-ton boat lift, are just a few of the Port's attractive features. However, Executive Director, Chris Keuss believes that they received the award due to two very successful customer oriented programs, Destination: Port of Edmonds and the Weather Center.

Initiated in 2004 to attract more visitors to the marina and to Edmonds, Destination: Port of Edmonds is a collaboration between the Port and the business community. While visiting, guest boaters have over 100 slips to choose from, and the Port provides a courtesy shuttle that transports guests to downtown Edmonds where they can shop, dine and stroll. To attract visitors, the port has put together a coupon book with discounts at over 70 restaurants and shops. "Local companies love the program and visitors get a chance to see the city," says Keuss, "We all benefit."

The second program, and one of the newest features at the Port, is their Weather Center. The station was created by request from the Rotary Club of Edmonds, and in partnership with the Edmonds School District. Three monitors display weather statistics, Doppler radar information and a short video. There are also two panels explaining tidal and cloud patterns. The videos and panels were scripted, produced and created by students from the Edmonds Home School Resource Center. As the station is outside, boaters, scuba divers or just passers-by can learn all about the weather. Keuss beams with pride, "This Weather Center is truly a one-of-a-kind!"

It has been a good year for the Port, and all of this success could not have happened without a great leader. Keuss's hard work was recognized in the community when he named the Edmonds Citizen of the Year, sponsored by Sno-King Kiwanis of Edmonds, Edmonds Senior Kiwanis, and in association with the Edmonds Beacon. Keuss was selected from a pool of 13 formidable nominees.

The Port's success did not happen overnight. Founded in 1948, the Port of Edmonds has gone through several rough years, including most recently the winter storm of 1996, when several of its structures collapsed. Over $13 million was spent to rebuild their facilities with state of the art equipment. The Port of Edmonds has come a long way since 1948, and they don't plan on stopping anytime soon. Next on the list is the revitalization of the Edmonds waterfront, including mixed-use property development. The Port is excited to involve the community, but knows this will be a long and challenging process. Though this project is still in the planning phase, Keuss predicts that this development will set the tone for the waterfront for the next 50 to 75 years.

For more information about the Port of Edmonds, please visit their website at www.portofedmonds.org.

Everett Explosion Basketball is different from other Everett teams in one important aspect – the ownership is local.

Nathan Mumm a 33-year-old native of Everett, WA and graduate of Marysville Pilchuck High School, left college early to accept a job offered by a young software company in Redmond called Microsoft. After 13 years as a Lead Program Manager, Mumm built the skill and experience in business and marketing needed as CEO and General Manager of the Explosion Basketball team. As the new CEO and President of Courtyard Media INC, along with being General Manager of Explosion Basketball, Nathan united his sports passion with business expertise.

As a previous co-owner of an expansion IBL (International Basketball League), he saw the wide-open opportunity to bring professional basketball to Snohomish County. That opportunity became a reality when Nathan joined with 11 other local owners and brought the Explosion Basketball Team to the Everett Events Center April 10, 2007. This league is known for its fast paced, high scoring games. Scores average 120 points per team per game. Players come from across the nation and from our own backyard. Darrell Walker and Corby Schuh are both from Marysville and teach in the Marysville School District.

"We bring a local flavor to Snohomish County sports. Several of us were born and raised right here in Snohomish County. We know the area and the people. We want Snohomish County residents to be able to see sports HERE, and bring jobs to people who do not want to leave Snohomish County," said Mumm. "I think there are a lot of people like me who enjoy sports but do not want the hassle of driving to King County to see a team play. We are an up and coming county, we need the recreational opportunities right here in our backyard – I believe the Explosion can fill that need," he added. Along with Mumm, several other owners were born and raised right here along with most of the staff. Front office personnel come from Everett, Marysville, Monroe, Lake Stevens and Snohomish. The Explosion will have home games from April 10th through June 28th. Ticket and game information can be found at www.everettexplosion.com.

Thanks to PTAC, Magruder Upholstery was awarded a $215,000 contract to upholster Community Transit's buses. Owner, Sue Magruder, cites PTAC's efforts as the catalyst that resulted in the award. "PTAC helped me register my business so that I could be contacted for this contract. I am so grateful to them." And, thanks to the 2005 Diversity Business Expo where Sue first met Community Transit representatives.

Magruder Upholstery is nestled on the outskirts of Snohomish, Washington. Magruder launched her company in 1989 as a home based business and moved it into a local storefront in 1998. Although home furniture is the primary source of her business, in the last three years custom auto and boat interiors as well as motorcycle seats have been added to the full service line.

"We also had an increase in business after we exhibited at the Everett Boat Show," she said. "I strongly encourage all small businesses to take part in Everett's trade shows. They're great!" PTAC's expertise in landing government contracts led to Magruder's first big job. Sue said it simply. "I thank God for PTAC." Magruder will be moving her business to larger quarters in Snohomish early this summer.