Encouraging innovation a key to Whatcom's economic growth

An encouraging sign Whatcom County is pushing for a more vibrant economy is the amount of work being done to attract entrepreneurs to this area.

The Northwest Economic Council was recently awarded $99,000 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to promote the success of startup businesses in Whatcom County. This funding will go toward assisting entrepreneurs in the creation of businesses that support this area's retirement communities, said Diane Kamionka, who has been working with NWEC to develop a strategy for the new Innovation Resource Center. The center will be separate from the NWEC and have its own board.