10 great reasons to Choose Washington.
Meteorologists in Washington use the term Convergence Zone to describe weather patterns that disrupt the atmosphere, allowing it to be cold and rainy in one place and sunny and warm just a few miles away.
Convergence Zone describes our economy as well since different ideas converge, mix, blend and interact to create something that hasn’t been seen before. Convergence fuels our economy and drives a culture of creativity that allows us to take the world by storm with our new ideas and innovations.
#1 – Innovative
Washington is known the world over as the place where the “next big thing” begins. It is a state of firsts. Residents put a cellphone in your one hand and a latte in the other, ushered in the age of affordable jet airline travel, rocked your world with the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain, Heart and Macklemore, broke new ground in computing with some Windows and Words, and turned red hot sand into stunning works of art (thanks Dale Chihuly). The kidney dialysis machine and portable heart defibrillator were developed in Washington, too. So was the world’s first espresso cart, tree farm and yum! — Cinnabons.
#2 – Collaborative
Proximity and openness are central to spawning new ideas. Global brands and startups are often right next to each other, and industries that seem to have nothing in common — aerospace, agriculture/food manufacturing, clean energy, creative economy, forest products, information and communication technology, life science/global health, maritime, military & defense, and tourism — readily join together to share ideas, perform groundbreaking R&D and develop new products that disrupt the marketplace.
#3 – Curious
As witnessed by our bevy of bookstores and public libraries, Washington residents are curious by nature. 36.7% of the population has a Bachelor’s degree or higher, and the state’s public universities, private and public colleges, 34 community colleges and workforce training programs ensure a steady supply of highly educated and skilled workers.
#4 – Interconnected
Washington’s transportation network includes 75 ports, 139 airports, and 3,300 miles of roadways and the state is equidistant to European and Asian markets, making it the ideal place for exporting products and services. The Internet and Washington are one: broadband is widely available, and the state is investing heavily in expanding networks, particularly in rural communities.
#5 – Energetic
Washington leads the nation in its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. The state has committed itself to deriving 100% of its energy from clean, zero-carbon sources by 2045. Washington’s network of hydroelectric power plants is the largest in the nation, allowing the state to offer some of the lowest-cost energy in the U.S.
#6 – Independent
Being one of the last states to be settled or granted statehood, Washington is fiercely independent. It has been a leader in advancing the causes of human and equal rights and active in social and civil issues that divide other states. Out-of-the-box thinking is the norm, not the exception, and residents are proud of the fact that they dance to the beat of a different drum.
#7 – Diverse
Washington celebrates diversity at all levels. Our varied climate covers seven distinct ecosystems, from the extremely wet shores of the Pacific to the plains-like lands of Eastern Washington, which enjoy more sunshine annually than many parts of Florida. Our people are equally diverse. Every creed, color, religion and ethnic group imaginable can be found within the state’s borders, creating a rich landscape of multicultural influences that is a great source of state pride.
#8 – Resilient
We don’t accept defeat easily. From the historic fires that leveled city centers to the ups and downs of an economy that once relied too heavily on a single industry, Washington’s residents continue to dust themselves off in times of adversity and recommit themselves to achieving unbridled success. A success that strikes a delicate balance between progress and preservation, ensuring the sustainability of the state’s resources.
#9 – Eclectic
Washington offers an unparalleled quality of life, one that is as eclectic and energetic as it is diverse. There are plenty of cultural events to explore, world-class museums, restaurants, wineries, galleries, theaters, symphonies, opera and ballet, and a calendar of events, celebrations and festivals that is ever-changing and even slightly overwhelming, especially in the summer.
#10 – Savvy
True, Washington State is tucked away in the northwest corner of the United States. But don’t think for a moment that we’re out of sight or out of mind. Residents are very well informed about the world, leading the way when it comes to embracing new ideas. And we have our own pulse and rhythm that drives our natural curiosity, passion for lifelong learning, competitive nature and pursuit of success in our personal and professional lives.
About those pesky rumors…
We’ve heard the whispers. The innuendo. The scurrilous rumors. In the interest of transparency, we’ll address them all head on in what we call The Rumor Mill. Here, you’ll find out the truth about taxes, traffic, weather and our little known incentive package.
office hours
M-F: 8am – 5pm
Address
2001 Sixth Ave., Suite 2600, Seattle, WA 98121
Phone
(206) 256-6100