Invest in Island County’s Economic Future
By becoming a member of the Economic Development Council for Island County (EDC), you are investing in the long-term economic vitality of Whidbey and Camano Islands.
Economic development is the intentional effort to strengthen a community’s economic well-being and quality of life. It involves supporting local businesses, encouraging entrepreneurship, improving infrastructure, and fostering partnerships that create jobs and a resilient, sustainable economy.
As a nonprofit organization, the EDC relies on the support of member investors and sponsors to carry out this important work. By becoming a member, businesses help strengthen the EDC’s ability to advocate for policies and initiatives that support a strong local economy while also amplifying the voice of Island County’s business community.
The EDC serves as Island County’s designated Associate Development Organization with the Washington State Department of Commerce and works collaboratively with local businesses, elected officials, chambers of commerce, workforce development partners, educational institutions, nonprofits, and community organizations. Together, we address key economic challenges such as workforce development, housing availability, infrastructure needs, business growth, and economic resilience.
The EDC’s work includes both forward-facing activities, such as business outreach, advocacy, networking, and connecting entrepreneurs with resources, as well as the behind-the-scenes coordination that drives long-term economic progress. This includes research, grant development, regional collaboration, and strategic planning that bring new resources and opportunities into Island County.
Your membership investment helps support:
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Advocacy that ensures Island County businesses have a strong voice in economic policy and community discussions
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Business outreach and support for entrepreneurs and existing businesses
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Workforce development partnerships that align employers with training and education programs
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Economic research and data that inform community decision-making
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Grant development and funding opportunities that bring state and federal resources into Island County
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Regional collaboration with chambers, government agencies, educational institutions, and nonprofit partners
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Programs and initiatives that strengthen Island County’s long-term economic resilience
EDC members also help select the leadership that guides the organization and shapes the priorities we champion. Through membership, local businesses gain a stronger collective voice in the conversations and decisions that influence the economic future of our region.