October 2009

University of Washington Business and Economic Development Center Green Economy Network

Clean Energy in Washington: Sign up to tour the Desert Claim Wind Power Project with the BEDC

Over the next decade there will be approximately $728 million in new wind farm construction in Washington, Oregon and Idaho.  The construction of nearly 4,000 wind turbines provides an opportunity for minority- and women-owned contracting firms with expertise in areas from electrical systems installation to road building and from engineering design to environmental remediation with an opportunity to significantly grow revenues and profits.

EnXco, one of the world’s largest developers of wind farms, is currently awaiting approval of a permit to begin construction of its Desert Claim Wind Power Project outside of Ellensburg. This project will erect 95 wind turbines that would supply power for 57,000 homes.

EnXco is working with the BEDC and NW Minority Supplier Development Council to host a site tour on November 4 of the Desert Claim Wind Power Project for minority-owned and women-owned businesses to learn more about the project so they can be ready to bid on work when it becomes available. 

To learn more about this tour and to register to attend, please visit our Green Economy Website.

Profile of Green Success: DKA Architecture

Under the guidance of Donald King, DKA seized the opportunity to work in the green economy well before "building green" became the new normal of business. With over two decades of experience in environmentally conscious design, DKA was well positioned to re-brand and market themselves as the local leader in green architecture. [read full article]

“If you don’t go with the trend or things that make you more effective in business, then you’re not going to stay in business.”

As companies seek out environmentally friendly goods and services to reduce costs a new “green economy” is emerging. Much like the technology revolution in the 1990s, the emerging green economy offers opportunities to firms who can be among the early movers. Washington State’s economy is at the center of this change and the BEDC has launched an initiative to insure that minority- and women-owned small businesses have the information they need to profit from this economic evolution.

The BEDC is providing the minority business community with opportunities to learn about the green economy and participate in this new business movement. These monthly emails will provide you with information on four main areas within the green economy: Education, Market Opportunities, Profiles of Success, and Industry Trends.

We encourage you to contact us with questions or to let us know how we can better serve you.

Program Sponsor

Through the generous financial support of Citi Foundation, the BEDC is taking the initiative to provide the minority business community with opportunities to learn about the green economy and participate in this new business movement. The BEDC thanks Citi Foundation for their generous support and initiative in supporting the growth of minority-owned companies in Washington State's green economy.