In communities across Washington, young people are asking, “What’s next for me?” Meanwhile, employers are asking, “Where’s the next generation of talent?”
Over the next five years alone, more than 1 million Washington residents will be 65 or older. That demographic shift will significantly shrink the available workforce as more people than ever retire, leaving many employers struggling to fill vacancies with qualified workers.

In a vital initiative aimed at directly empowering the local economy, Greater Spokane Inc. (GSI), in partnership with the Journal of Business, has officially launched the Spokane Regional Business Assessment & Needs Survey. This crucial survey is designed to gather real-time, valuable insights directly from business owners and leaders across the entire Spokane region.

Washington has a history of creativity and invention. Medical breakthroughs, aerospace and software innovations, and advancements in energy generation are just a few Washington ideas that have changed the world.
Our state has many brilliant thinkers and makers, and even more potential to grow. What we don’t have is a long-term economic plan to face the challenges of the next 15 years.