International Economic Development Leaders to Visit the Greater Seattle Region to Explore Investment and Partnership Opportunities
The delegation representing over 20 countries will tour sites throughout the region in King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties
Seattle, WA – The Americas Competitiveness Exchange (ACE) will welcome 60 senior-level government, business, policy and economic decision-makers from across the Americas to get a first-hand look at the greater Seattle region’s economic, innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem May 14 – May 19, 2023.
Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) is hosting ACE Greater Seattle in partnership with the Washington State Department of Commerce. The program is being developed in collaboration with Greater Seattle Partners (GSP), under the guidance of the Organization of American States (OAS), United States Economic Development Administration (EDA), International Trade Administration and Department of State.
Fourteen ACE events have been conducted in the United States, Mexico, Argentina, Canada, Germany, Israel, Chile and Ecuador since the EDA, in coordination with the Department of State and the OAS, launched the program in 2014.
The delegates will meet with leaders from established and emerging economic sectors to explore the region’s dynamic and inventive sectors including information technology, aerospace, space, maritime, higher education, life sciences and global health.
Among the regional sites the ACE will highlight:
- Microsoft will invite the group to their Redmond campus to discuss AI and Cloud platform technology.
- Chateau Ste. Michelle and Woodinville Wine Country will host a reception for the delegation and highlight Washington’s thriving viniculture industry.
- University of Washington Seattle and Tacoma will showcase technology innovation education opportunities and efforts to accelerate adoption of clean energy technology.
- Boeing will host the group for a tour of their Everett factory facility followed by a discussion of the public-private partnership that has led to commercial aviation success at Snohomish County Paine Field Airport.
- The Suquamish Tribe will share about tribal revitalization efforts at the House of Awakened Culture community center.
- The Port of Tacoma will host a boat tour of the waterfront focused on supply chain and logistics and the Port of Seattle will facilitate a discussion on aviation sustainability technology.
- Amazon will facilitate a discussion about Amazon Web Services and innovation in the Americas and will invite the delegation to the Amazon Spheres for a closing ceremony to solidify collaboration fostered throughout the week.
Governor Jay Inslee, State of Washington
“We are excited for the opportunity to host the Americas Competitiveness Exchange in Seattle,” said Governor Jay Inslee. “This represents a great opportunity to share innovative advancements in our leading industries and encourage international partnerships that strengthen our communities. I’d like to welcome the delegation to Washington and thank our local and federal partners for the work it takes to ensure a successful mission.”
Josh Brown, Executive Director of Puget Sound Regional Council, Lead Local Host of ACE Greater Seattle
“We look forward to witnessing the collaboration fostered as the Americas Competitiveness Exchange international delegation of economic development leaders visits so many exciting locations across King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish Counties,” said Josh Brown, Executive Director of the Puget Sound Regional Council, the lead host agency for the ACE visit to the Greater Seattle. We are grateful to each and every business, educational institution and elected official, as well as our co-host, the Washington State Department of Commerce, for their partnership in creating this opportunity to showcase our region.”
Brian Surrat, President and Chief Executive Officer, Greater Seattle Partners
“We are excited to welcome this influential delegation to Greater Seattle to showcase our ecosystem of innovative, diverse, and ambitious companies and communities. The leaders from this delegation will experience directly why our region is the perfect place to work, build ideas, and change the world.”
About EDA
The U.S. Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth. More info: EDA.gov
About America’s Competitiveness Exchange
ACE is the premier economic development, innovation and entrepreneurial network of the Americas, bringing together international and regional decision-makers to create economic development opportunities by building global commercial relationships at a local, regional and state level. It is presented twice a year by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), in coordination with the U.S. Department of State and the Organization of American States (OAS).
About PSRC
The mission of Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) is to advance solutions to achieve a thriving, racially equitable and sustainable central Puget Sound region through leadership, visionary planning and collaboration. PSRC is composed of nearly 100 members in King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties, including the four county governments, cities and towns, ports, state and local transportation agencies and Tribal governments within the region. PSRC.org
About the Washington State Department of Commerce
Commerce works with local governments, businesses, community-based organizations and tribes to strengthen communities. The department’s diverse portfolio of more than 100 programs and effective public and private partnerships promote sustainable community and economic development to help all Washingtonians thrive. For more information, visit http://www.commerce.wa.gov. For information on locating or expanding a business in Washington, visit choosewashingtonstate.com.
About Greater Seattle Partners
Greater Seattle Partners (GSP) is a public-private partnership that leads regional economic development through global business attraction, site selection and investment and trade opportunities in the greater Seattle region. GSP collaborates with community and economic development partners to ensure that every person in the Puget Sound region has the opportunity to prosper. We strive to attract and retain quality family/living wage jobs across all communities of the region. Throughout the world we tell the story of our talent, pioneering spirit, unique communities, and quality of life. For more information visit Greater-Seattle.com.
PSRC Media Contact: Robin Koskey, RKoskey@psrc.org
Select site visits across the region open to the press. Please e-mail for details.