The Economic Alliance Uniting Communities.
Rob led a historic effort bringing together the cities of Carnation, Duvall, North Bend, and Snoqualmie along with the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe and the King County Department of Local Services for unincorporated King County. They are working jointly to address economic development. It is an extension of the work through the SnoValley Innovation Center that Rob founded in 2018.
These are some of the initiatives:
- Partnering with Empower Youth Network, the Riverview and Snoqualmie Valley School Districts with business host Remlinger Farms, held the very first immersive business experience dubbed the Valley Innovation Project" welcomed 14 high school students and eight team mentors in April-May 2024
- Applied for a USDA Local Agricultural Marketing Program grant to support farms and local farm products across Snoqualmie Valley (pending approval).
- Along with the help of the SnoValley and Seattle Metro chambers, applied for a Microlender grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce, along with or partner organization, Denkyem Coop in Renton. If successful, this will lead the way to establishing a longer term revolving fund to help foster economic development, and business growth across Snoqualmie Valley.
- With local governments, the Alliance is working to establish local gathering places, essentially year-round outdoor incubators for art, music, and local crafts.
- Every week, the SnoValley Innovation Center hosts Innovation Fridays, in-person at the SVIC Community Room with a virtual option to help startups and local businesses wanting to grow.