Why Tri-Cities
The Tri-Cities, WA, offers a vibrant and rapidly growing business climate, making it an ideal location for expanding your business. Situated in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, the region boasts a highly skilled workforce, a thriving tech sector, and world-class food and beverage manufacturers. Coupled with an exceptional quality of life and an affordable cost of living, the Tri-Cities stands out as a prime choice for business. Here, you’ll find better locations, faster permitting, and a supportive environment that fosters success.
Diverse Economy. The Tri-Cities boasts a diverse economic base, with strong sectors in agriculture, food processing, energy, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. This diversity helps stabilize the local economy and provides a wide range of opportunities for businesses. The Tri-Cities economy continues to out-perform its neighbors and is the bright spot in Washington State and across the nation.
Innovation Hub. The presence of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and the legacy of the Hanford Site make the Tri-Cities a center for innovation in science, technology, and environmental research. This environment fosters collaboration between businesses, government, and research institutions.
Affordable Cost of Living. The relatively low cost of living, combined with affordable real estate, makes the Tri-Cities an attractive place for businesses and employees. This affordability contributes to lower operating costs for businesses compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Strategic Location. The Tri-Cities is strategically located at the confluence of major highways, with access to rail, barge, and air transportation. This connectivity facilitates the efficient movement of goods and services, making it an ideal location for logistics, distribution, and manufacturing. With direct access to interstate highways, BNSF and UP railroads, extensive commercial barge transportation to the Pacific Ocean, and an airport with direct service to 10 major metros across the nation, the Tri-Cities is a gateway to the world.
Supportive Business Environment. The local government and TRIDEC, actively support business growth through incentives, streamlined permitting processes, and resources for startups and expanding companies.
Skilled Workforce. The region benefits from a highly skilled and educated workforce, supported by local educational institutions like Washington State University Tri-Cities, Heritage University Tri-Cities, and Columbia Basin College. The availability of talent is a strong draw for businesses in high-tech, healthcare, and other knowledge-driven industries. The Tri-Cities attracts the brightest minds in business. We have a highly educated workforce: 86.94% of the population has a high school, college, or graduate education and there are more scientists and engineers per capita residing here than anywhere else in the nation.
Quality of Life. The Tri-Cities offers an excellent quality of life, with abundant recreational opportunities, a thriving cultural scene, and a strong sense of community. This quality of life is a significant factor in attracting and retaining both businesses and employees.
Washington Advantage
Every part of the country wants you to think it’s tops when it comes to being business friendly, having a terrific workforce or being a great place to live and work. Heck, even Aberdeen, South Dakota touts its quality of life.
But we must be doing something right. Dozens of businesses that are household names are opening new offices and facilities here and thousands of people are moving to Washington State every year. See for yourself why Washington is setting the pace when it comes to economic growth, diversity and prosperity.
Expert Workforce. Few places in the country can boast a workforce that is more educated, skilled and ready to get to work. One in three workers have a post-secondary degree and unique public-private partnerships between colleges, universities and businesses ensure a steady stream of highly qualified workers for our key sectors.
Culture of Creativity. Washington is a place where new ideas become international icons. Companies like Starbucks, Boeing, Microsoft, Nordstrom and Amazon have not only become highly revered brands but have changed the very face of their respective industries. We thrive on new ideas, and more important, we know how to bring them successfully to market.
Renewable Energy. As the largest producer of clean, sustainable hydroelectric power in the country, as well as an early adopter of alternative energy sources such as wind and solar, Washington offers affordable, scalable energy that can meet the demands of today’s tech-centric businesses.
Robust Supply Chain. Having the right partners is essential to success in business today. Washington offers a robust supply chain that can deliver the goods on time, every time. From the production of raw materials into finished goods to the recycling of products and services at the end of their life cycle, our supply chain is dedicated to your success.
Centralized Export Hub. Thousands of businesses have discovered how profitable exporting from Washington is. Equidistant between Europe and Asia, our ports and transportation system serve as a gateway to opportunity. What’s more, our Choose Washington team will provide you with all the assistance you need to tap new markets overseas.
Pro-Business Climate. Washington’s tax structure allows successful businesses to grow and expand more quickly. We also offer companies in high-growth sectors additional tax incentives, credits and deferrals to encourage spur exponential job growth and innovation.
