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Washington State Department of Commerce

@wastatecommerce.bsky.social

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Washington State Department of Commerce official news and information. Our mission is to strengthen communities in our state. www.commerce.wa.gov

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Washington State Department of Commerce @wastatecommerce.bsky.social · Apr 10

We've launched an online tariff information & resource guide in response to questions & confusion around recently implemented federal tariffs. It includes export-related support to help businesses better understand tariffs & how to adapt to changing trade policy.

www.commerce.wa.gov/commerce-lau...

A large shipping crane operates at a port, lifting containers stacked on a dock, and text announcing the launch of an online tariff information and resource guide by the Washington State Department of Commerce.

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Washington State Department of Commerce @wastatecommerce.bsky.social · 3h

Our state is a critical hub for the space industry, starting more than a century ago, when a few dreamers in a red barn believed aircraft manufacturing was possible and built an industry that changed the world.

A Group of people stand in a well-lit event space, receiving recognition.

A panel discussion takes place in a well-lit room with large windows.

Director Joe Nguyễn stands at a podium in front of an audience during a presentation about the space industry.

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Washington State Department of Commerce @wastatecommerce.bsky.social · 4h

October is national Energy Awareness Month, which includes a focus on Weatherization Month and National Weatherization Day October 30.

Learn more about Commerce Weatherization assistance programs: www.commerce.wa.gov/weatherizati...

A technician beside an outdoor air conditioning unit, with a tool bag filled with various tools.

Washington State Department of Commerce @wastatecommerce.bsky.social · 1d

Global spotlight on Washington agriculture!

Washington’s delegation just wrapped up a successful week at Fruit Attraction 2025, the world’s leading exhibition for fruit and vegetable professionals.

Learn more about our delegation: choosewashingtonstate.com/fruit-attrac...

A group of professionals poses in front of a "Choose Washington" exhibit at a conference.

Washington State Department of Commerce @wastatecommerce.bsky.social · 2d

We are investing in public health and the environment!

Commerce is supporting critical infrastructure upgrades in Tacoma, Bridgeport and Skagit County — improving stormwater systems, replacing aging pipes, and protecting waterways from contamination.

Learn more: www.commerce.wa.gov/critical-upg...

Washington State Department of Commerce @wastatecommerce.bsky.social · 2d

A new chapter for affordable housing in Lynnwood!

Housing Hope and partners broke ground on Scriber Place, a development that will create 52 affordable homes for families with children, low-income households, and families with special needs.

Learn more: commerce.wa.gov/htf

A group of nine individuals stands under a tent, all holding shovels in preparation for a groundbreaking ceremony.

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Washington State Department of Commerce @wastatecommerce.bsky.social · 5d

Commerce is prepared to sustain our work despite the federal shutdown that began today. Current funding and contracts remain secure, with no immediate impacts to staffing, programs, or operations.

Read the full statement: heyor.ca/MxecfB

A broad view of the Washington state capitol building surrounded by trees.

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Washington State Department of Commerce @wastatecommerce.bsky.social · 5d

The day after our COMTAC meeting, Commerce joined tribal planners from across Washington for the Tribal Planners’ Gathering on Thursday, at Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino.

It was a full day of learning, collaboration and meaningful conversation — all focused on strengthening partnerships.

Ten people gather together outside, around a banner that reads "Tribal Planning and Coordination."

Washington State Department of Commerce @wastatecommerce.bsky.social · 6d

Yesterday, our Office of Tribal Relations gathered with tribal representatives from across Washington for the Commerce Tribal Advisory Committee (COMTAC).

COMTAC is a collaborative effort between Commerce and tribal leadership to identify needs, provide feedback, and strengthen partnerships.

COMTAC attendees following a presentation inside an office space at the Spokane Tribe and Casino.

Four individuals standing together. From left to right: Commerce Chief of Staff, Nicole Lutomski, Interim Director of Tribal Relations, Alden Andy, Director Joe Nguyen and Tribal Technical Assistance Lead, Mary Miller.

A group of COMTAC attendees, standing outside posing together.

Washington State Department of Commerce @wastatecommerce.bsky.social · 8d

A year ago, ten state agencies, including Commerce, joined together to launch the Climate Resilience Strategy, a unified plan led by @ecology.wa.gov to strengthen communities across the state.

Today, Ecology released the first progress report.

Read the report:
apps.ecology.wa.gov/publications...

A view looking up through a dense canopy of vibrant green leaves, with sunlight filtering through the branches. The tall trees create a radial pattern against a clear blue sky.

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Washington State Department of Commerce @wastatecommerce.bsky.social · 13d

Range anxiety? Not in Colville. Thanks to the Climate Commitment Act and strong local partnerships, two new fast chargers are here, finishing the Highway 395 corridor and connecting drivers from Spokane to Canada. 🔋

youtu.be/zg7Ed03_dC4?...

Two New Fast EV Chargers in Colville

YouTube video by Washington State Department of Commerce

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Washington State Department of Commerce @wastatecommerce.bsky.social · 16d

From Spokane to Colville and classrooms to community chambers — we're on the ground, listening, learning, & building stronger connections across Washington.

Director Joe Nguyễn spent hours on the road recently meeting with tribal leaders, business owners, & changemakers.

youtu.be/IeRvoUtr14E

Director Joe Nguyen's visit through Eastern Washington

YouTube video by Washington State Department of Commerce

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Washington State Department of Commerce @wastatecommerce.bsky.social · 21d

Thanks to the partnership of Commerce, the city of Colville, and Avista Utilities, Colville is now home to a fast-charging electric vehicle site, funded by the Climate Commitment Act. It closes a 20-mile gap along US-395 and expands reliable charging across the region.

A group of six individuals stands in front of electric vehicle charging stations labeled A1 and A2. They are posing together outdoors, with a clear sky and vehicles in the background.

Washington State Department of Commerce @wastatecommerce.bsky.social · 22d

This agreement is more than words on paper. It’s a commitment to partnership, built on trust, respect, and recognition of tribal sovereignty. Together, we’ll continue removing barriers and creating opportunities that serve the tribal community today and for generations ahead.

Spokane Tribe Chairman Greg Abrahamson signs a Memorandum of Understanding while Commerce Director Joe Nguyen looks on.

Washington State Department of Commerce @wastatecommerce.bsky.social · 22d

Today in Wellpinit, Commerce and the Spokane Tribe of Indians strengthened our government-to-government relationship with the signing of a memorandum of understanding.

This is 10th MOU we've signed with tribes across Washington, each one an important step toward shared progress.

A group of nine individuals stands together in a lobby area, smiling at the camera.

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Washington State Department of Commerce @wastatecommerce.bsky.social · 23d

This Hispanic Heritage Month, we honor the stories, traditions, and resilience of Hispanic and Latino communities across Washington.

Their contributions strengthen our neighborhoods, inspire future generations, and remind us that one of our state’s greatest strengths is its diversity.

Washington State Department of Commerce @wastatecommerce.bsky.social · Sep 8

Tariffs impact Washington families and businesses.

At an event last week to discuss the projected impacts in Washington, Director Joe Nguyễn emphasized that it goes beyond trade numbers — higher costs for food, clothing, and utilities will affect households across the state.

Washington State Department of Commerce @wastatecommerce.bsky.social · Sep 8

These grant awards are more than numbers – they’re real impacts. In Kittitas County, a new solar array for the Easton School District is projected to cut electricity costs by up to 20%, freeing up funds to invest back into students.

Read more: www.commerce.wa.gov/commerce-ene...

Commerce energizes communities with $41.1 million in Clean Energy Community Grant awards

www.commerce.wa.gov

Washington State Department of Commerce @wastatecommerce.bsky.social · Sep 8

The Clean Energy Community Grants program has awarded $41M to 49 projects to support solar, battery storage, EV charging, and other clean energy solutions.

This helps improve resilience, reduce emissions, and deliver benefits to tribes, overburdened communities and vulnerable populations.

Commerce News Release graphic announcing $41.1 million awarded from the Clean Energy Community Grant program awarded to 49 projects across Washington.

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Washington State Department of Commerce @wastatecommerce.bsky.social · Sep 2

Koto Jelly Coffee reimagines a Japanese dessert into smooth coffee, matcha & tea drinks. With help from Commerce’s Small Business Resilience Network, they’re now blending creativity and community from pop ups to a storefront near Seattle University.

youtu.be/a00-mR4tK9s

Koto Jelly Coffee

YouTube video by Washington State Department of Commerce

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Washington State Department of Commerce @wastatecommerce.bsky.social · Aug 25

BEAD is a blueprint for bringing reliable, affordable high-speed internet to every corner of Washington.

Read the full news release: www.commerce.wa.gov/final-broadb...

Final Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program proposal comment period opens today

www.commerce.wa.gov

Washington State Department of Commerce @wastatecommerce.bsky.social · Aug 25

The State Broadband Office released its Final Proposal for the Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program.

A public comment period is the end of the process. Public comments are open until Sept. 1 at 5 p.m. Submit online: heyor.ca/1k1Auf

A child with curly hair looks at a tablet, engaged with the screen. The background is a soft gray, and text on the image announces the opening of a comment period for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program proposal.

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Washington State Department of Commerce @wastatecommerce.bsky.social · Aug 22

On the Annual Canoe Journey, tribal citizens don’t just paddle, they’re retracing ancestral waterways, connecting with all their relations, & gathering in circles for stories, songs, & protocol, where culture is shared & renewed.

Watch the story from Commerce's Bridget Ray: youtu.be/XRuSbtyuxBI

Annual Tribal Canoe Journey

YouTube video by Washington State Department of Commerce

youtu.be

Washington State Department of Commerce @wastatecommerce.bsky.social · Aug 22

Diamondhands Boxing Gym is giving young people in Adams County a safe place to grow. With support from a small business investment grant through SkillSource and Commerce’s Community Reinvestment Project, the gyms are equipped with essential tools for training the next generation.

📷: SkillSource

A man stands next to a yellow boxing bag in a gym filled with various training equipment. He wears a black hoodie and a cap, smiling confidently. In the background, multiple punching bags and workout gear are visible, indicative of a fitness environment.

Washington State Department of Commerce @wastatecommerce.bsky.social · Aug 21

Washington’s energy resilience and emergency management office (EREMO) team trains for the worst, so we’re ready when it counts.

When a massive offshore earthquake triggered a tsunami alert, EREMO staff put those plans into action.

Learn more: www.commerce.wa.gov/behind-the-s...

A coastal landscape featuring a rocky shoreline with two prominent rock formations. Text reads, “Behind the Scenes: How Commerce’s emergency management team responds to crises.”

Washington State Department of Commerce @wastatecommerce.bsky.social · Aug 21

From $71B in economic impact to more than 33,000 aircraft built, Washington's aerospace industry is driving jobs, innovation, & the future of flight. ✈

These numbers keep us ranked high in aerospace sales, exports & engineering - & why we’ll lead the way for decades to come.

youtu.be/5ckS8V76qcI

Washington State: A global leader in aerospace

YouTube video by Washington State Department of Commerce

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