NEWS RELEASE

Economic Development Committees
Meet to Examine Home-based Cottage Industries’ Impact on the State’s Economy

WHIDBEY ISLAND—The Legislative Committee on Economic Development and International Relations (LCEDIR), chaired by Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen, will hold a joint meeting with the Senate Economic Development Committee, chaired by Senator Tim Sheldon (D-35). The title of the public work session is "Washington State’s Home-Based Cottage Industries’ Economic Impact". The committee will meet on Tuesday, June 15^{th from 9:30am – 3:45pm at the Greenbank Farm, Highway 525 and Wonn Road in the village of Greenbank on Whidbey Island.}

A cottage industry is an industry based in a home rather than a factory or office, and is primarily operated by family members producing unique rather than mass-produced products and services. Anecdotal evidence suggests this business sector is growing in importance, driven by the information technology revolution. The two legislative economic development committees are interested in exploring this widespread but relatively unknown facet of the state’s economy. Presenters will discuss the challenges home-based businesses face, the role they play in rural economic development and how state and local policies and laws affect the sector.

Greenbank Farm, once known as the largest loganberry farm in the United States, is managed by a non-profit organization that is developing the farm as a small business incubator while preserving its rural character and heritage. Greenbank Farm is donating the space for the meeting. More information can be found at the website http://www.greenbankfarm.com.

The LCEDIR is scheduled to meet June, August and October during the 2004 interim. The theme of the committee is "Looking for Solutions", as it examines issues critical to Washington State’s economy. For more information the please visit the Office of Lieutenant Governor’s website: http://www.ltgov.wa.gov.