The Columbia River Economic Development Council (CREDC) has received an award for helping to bring Banfield Pet Hospital’s corporate headquarters to Vancouver.
Earlier this month, the Washington Economic Development Association (WEDA) honored the CREDC with its Project of the Year Award, citing the significant economic impact of the Banfield project, its replicability and broad partnerships, including the Washington State Department of Commerce and the city of Vancouver.
“This award is confirmation that collaboration is the key to any successful business recruitment,” said Chad Eiken, director of community and economic development for the city of Vancouver. “More specifically, this award is about how a handful of agencies, organizations and individuals joined forces to successfully understand and match the needs of Banfield with the strengths of our community.”
“It was creative, forward-thinking, complex, involved multiple partners, and it worked,” commented Denise Dyer, Chair, WEDA Selection Committee. “The wages the company will pay are significantly above the statewide average, are in a highly-sought after industry cluster, and as a headquarters location, will provide significant exposure to the community for future business. The selection committee was also very impressed with the deep level of commitment, trust, and collaboration that existed among the many players in this recruitment project.”
More than 600 associates will move into Banfield’s new facility at Vancouver’s Columbia Tech Center when it opens at the end of the year.
