Pierce County announcement.
At its March conference, the Washington State Economic Development Association (WEDA) recognized the Department for its work with community partners to launch the Pierce County Business Accelerator Program in 2021. The 2022 Innovation in Economic Development Award recognizes innovative programs, projects and partnerships that are pioneering, novel and groundbreaking.
“I’m proud to accept this award for our business accelerator program on behalf of Betty Capestany and our Economic Development team, the people of Pierce County, and our partners – the Black Collective, Asia Pacific Cultural Center, Korean Women’s Association, Mi Centro, Tacoma Urban League and the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce,” said Pierce County Executive Bruce Dammeier. “Together, we are providing opportunities for entrepreneurs of color to start or expand their businesses. We know the program has been a success, but it’s great to get this validation at the state level. We are also getting inquiries from across the country from those who want to emulate it!”
More self-congratulation for a collection of racist and gender-biased programs, giving special advantage to anyone who is not a white guy.
Bruce, as a middle aged white guy yourself – supposedly a republican none the less – you would be singing a different tune were it not for your big salary, benefit package, and retirement guarantee.
I built several businesses from nothing, with no support from anyone except the great customers that I cared for.
Are you suggesting that simply being a white guy gives me special advantages in the business arena, and that being female or of different race comes with inherent disadvantages?
With this type of misguided message, it’s no wonder Pierce County has so much time and appetite for absurd policy and unsustainable fairytale programs, that seem to wither when the “free” money runs out.
In this age of political tention, I can’t think of a more divisive way to govern.