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On October 17, Cascade Sierra Solutions opened its Green Truck Center in Seattle.
Cascade Sierra Solutions is a non-profit organization comprised of public and private partners working together to put clean diesel technologies to work on trucks working around the ports and throughout the State of Washington.
The grand opening celebrates the hard work of the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, as well as the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, to bring equipment supplies, trucking businesses, and financial resources together to resolve maritime related air quality concerns in the Puget Sound Region. The Green Truck Center features a clean diesel technology showroom offering new and late model truck fuel efficient equipment options and will act as a clearing house for trucking businesses when upgrading their fleet of trucks.
Shen Consulting, Inc., founded by University of Washington graduate Albert Shen, is a Program and Project Planning, Design and Construction Management firm. Their work is in full view of anyone traveling through Sea-Tac Airport. Shen Consulting helped deliver projects such as the Third Runway, the Airport Light Rail Link, and parking lot Floor Count system.
Currently, Shen Consulting, Inc. leads two major projects for the Port: the 2008-2011 Airfield Capital Development Program and the Consolidated Rental Car Facility. “When I watch these projects take shape, or even when I pass through the airport as a passenger, I take pride in knowing that my company is helping to build the infrastructure that will support all kinds of Seattle-area businesses for years to come,” Shen said.
The Seattle Mayor’s office praised Shen Consulting for its commitment to deliver on time and on budget while passing on cost savings to its clients through virtual workspaces and overhead cost-cutting whenever possible.
Port Hosts International Entrepreneur Group
The Office of Social Responsibility and Human Resource Development hosted 22 women from 19 countries to learn about entrepreneurship and issues concerning women in the U.S. recently. The women were part of a multi-region delegation sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program.
Office of Social ResponsibilityThe Port of Seattle established its Office of Social Responsibility to engage the community and to assure that all Port business is conducted within a framework of fairness, inclusion, openness and economic development.
To learn more, download the OSR Fact Sheet or view the OSR presentation (9.4 MB PDF).
Veterans Fellowship Program
The Office of Social Responsibility has teamed with the Port's Human Resources and Development department to create the Veterans Fellowship Program. This program is designed to assist military veterans transition from military service to civilian employment.
Small Business InitiativeTo advance the Port of Seattle’s mission to create economic vitality in the region, Port commissioners adopted the Small Business Initiative in May 2003. The initiative ensures equal access and opportunity to all firms that wish to provide products or services to the Port. Join the Small Business Roster here.
Port JobsPort Jobs is not-for-profit action tank that develops practical programs and supports public policies that increase access to living wage jobs, fostering a more vibrant and equitable economy for residents of and businesses in Seattle and King County.
As a small business owner it was difficult to navigate the many processes, regulations and procedures for securing a contract with a complex government agency as the Port. After attending the “How to do business with the Port of Seattle” and researching similar outreach programs, we devised a long-term strategy for building a successful relationship with Port representatives. The result of these efforts, combined with the support of the Office of Social Responsibility, helped us secure our first contract with the Aviation Maintenance for Training Program Services. Thank you for all the assistance.
Farayi Chiro, Founder/CEO, Masikateck
GLFord Consulting provides organizational development consulting, soft skills training, and leadership coaching for state agencies, for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. “Maintaining a thriving business in the midst of a down economy can be daunting,” says Gary Ford. “The Port’s support of my small business, both in hiring my firm and in promoting my services to other local businesses has been very valuable.” Ford has worked for the Port as an OD consultant, trainer, and leadership coach since 2008.
Gary Ford, Principal, GLFord Consulting
Got a Question? Contact the Small Business Administrator.