Business Retention and Expansion

Commerce Appreciation, Retention and Expansion (CARE) Program

The greatest economic development asset any community has is its existing businesses - accounting for 60 – 80% of all new jobs created.  This is why a business retention and expansion program is vital to the economic health of a community.

Beginning in November of 2000, TRIDEC started the CARE Program.  Its objective is to help existing businesses, primarily manufacturing companies, become more competitive, encouraging them to stay and expand in the community.

The CARE program continues to partner with federal, state and local economic development organizations to continue to participate in the growth of businesses in Benton and Franklin Counties.

CARE Program Activities:

Smartmap Activities – Smartmap is a brand developed by TRIDEC in 2003, focusing on the manufacturing sector.  Smart represents “Smart Manufacturing Technologies” and map stands for “Manufacturing Assistance Program.”

• Smartmap Expo– The 6th Annual Smartmap Expo will be held October 1^st and 2^nd, 2008 at the Three Rivers Convention Center, Kennewick.  The Expo has become the Premier Manufacturing Networking event in the Pacific Northwest. 
• Smartmap Tours– The Tours offer an opportunity for area manufacturers to tour another company’s facility, receive a presentation on the host company’s history and business model and network with participating manufacturers.  The Tours are scheduled one per quarter.

Trade Week – Each year the CARE Program participates in Trade Week with the Washington State Office of Trade and Economic Development, International Trade Division.  This event involves International Trade Division staff, domestic and international, presenting to and visiting with manufacturers from Benton and Franklin Counties.

Seminars – The CARE Program with WorkSource Columbia Basin and Washington Manufacturing Services present Manufacturing and/or Office Lean 101 Seminars.

Local Business Visitations – The CARE Program visits local manufacturing companies in Benton and Franklin Counties throughout the year to determine their needs, future plans and where TRIDEC can be of assistance.

For more information on how the CARE Program can benefit you and your company, please contact Gary White at 509.735.1000 or via email at gwhite@tridec.org.