EASC Launches New Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiative

    EVERETT, WA, October 29, 2021 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Economic Alliance Snohomish County (EASC) announced today it is launching a new diversity, equity, and inclusion initiative (SnoCODE) in collaboration with regional partners and major employers. SnoCODE (Creating Opportunities Diversity Equity) is a partnership between EASC, Leadership Snohomish County, Snohomish County Government, non-profit and for-profit entities. "EASC has brought together a diverse group of partners with a singular mission of creating opportunities for businesses and residents through diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work. When we embrace true inclusion we embody our core belief that Opportunity lives here for all. Essentially, DEI work helps our businesses, communities, and partnerships to thrive." said Garry Clark, President & CEO, Economic Alliance Snohomish County.

DEI work is key to the sustainability of quality of life, workforce and talent retention, and attracting the industries needed to grow Snohomish County. The County has the Office of Social Justice. "We all understand the importance of attracting and retaining top talent. Snohomish County benefits from diversity, and we are committed to helping all of our residents succeed," said Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers. "SnoCODE gives us a collaborative road map to make that possible."

SnoCODE (Creating Opportunities Diversity Equity) - Driving Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Snohomish County, will help EASC to provide a direct line of education, communication, and advancement for the business community seeking to expand their DEI work. SnoCode for the CEO's coalition is part of this process. CEO's will pledge to continue, or start, DEI work in their industry/organizations starting Q1 of 2022. In addition, CODE engagement will offer an easy sign-up process and technical assistance, along with anonymous assessments. EASC is committing to hiring a full time employee to drive this effort and support community education and engagement.

"EASC sees that diversity, equity, and inclusion are integral to the economic success of Snohomish County. Creating SnoCODE is a bold step to ensure these values become a reality in our business community. I am proud to support this collaborative initiative and excited to witness the positive impact this program will have on our workforce," said Representative April Berg.

To further promote the initiative and to celebrate DEI work in Snohomish County, a mural and pledge plaque is being developed. Local artists are invited to participate to help create a visual representation of inclusion. There will be opportunities for public engagement and a signing ceremony at its dedication, ideally in Q2 of 2022. Then, in the fall of 2022, EASC will host a DEI Forum to enhance regional collaboration, discuss challenges and goals, and to celebrate the DEI work that has taken place. "Collaboration across all sectors is the key to success. The more partners who join in the efforts the greater the impact for driving DEI. We welcome additional partners to join us in advancing this mission," said Annie Cole, Human Resources Policy Advisor & Office of Social Justice, Snohomish County Government.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion has been a priority of Snohomish County leaders and SnoCODE is the next step in this work. Leadership Snohomish County (LSC) has been committed to this work in a substantial way since 2016. LSC's STEP UP for Racial Equity is the largest conference for moving racial equity forward and three cohorts have graduated from their Leadership for Racial Equity program. "We are excited to create this partnership with EASC and the County to continue to create opportunities for impact when it comes to removing barriers and dismantling inequitable systems in our region. Our commitment to accountability with SnoCODE and working with the EASC servers both our mission and vision completely," said Kathy Coffey Solberg, Executive Director, Leadership Snohomish County.

About Economic Alliance Snohomish County
Economic Alliance Snohomish County carries out business attraction, retention and expansion and collaborative engagement to achieve a prosperous, sustainable and equitable community while maintaining Snohomish County's natural beauty and quality of life.

EASC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that supports existing Snohomish companies, and works with prospective companies on site location, workforce training, identifying incentives and access to capital, permitting, research, and other forms of assistance. In addition, EASC's strategies focus on improving assets and amenities within Snohomish County, strengthening communities, and working to make Snohomish County more prosperous, successful, diversified, and sustainable.

About Leadership Snohomish County
Leadership Snohomish County builds a community of authentic leaders, providing programs that center equity and foster leadership skills for life. LSC's vision is that Connected Communities that continuously evolve to dismantle inequitable systems.

About Snohomish County
Snohomish County is the third largest county in the State of Washington by population and one of the fastest growing. Snohomish County is home to the largest manufacturing facility in the world and is one of the top tourist destinations in the region. From the waves of Puget Sound to the ice fields of Glacier Peak, Snohomish County values its diversity, while also being home to a thriving agriculture industry, beautiful rural areas, and dynamic urban centers.

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