Businesses United for Industry and Labor Development
Businesses United for Industry and Labor Development
Business and Industry Make our Community Work
When we support local business, labor and industry we strengthen our opportunities and long-term stability.
LEARN MORE AND GET INVOLVED
Why Your Support Matters?
Local businesses and industry are the backbone of Whatcom County, creating reliable, well-paying jobs that let families stay, grow, and thrive here.
From neighborhood coffee shops to major manufacturers, businesses create the jobs that help working people afford housing and build lasting futures.
Whether big or small, these businesses don’t just operate here – they invest here, supporting our schools, youth sports and local services that make Whatcom County vibrant.
Let’s BUILD Whatcom together and keep our communities strong.
Build with us!
Why Your Support Matters?
Local businesses and industry are the backbone of Whatcom County, creating reliable, well-paying jobs that let families stay, grow, and thrive here.
From neighborhood coffee shops to major manufacturers, businesses create the jobs that help working people afford housing and build lasting futures.
Whether big or small, these businesses don’t just operate here – they invest here, supporting our schools, youth sports and local services that make Whatcom County vibrant.
Let’s BUILD Whatcom together and keep our communities strong.
Build with us!
Public Hearing to Support the Ferndale Terminal Modernization
Thank you to everyone who took the time to attend the public hearing in support of the Ferndale Terminal Modernization at Cherry Point.
Your presence and comments helped demonstrate how much this project, and Ferndale’s economic future, matters to the people who live and work here.
Community voices can truly make a difference and we’re thankful for everyone who continues to stay informed and contribute to the conversation.
Together, we’re helping shape a strong future for Whatcom County.
Economic Impact - By the Numbers
$200 Million in Tax Revenue
Businesses in the Cherry Point Industrial Zone pay more than $200 million in total state and local taxes annually.
35%-100% Higher Wages
Average wages in the industry range 35%-100% higher than county averages across all industries.
Supports One in 10 Jobs
The Cherry Point district directly or indirectly supports approximately 11% of all the jobs in Whatcom County.
$1 Million to Charities
Businesses in the region donate up to $1 million to charitable organizations annually.
(Source: Western Washington University)
What We Stand to Lose
Without strong industrial anchors, our economy becomes vulnerable. Local businesses lose customers. Tax revenues that fund schools, roads, and public services drop. And the stability we rely on during economic downturns begins to erode.
Voices of Whatcom County
“The Whatcom Business Alliance believes investment in our community is the single largest driver of prosperity and growth. We focus our efforts on facilitating that growth through advocacy, research, and education….We believe it is critical to welcome investments that support and create living wage jobs in this region.”
Barbara Chase, Executive Director, Whatcom Business Alliance
“Cherry Point industries are a critical part of the City of Ferndale’s economic base. While not actually within the City of Ferndale, a significant number of Ferndale residents work at Cherry Point supporting numerous families and businesses. Even more impactful, Cherry Point businesses support Ferndale Schools and dozens of local community organizations. Cherry Point industry is part of the DNA of the Ferndale community.”
Greg Hansen, Mayor, City of Ferndale
“We support projects that address concerns around environmental impacts, and help modernize industry, to aid them in becoming more efficient in how they manage and care for the land they steward.”
Dan Tucker, Program Manager, Working Waterfront Coalition of Whatcom County
Whatcom County Economic Development in the News...
Local leaders weigh in on AltaGas/ ALA Energy project at Cherry Point as new challenges arise
Press Release
Business and Industry Groups Unite To Support Economic Development In Whatcom County
Ferndale City Council unanimously passes a resolution supporting economic development at Cherry Point
Whatcom County Economic Development in the News...
Local leaders weigh in on AltaGas/ ALA Energy project at Cherry Point as new challenges arise
Business And Industry Groups Unite To Support Economic Development In Whatcom County
January 8, 2026
Ferndale City Council unanimously passes a resolution supporting economic development at Cherry Point
