Special Projects
Archives 2007 & 2008
In alphabetical order:
Cama Beach State Park Business Plan
Updating a business plan
Cama Beach State Park is restored as a "classic" 1930s fishing resort and has been struggling to open for several years. We helped Cama Beach develop a 2005 business plan that resulted in $6.5 million in legislative funding. In 2007 Park administrators solicited us to update the business plan since time lines, contractual agreements, assumptions, and funding parameters had changed. Photo: Cama Beach
City of Bellingham Business District Inventory
Performed a business inventory of Bellingham's central business district
The City of Bellingham secured our services to identify and document the current business environment and future opportunities in the downtown core. Using state and national benchmarks in connection with the current business inventory, the City of Bellingham will be able to plan for future economic development downtown. Photo: Kenni B. Merritt
City of Bellingham Permit Center's Survey
Conducted quarterly survey of recent Permit Center clients
In an on-going effort to improve satisfaction and process efficiency, the City of Bellingham contracted with us to survey Permit Center clients. This research consisted of obtaining customer contact information, collecting satisfaction data via an online survey, and analyzing the data to identify trends, barriers, and areas for improvement. Photo: Steven Niedermeyer
International Business Assistance Project
Undertook a primary survey with faculty from the College of Business and Economics that identified the major impacts that cross-border-owned companies have on local economies
The research found that both American and Canadian expansion brought significant employment and revenue to their host countries. While the reasons for the expansion are the same, the benefits differ. Obstacles for expansion for Canadians included labor and border issues in Whatcom County while Americans identified the federal government in Lower British Columbia. This research will be used to shape economic development policies and strategies.
Native American Entrepreneurial Outreach Program
Supporting the development of sustainable business with the Nooksack, Lummi, Swinomish, and Upper Skagit tribes
Certified business advisors worked at both the tribal government and individual tribal member levels to provide business counseling. Besides the development of numerous customized business education presentations, we also provided research to support the tribes' economic development activities.
Physician Gap Analysis and Medicaid/Medicare Access Survey
A 2008 study measured the supply of healthcare providers across 25 specialities to identify gaps in specific types of healthcare services. The study also addressed access and capacity challenges for Medicaid and Medicare patients in the County. We had been a partner in this healthcare access assessment since 2006.
We also collaborated with Whatcom County's Department of Health and the Whatcom Alliance for Healthcare Access (WAHA) to help the business side of medical practices. Certified business advisors also provided business counseling to medical practices to assist with retention.
Physician Shortage Survey and Physician Retention Survey
Collaborated with Whatcom County's Department of Health and the Whatcom Alliance for Healthcare Access (WAHA) to assess healthcare issues and shortages in Whatcom County
Our research analysts collected survey data from every healthcare provider in the county that could officially deliver babies. Working closely with the WAHA Recruitment and Retention Committee, we analyzed the data and identified important barriers and opportunities for improving access to obstetric care. Certified business advisors also provided business counseling to medical practices to assist with retention and continuity of care in Whatcom County.
Research Services Services Expand Statewide with Economic Gardening
Redefining best practices and expanding economic gardening abilities to SBDCs and underserved Economic Development Centers in Washington State
After years of success in supporting the retention and expansion efforts of businesses in Whatcom County with the help of Washington State legislative funding, we expanded the economic gardening services of our Research Center to all Washington SBDCs. In July 2008 these services were extended to under-served Economic Development Councils in Washington.
Washington State Parks Brochure
Creating a professional full-color brochure that will be made available to more than 200,000 annual park users
Washington State Parks sought the help of the CEV to update and improve their existing brochure. The printed piece highlights the historic vacation homes throughout the Washington State Park's system.
The project consists of secondary research about the parks and vacation homes, primary research with park rangers, and design services. Additionally, a brochure distribution proposal was developed.
Washington State Parks Data Mining
Assisted park administrators in making informed and strategic decisions regarding the best way to maximize the experiences offered to park users
Washington State Parks contracted with us to perform a comprehensive data-mining project of their historical usage database. Noting a decrease in the number of users who stayed in parks overnight more than once, park administrators wanted scientific research to identify trends and opportunities.
Passenger Foot Ferry Feasibility Study
Serving as subcontractor on an extensive passenger foot ferry service feasibility study
The assessment of a passenger ferry between Bellingham and Friday Harbor included a business plan, financial projections, identification of strategic partnerships, operational considerations, and the integration of customer feedback.