Deborah Knutson
This weekend as I — and many of our weary nation — attempted the continuing return to "normal," I stopped to listen to the sounds of the day. Neighborhood kids played nearby, their spirited laughter welcome and hopeful. In the distance, the rumble of traffic signaled busy, active lives. Even the distant din of an airplane overhead — albeit a jarring reminder of our nation’s recent disaster —was a familiar and comforting sound. But those planes also served as a reminder of a more local concern, the impending loss of numerous Boeing jobs.
While the recent announcement of Boeing layoffs may seem poorly timed, it was not unforeseen. The economic ups and downs in the cyclical aircraft manufacturing business are something we have come to expect. Airplane sales do rebound. Thousands of workers have been laid off in years past only to be hired back when jet sales pick up. It has happened before. And it is likely to happen again.
Boeing layoffs and cutbacks are certainly no surprise to the state of Washington. Here’s an unsettling, significant recollection — between early 1970 and October 1971, in the Seattle area alone, the Boeing workforce was cut from 80,400 to 37,200. We’ve weathered storms before with Boeing. We’ll do it now. What is imperative is that we learn from the past, stay attentive to the present, and prepare for the future.
Understand that as the world’s largest aerospace company and America’s leading exporter, the Boeing Company is always big picture first. Recent years have seen the company delve into product diversification to keep up with evolving global economies. Presently in the works, among other innovations, is a proposed new air traffic control system using satellite technology that would provide room in the skies for more Boeing jets; the possibility of a $20 billion Air Force plan for the re-design of 767s to replace aging air tankers; the recent order for 30 Boeing 737s from the Chinese government; and continuing engineering work on the Sonic Cruiser. The Boeing Company is always moving ahead, a wise and profound economic course of action.
Snohomish County has the responsibility of positioning itself one step ahead of the situation. We need to be prepared for the next Boeing metamorphosis. There will be a next generation of aircraft. To assure that it happens right here in Snohomish County we need to rise to the occasion and prepare to provide the necessary workforce and workspace required by Boeing. Along these lines of thinking, we should apply the same groundwork measures for all burgeoning industries. Snohomish County is poised for strong growth in high-tech, electronics, communications, biomedical, biotech, and banking.
To stay competitive in challenging economic conditions, education is our strongest defense. We need to challenge our education system to develop adequate curriculums that will keep existing workers competitive and qualified. Cutting-edge training programs for new high-tech workers must be provided. This calls for action, on the part of our Department of Labor, to fund these programs.
We need to challenge our government to enforce upgrades and maintenance to the logistics, infrastructure and transportation systems that will keep us globally competitive. Inevitable growth must be accommodated by streamlining government regulations, thus making our region desirable and accessible. We need to market Snohomish County aggressively.
And we need to challenge our own tenacity and determination by recognizing our personal civic responsibilities. We need to support our communities. That will demand taking a stand on tax issues, supporting quality development and embracing growth. It will require reevaluating our plans and goals by demanding critical thinking from our political leadership. It will undoubtedly require courage and strength to endure short-term sacrifices for long-term growth and prosperity. It will require that we aim to create unsurpassed operating conditions for our resident companies, and work tirelessly to address their present and future concerns. This is what we need to do for Boeing.
It is important to remember that our local economy is not entirely Boeing driven anymore. We are diversified enough that there are employment opportunities for displaced skilled workers. Once based on two or three industrial sectors, our economy has grown inclusive of companies that have changed the way the world does business. Yet we still need to ask ourselves whether or not we have diversified enough. Are there adequate choices within existing opportunities to fully tap into and embrace skills of displaced workers? And is that set of employment opportunities evolving in a manner that allows us to compete within the diverse landscape of the global economy?
The greater Seattle region is known for its hotbed of entrepreneurial activity — much of it is happening within our own community. We need to stay focused and challenge ourselves to keep this innovative and enterprising spirit thriving. We’ve got the talent right here for continued innovation and the development of new businesses that will lead to the next generation of economic vitality.
We will survive any economic outcome. But now is not the time to second-guess a company that has generated and contributed $52 million in charitable support and more than $50 million in local transportation mitigation fees over the last 10 years. It is time to support The Boeing Company, be proud of the legacy we have partnered and safeguard its long-term health.
The strength of our economy relies on our perseverance, hard work, diversity and vision. It is the very sum of these that defines our future. The statement "Think Globally, Act Locally" has never been more apropos.
Be a part of the solution. Think. Ask. And act.
Deborah Knutson is president of the Snohomish County Economic Development Council. She can be reached at 425-743-4567 or by e-mail to dknutson@snoedc.org.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.