The Insider: WSU branch guides future of a county

THE OLD COLLEGE TRY: Some states, counties and cities operate their own economic-development departments. Others rely on separate agencies or councils, or contract out the work.

Jefferson County is trying something completely different -- hiring a college to be its economic-development arm.

Specifically, the county in the Olympic Peninsula has awarded a two-year contract to Washington State University's extension office.

Katherine Baril, WSU director of economic and community development, will head a six-member team of current and retired business executives in developing and carrying out an economic development strategy. WSU will receive $56,000 from the state Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development, as well as $26,000 a year from the county.

John Gardner, WSU's vice president of economic development and extension, says land-grant universities such as Wazzu "have long been involved in economic development, (although) it may not have been called that."

Extension services normally have been associated with agriculture, and that continues to be a major part of WSU's efforts; it recently expanded a small-farm program in central Washington, Gardner says.

But WSU will become more visible and involved in other forms of economic development.

"Some of it will be repackaging" of existing programs, Gardner says. "Some of it will be new initiatives."

Could that mean more contracts with counties to be the regional economic development agency? Says Gardner, "If it fits locally, certainly."

GREEN SIGNS: Throw another product on the green pile: Banner signs are going biodegradable.

Fastsigns International Inc.'s Kirkland office said this week that it will offer "eco-friendly" signs to customers who don't want to use vinyl. The substitute material, called BIOflex, is made by New Jersey-based Ultraflex Systems Inc., which bills itself as the "first sign supplier on planet Earth to create this new formula."

BIOflex banners can withstand the elements. They're more expensive, but more enviro-friendly, the companies say. Landfill conditions cause the sign to break down into non-toxic sodium.

SEATTLE'S A TEN: Seattle has made another top 10 list, the latest one released by Penton Media's Expansion Management business magazine.

The magazine advises executives on where to expand or relocate their facilities. Its 2007 Mayor's Challenge ranks Austin, Texas, first. Seattle ranks 10th, behind Minneapolis; Raleigh, N.C.; Washington, D.C.; Kansas City, Mo.; Richmond, Va.; Pittsburgh; Omaha, Neb.; and Fargo, N.D.

The publication considers 130 statistical criteria, including knowledge worker availability and affordability, and evaluated 362 metropolitan areas. The magazine says it will reach 44,000 corporate leaders.