Investment and innovation are happening in the South Sound and the Washington Economic Development Association (WEDA) has taken note.

Pierce County took home two economic development awards presented during WEDA’s 2024 Winter Conference in February.

 Voltage Park: Economic Development Business Recruitment Project of the Year

The Benaroya Company’s Voltage Park project, led by EDB Board member Lisa Goodman, The Benaroya Executive Team, is a next-generation cloud provider for Artificial Intelligence (AI). Centeris Data Center will be one of its primary facilities as it launches globally. The Voltage Park project brings more $100 million in private investment and more than 200 well-paying construction jobs to Pierce County.

In 2022, the Washington State Legislature passed House Bill 1846, which expanded the data center tax incentive to urban counties. Passage of the legislation spurred immediate interest from leading global corporations who in the past chose to locate in Oregon, Arizona and other more competitive states.

“We congratulate Centeris Data Center on being selected by Voltage Park as a primary location for its global launch,” Pierce County Executive Bruce Dammeier said. “We’re thrilled they have chosen Pierce County to construct and operate a future-focused next generation Cloud AI operation, demonstrating we’re an attractive home for cutting-edge companies providing jobs of the future.” 

Tacoma Blue Edge Network: Innovation in Economic Development Award

City of Tacoma, 5G Open Innovation Lab, Washington Maritime Blue and the Edge Cluster partnered together to install phase 1 of the Tacoma Blue Edge Network in the Port of Tacoma. The network allows for leveraging state-of-the-art connectivity, edge computing and applications to increase efficiency, enhance worker safety and improve profitability for maritime enterprises. Phase 1 of the network serves 5 maritime manufacturers and logistics providers.

“Collaboration and innovation are prominent characteristics of Tacoma, and this project is the latest example,” City of Tacoma Director of Community and Economic Development Jeff Robinson said. “We are delighted to support our existing businesses through this state-of-the-art network and to welcome the entrepreneurs who will use the network to solve challenges and build the businesses of tomorrow.”

Read more about recipients of the 2024 WEDA Economic Development Awards.