Build a Garment District in Seattle
Donation protected
It's predicted that 200,000 apparel manufacturing jobs will return to the United States in the next ten years according to an article in USA Today on July 5, 2013. I'm on a mission to bring as many of those jobs to the Greater Seattle area as possible by establishing a Garment District in the region, training, and employing Veterans in much needed domestic apparel manufacturing roles.
Why Seattle?
According to a 2010 study by the Economic Development Commission of Seattle and King County the region boasts the 4th highest concentration of the apparel industry in the United States behind New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco respectively. In 2010 apparel manufacturing and wholesale revenues in just Washington State totaled $3.3 Billion according the Washington Department of Revenue.
Cost of living and cost of doing business is less in Seattle than LA or NYC. On a 1000 square foot space in our planned Garment District a company would save on average $40,000 a year in rent expense. The average family of four requires $28,000 a year less to live comfortably in Seattle than in New York City, and the Port of Seattle is a Free Trade Zone. There is also no Personal or Corporate Income Tax in Washington State, and there is a sales tax exemption on Manufacturing Equipment.
Who's Involved?
We have an outstanding Advisory Board with fashion industry professionals, economic development leaders, and other successful business people from the region. This Board will ensure that we are meeting the needs of the industry and our community in a responsible fashion.
Are You a Non-Profit?
No, we are a private Profit company and this IS NOT a public offering. We are merely asking for the community's help because ultimately the community will benefit from living wage jobs, and increased tax base to support schools, public safety and infrastructure improvements.
Are You Working with Government?
Yes, we have been working very closely with the City of Renton, Washington as part of their Downtown Revitalization plan. The City of Renton was selected because of it's close proximity to SeaTac Airport, large inventory of affordable commercial real estate, and being centrally located between Seattle, Bellevue and Tacoma, Washington.
How Will Funds be Used?
Funds from this campaign will be used to purchase commercial real estate for the exclusive use as a Garment District. Currently in New York City businesses in the city's historic Garment Center are being forced out by developers to make way for condos, restaurants, and other higher revenue producing projects. We refuse to let this happen to our Garment District, and the only way to ensure it doesn't is to own the real estate as an Arts/Maker's District.
Funds will also be used to purchase the necessary equipment, and hire the necessary instructors to train transitioning veterans to be sewing machine operators. Companies like Filson, Outdoor Research, Brooks Brothers, Karen Kane, New Balance and Alchemy Goods all tell us they cannot find qualified people to fill open production sewing positions with them. As a Veteran Owned Small Business it is our duty to our brothers and sisters in arms to give back to them for all they have given for us.
Why Seattle?
According to a 2010 study by the Economic Development Commission of Seattle and King County the region boasts the 4th highest concentration of the apparel industry in the United States behind New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco respectively. In 2010 apparel manufacturing and wholesale revenues in just Washington State totaled $3.3 Billion according the Washington Department of Revenue.
Cost of living and cost of doing business is less in Seattle than LA or NYC. On a 1000 square foot space in our planned Garment District a company would save on average $40,000 a year in rent expense. The average family of four requires $28,000 a year less to live comfortably in Seattle than in New York City, and the Port of Seattle is a Free Trade Zone. There is also no Personal or Corporate Income Tax in Washington State, and there is a sales tax exemption on Manufacturing Equipment.
Who's Involved?
We have an outstanding Advisory Board with fashion industry professionals, economic development leaders, and other successful business people from the region. This Board will ensure that we are meeting the needs of the industry and our community in a responsible fashion.
Are You a Non-Profit?
No, we are a private Profit company and this IS NOT a public offering. We are merely asking for the community's help because ultimately the community will benefit from living wage jobs, and increased tax base to support schools, public safety and infrastructure improvements.
Are You Working with Government?
Yes, we have been working very closely with the City of Renton, Washington as part of their Downtown Revitalization plan. The City of Renton was selected because of it's close proximity to SeaTac Airport, large inventory of affordable commercial real estate, and being centrally located between Seattle, Bellevue and Tacoma, Washington.
How Will Funds be Used?
Funds from this campaign will be used to purchase commercial real estate for the exclusive use as a Garment District. Currently in New York City businesses in the city's historic Garment Center are being forced out by developers to make way for condos, restaurants, and other higher revenue producing projects. We refuse to let this happen to our Garment District, and the only way to ensure it doesn't is to own the real estate as an Arts/Maker's District.
Funds will also be used to purchase the necessary equipment, and hire the necessary instructors to train transitioning veterans to be sewing machine operators. Companies like Filson, Outdoor Research, Brooks Brothers, Karen Kane, New Balance and Alchemy Goods all tell us they cannot find qualified people to fill open production sewing positions with them. As a Veteran Owned Small Business it is our duty to our brothers and sisters in arms to give back to them for all they have given for us.
Organiser
Steven Paul Matsumoto
Organiser
Kent, WA
