Rep. Billig appointed to new ‘Innovate Washington’ board

OLYMPIA – This year, the state Legislature passed a bill to help grow regional economic “clusters” around the state into globally-competitive industries.  Senate Bill 5764 combines two programs into a new agency called Innovate Washington.

Rep. Andy Billig (D – Spokane), has been appointed to Innovate Washington’s board of directors by House Speaker Frank Chopp.

Innovate Washington combines the work of the Spokane-based SIRTI (Spokane Intercollegiate Research and Technology Institute) and the Washington Technology Center, which is located at the University of Washington.  Innovate Washington’s goals are to help businesses integrate technology into new projects, provide mechanisms for collaboration between technology-based industries and higher education, and serve as the state’s lead entity on clean energy initiatives.

“Our state is fertile ground for innovative new companies, particularly in the technology and clean energy sectors,” Billig said. “I’m honored to have the opportunity to be one of Innovate Washington’s first board members, and eager to get to work helping create jobs through home-grown technology-based businesses.”

Billig, who represents the 3^rd Legislative District in Spokane, has a business background as part-owner and former general manager/president of the Spokane Indians Baseball Club.  In the House, he also serves as vice-chair of the Transportation committee, and on the Education and Technology, Energy, and Communications committees.