It’s no stretch to understand why a community like Issaquah would want to focus on economic vitality. If the Great Recession has made anything clear, it is that job preservation, business success and economic competitiveness matter greatly for a small community’s vitality.

When local business succeeds, it’s the community that reaps the benefits through increased tax revenue for local public services: police, parks, arts, infrastructure and support to local non-profits. Just as important, successful businesses provide needed employment to keep families stable at a time when having a steady job makes all the difference.

Here are a few ways our community can work to support Issaquah’s local economy:

• Much of a community’s economic growth comes from the expansion of existing businesses. Listen to our businesses’ needs…help them succeed.

• If we attract out-of-town visitors and help residents find new adventures in our community, such as shopping at art galleries, staying in hotels, eating in restaurants, we can increase commercial activity.

• Community branding and promotion helps a city stand out and compete based on its unique appeal.

• Infrastructure investments – think Bellevue College’s future Issaquah campus, the new Swedish hospital, much needed funding to fix the Front Street/Gilman intersection or potential state investments in Lake Sammamish State Park – helps a city grow.

• Shopping local encourages residents to spend more dollars in the community. Dollars get recycled back.

• Make sure the city is a welcome place to do business and one that is consistent with the community’s values. Burdensome barriers hurt business success and job growth.

• Develop strategies that support local enterprises on the cutting edge of global trends…anything from high tech to health care, exporting to clean energy.

• Ensure that the community is desirable for families of all income levels, with outstanding schools and a great quality of life.

There are plenty of tools in the tool kit to support our local economy, and it will be exciting to see how community leaders put these concepts to work in the months and years ahead.

What will you do to support Issaquah’s economy?

Matthew Bott is the CEO of the Greater Issaquah Chamber of Commerce. He writes on topics relating to business, the economy and community enhancement.