Leaning into Automation
Snohomish County is redefining the future of work
BY WENDY POISCHBEG, INTERIM CEO AND PRESIDENT, Economic Alliance Snohomish County
Let’s be clear: the future of work is here, and it’s automated. But before you let fear take over, let me tell you about a place embracing this change and turning it into an incredible opportunity. That place is here, in Snohomish County.
If you know me, I like to “lean in” to challenges, and that’s precisely what Economic Alliance Snohomish County (EASC) is doing. We’re not just accepting automation; we’re championing it, creating a dedicated automation cluster set to redefine industries and open doors we never knew existed.
Here’s the truth: automation isn’t about replacing humans. It’s about amplifying what makes us uniquely human — our creativity, problem-solving skills and innovation ability.
In Snohomish County, we get this. We’re not running from the robots; we’re programming them, working alongside them and using them to reach new heights.
Take GreenVault, for example. They’re not just another cannabis company; they’re pioneers using automation to revolutionize an entire industry. Or look at Perellion in Everett, which is creating the brains behind Amazon’s fulfillment centers. These aren’t just jobs; they’re launching pads for the next generation of tech leaders.
But here’s what excites me: it’s not just the big players benefiting. Small and medium-sized businesses like Cobalt Enterprises and Tool Craft are proving that automation isn’t a luxury reserved for tech giants. It’s a tool that’s democratizing innovation, allowing companies of all sizes to compete globally. If that’s not empowerment, I don’t know what is.
“We’re committed to supporting the growth of the automation sector by identifying incentives, grants and crafting forward-thinking policies.” – Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin
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Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: jobs. Yes, automation will change the employment landscape. But change doesn’t have to mean loss. In Snohomish County, we’re tackling this head-on. We’re partnering with educational institutions to retrain and upskill workers. We’re creating new job categories we couldn’t have imagined a decade ago. They’re showing us that we can turn technological disruption into opportunity with the right mindset and support.
I’ve always believed that we need more women in tech, and initiatives like this open doors for everyone. The automation revolution doesn’t care about your gender, your background or where you came from. It cares about your skills, adaptability and willingness to learn. That’s the kind of level playing field we’ve been fighting for.
Let’s be honest: change is scary. But you know what’s scarier? Staying still while the world moves forward.
Snohomish County is choosing to move forward and lean into the future of work with everything it’s got. We’re not just adapting to change; we’re driving it.
So here’s my challenge: don’t just watch this revolution happen. Be part of it. Whether you’re a business owner, a worker or a student, there’s a place for you in this automated future. It’s time to upgrade your skills, reimagine your role, to see automation not as a threat, but as a tool to amplify your unique human potential.
The future of work is being written right now in Snohomish County. It’s a future where humans and machines work together, innovation knows no bounds and opportunities are limited only by our imagination. It’s a future that’s open to everyone willing to embrace it.
