SENATE BILL REPORT

                           SSB 6561

              AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 14, 1994

Brief Description:  Expanding the marketplace program.

SPONSORS: Senate Committee on Trade, Technology & Economic Development (originally sponsored by Senators Skratek and Bluechel; by request of Department of Trade and Economic Development)

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRADE, TECHNOLOGY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6561 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass. 

     Signed by Senators Skratek, Chairman; Sheldon, Vice Chairman; Bluechel, Cantu, Erwin, M. Rasmussen and Williams.

Staff:  Traci Ratzliff (786‑7452)

Hearing Dates: February 1, 1994; February 2, 1994

BACKGROUND:

The Washington Marketplace Program was created in 1988.  It is  administered by the Department of Trade and Economic Development. The program attempts to match local suppliers with local businesses currently purchasing out of state, to increase local commerce and create jobs in the state. Businesses that profit from the program may be charged a service fee.

Under current law, the department is not authorized to contract with out-of-state entities in an effort to generate buying leads for potential suppliers in Washington or to contract with industry associations or other governmental bodies to carry out the purposes of the Marketplace program.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development  is authorized to contract with governments, industry associations, or local nonprofit organizations to carry out the purposes of the Marketplace program.

In addition, the department may establish linkages with federal, regional, and Northwest governments and nonprofit organizations, to foster buying leads and information benefiting Washington suppliers and industry and trade associations.  Businesses may be charged service fees for participating in the Marketplace program.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested

Effective Date:  Section 1 of the bill takes effect immediately.

TESTIMONY FOR:

This bill will allow the Marketplace program to work with industry associations, and federal, regional and state partners to expand and improve upon the current Marketplace program.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  PRO:  Rob Gilmore, Department of Trade and Economic Development; Jerry Smedes, Washington Environmental Industry Association