Community

We are part of the community too.  We have worked hard to win a reputation for giving back to the community, and we will continue to work hard to maintain it.

TAG – The Technology Alliance Group is a Washington non-profit corporation that promotes technology businesses in Northwest Washington.  TAG is also the Northwest Washington partner for the WSA (Washington Software Alliance).  Jack Grant has served for many years as Corporate Secretary and Chair of the Advocacy Committee for the Whatcom, Skagit, San Juan and Island Counties.  TAG recently reorganized to take on a much larger role in Northwest Washington to act as the economic development engine for technology business.

Bellingham/Whatcom County Chamber of Commerce - Board Director of the Chamber of Commerce whose membership includes the area's most influential businesses.

Port of Bellingham – In 2003, Jack Grant ran for election as a Commissioner of the Port of Bellingham.  There were three key elements to his election platform:  the Port Commissioners needed to eliminate conflicts of interest; the Port itself needed to take a much more active role in the economic development of the community; and the Port needed to find a way to take control of the abandoned Georgia Pacific pulp mill site.  Jack lost the election, but in furtherance of the third goal the Port negotiated a deed from Georgia Pacific for the abandoned pulp mill site in exchange for the Port taking over certain clean up obligations on the site.  This single act of the Port has provided the Bellingham community with a never-to-be-repeated opportunity to plan for and redevelop over 100 acres of waterfront lands on Bellingham Bay.

Grape & Gourmet - Jack Grant acted as Chair of the Restaurant Committee during the first two years (2004-2005) of Bellingham Bay Rotary Club’s fund raiser “Grape & Gourmet,” now a Bellingham "must attend" event showcasing the finest local restaurants and Northwest wineries.

Building Permits Initiative - Jack Grant has counseled a diverse group of citizens in an initiative to persuade the City of Bellingham to streamline the building permit process.