PSI & NAHMMA Seattle, WA June 4, 2009 How to Start a Business Assistance Program Julia McHugh HWTR Ecology Local Source Control Program

First Things First P R O G R A M H I S T O R Y Through significant scientific & other observations, recognition of the deep distress of Washington state’s urban waters. Discussion begins 2005, results in state legislature allocating $2.2M for startup of Local Source Control Partnership, one aspect of overall Urban Waters Initiative.

First Things First P R O G R A M H I S T O R Y Ecology - HWTR team forms to begin gestation of new program, including Ecology - HWTR team forms to begin gestation of new program, including Urban Waters & Environmental Results Pilot Project

Partner Jurisdictions

 City of Bellevue  City of Bellingham  Clallam County  City of Issaquah  Jefferson County  King County Public Health  Jefferson County  King County Public Health  King County Water & Land  King County Water & Land  Kitsap County Health  Kitsap County Health  Kitsap County Public Works  San Juan County  Seattle Public Utilities  Kitsap County Public Works  San Juan County  Seattle Public Utilities  Skagit County Public Health  Skagit County Public Health  Snohomish County Health  Spokane Regional Health  Snohomish County Health  Spokane Regional Health  Tacoma Pierce County Health  Tacoma Pierce County Health  Whatcom County Health (18.5 FTEs)  Whatcom County Health (18.5 FTEs)

The Shape of a Program The Shape of a Program ( ) 4 King Louis + Emperor Napoleon

3 rd Party Business Lists Tips & Ideas Check currency/accuracy of ALL 3 rd party information Collaborate to identify/determine TARGET business sectors Provide guidance sector NAICS codes; Jurisdiction compiles list Revise for upcoming sectors, i.e. Abandoned, Bankrupt, Contaminated sites Avoid unless sample lists & time to verify Target sectors – combine overall contaminant priorities & local sectors Resources: ReferenceUSA; Manta.com; Regional Reference Librarian; Polk Directory; Phone book Market conditions driving need

Database & Site Visit Checklist Tips & Ideas Unless designed for such use, do not expect checklist to serve too many purposes If external users, ensure system accessibility – security firewalls can also prevent legitimate intentions Reality check / field test with checklist users Predetermine types and reasons for data, incl. Program Metrics Automate, automate, automate Separate & shorten – PreVisit site data & contact info; individual single page checklists for specific sectors Web-based application to eliminate access problems Avoid multiple data entry events, avoid aggravating business owners w/ lengthy checklist Field-enter data into handheld device & download Link to GIS applications for overlay possibilities & view spatial relationships: business type:contaminants:basin/sub basin issues

Program Measurements Tips & Ideas Hard Results from database – types of businesses => waste types & quantities Soft Results from Monthly Reports – e.g. internal/external collaboration, spill kits/vouchers distributed, specific solution to specific business waste problem, connections to local business associations, industry associations, Chambers of Commerce, etc. Provide BMPs specific to industry Extends awareness and reach of technical assistance, builds program credibility within jurisdiction, establishes LSCS as local go-to for waste management assistance

Technical Training Tips & Ideas Multimedia waste information specific to each sector - Impossible to meet all training needs Provide General Waste Designation regs & practices and provide training for top sectors Survey for sector priorities I.D. people w/sector expertise Locate existing prepared training resources Establish e-Library All partners contribute towards setting topic, agenda, guest speakers, all other resources & event planning & hosting Webinar format reaches largest number of people in unlimited # of locations SharePoint site

Group Resources & References Tips & Ideas SharePoint for all to access Requires users to contribute & scrutinize Multiple contributors => can become hard to negotiate & locate materials Requires organization & maintenance of information submitted Consult a librarian at the outset; set up organization protocol

TA vs. Compliance: White Hat / Black Hat Tips & Ideas Separate completely – strictly author’s opinion Prioritize to solve local problems locally Establish direct connections to all local resources: Solid waste, Storm water, Wastewater, Air authorities Avoid conflicting role for staff & maintain long-term credibility w/in local business community All partners contribute towards creation of Contact & Referral Guide listing local, regional, state and federal media contacts Guide requires annual updating maintenance

Reality Checking Tips & Ideas Survey Partners Survey Businesses served Data Analysis Co-create survey w/ partners, make responses anonymous, use service i.e. Survey Monkey, distribute results to all Are the LSCS effective in TA delivery? How to better serve business & positively affect bottom line? Source of industry trends information? Particular sector(s) in distress (those referred for corrective action); checklist data being collected? Waste management trends evident?

New Partners & Program Growth Tips & Ideas Inability to take on new partners immediately due to funding allocation & biennium schedule Make program resources available, invite to technical trainings Lobby Ecology & state legislators to expand program

How We’re Doing How We’re Doing Within the last 13 months, the Local Source Control Specialists have completed 2,247 site visits, return site visits, & ERP Auto Body pilot visits to small businesses surrounding Puget Sound and within the Spokane River Watershed. This is 110% of the contracted target amount, delivered 5 months early. This is a team to join.

The Sky’s the Limit! Questions?