In an exciting success story for rural Asotin County, Green Water Energy LLC has unified and relocated its growing operations from Idaho and Colorado to a new headquarters in Clarkston, Wash. The Washington Department of Commerce provided a $100,000 grant from the state’s economic development strategic reserve fund to Southeast Washington Economic Development Association (SEWEDA) to support the move, leveraging an estimated total $6 million capital investment by the company.
Established 10 years ago as a small plumbing company, Green Water Energy is a Small Business Administration-certified, economically disadvantaged women-owned small business, and Native American Indian-owned small business. The company has managed projects and constructed facilities for various state and federal agencies, specializing in providing mechanical, electrical and architectural upgrades for industrial, education, and commercial projects. Clients include the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Forest Service, Indian Health Services and numerous state agencies in Washington, Idaho and others.
“Awarding this grant to help Green Water Energy move its headquarters and operations to Clarkston aligns with Gov. Inslee’s goals to strengthen communities by encouraging high-wage, technical skills job growth in rural areas throughout the state,” said Commerce Director Lisa Brown.
“The entire company and I are extremely grateful for this opportunity given to us by Dawn Smith at SEWEDA, and the state of Washington,” said Erin Clemens, Green Water Energy owner and managing member. “This is helping tremendously to provide a work space that is conducive to our continued growth, and we are able to give back to the state in providing jobs.”
State funds will reimburse allowable costs associated with equipment and staff relocation and facility improvements at the Clarkston corporate campus, including building upgrades, power requirements, production efficiencies and safety improvements. The company agrees to invest an additional $100,000 in development and create an estimated 17 new full-time jobs at the Clarkston campus.
Clemens is a Notre Dame graduate and a member of the Assiniboine tribe. She grew up in a small town in Montana where she was the third of 12 children and graduated with a class of only 70 students. Early on, she demonstrated leadership skills that have helped her continued success with the company. What some may call the American Dream, her strong work ethic, along with a demonstrated history of working in the construction industry, have helped bring the company from $100,000 in sales in 2009 to an estimated $6 million as the company approaches its 10-year anniversary in 2019.
Green Water Energy has begun remodeling the new larger corporate campus in Clarkston that will create new jobs and investment. Officials say the move has already created jobs for two electricians, a flooring subcontractor, and two part-time Green Water employees who are working toward full-time employment. The company has implemented a health and wellness program focused on ergonomics of work spaces and availability of exercise equipment for employees. Company improvements and building renovations will continue as the business settles into the new space.
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