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TOURISM AMBASSAOR
Susan Shannon
Director, City of Seattle Office of Economic Development
In March, following an extensive nationwide search, Mayor Nickels selected Susan Shannon as the new director of the city's Office of Economic Development (OED). Shannon brings to the position a wealth of experience and a proven record of spurring investment, opportunities and job growth in a major urban center. For 10 years, she served as the Director of Economic Development for the city of Grand Rapids, Mich. |
Susan Shannon |
What drew you to Seattle?
I started visiting Seattle when my daughter moved here, and I fell in love with the beauty of the city and the quality of life here. I love the walkability of Seattle - whether downtown or in the neighborhoods. Seattle has such lovely community gathering spots and neighborhoods full of individual character. I was also very excited to come and work for the City of Seattle.
You're a leader in the field of economic development, but it must take some time to adapt to a new landscape. How are Grand Rapids and Seattle different?
Seattle's industry sectors and employment base are much more diverse. Seattle's quality of life continues to attract younger, highly-educated workers and businesses are moving here to capitalize on the pool of talent. Grand Rapids is centered around the auto industry and manufacturing, while Seattle boasts life sciences, healthcare, manufacturing, maritime, film, music, high technology - and, of course, a vibrant tourism industry that attracts visitors and conventions from all over the world.
How important is tourism in the City of Seattle's economic development strategic plan?
Tourism is a very important industry for Seattle. Tourism helps bolster our downtown, supports local businesses and showcases our city to people across the nation and all over the world. I think it's important to build attractions for local citizens, and those sites will attract tourists as well. The Pike Place Market is a great example of this idea - the market was created for local people to buy produce, and here 100 years later, is still a major local and tourist attraction. At the Office of Economic Development, we feel it's important to support Seattle's diverse industries, from manufacturing to tourism to life sciences - keeping all our industries strong ensures a thriving economy.
Tourism in the city and county hit record highs this summer. Do you see tourism as a growth industry? How does the City of Seattle plan to support that growth?
Publicizing Seattle's name and reputation in a global market supports our tourism industry - whether it's the innovation of our major companies like Microsoft, Boeing and Amazon.com, our local bands and vibrant music scene, or leadership in green building and sustainable lifestyles. Seattle's innovation and unique culture continue to put Seattle in people's minds, and they come to check us out. I see opportunity to attract more visitors to our unique neighborhoods where they can explore local shopping, dining and heritage.
Washington State has initiated a new tourism commission and enhanced funding of its tourism office, stimulating widespread optimism for a more integrated, statewide approach to tourism development. What does this mean to the City of Seattle's approach to tourism?
We're excited about the new tourism commission. Certainly, promotion at the state level of our entire destination helps Seattle. We're pleased that our partners are working together to promote and take advantage of opportunities, and the City of Seattle is definitely a partner at the table in this effort.
As a new Seattleite, you are now a tourism ambassador. Have you had a chance to tour visiting friends or relatives around your fair city?
I've already had six visitors - at first I thought everyone missed me, but I'm starting to understand it's Seattle that attracts them! I live downtown, and I've had opportunity to tour folks through the Pike Place Market, the Olympic Sculpture Park, to many restaurants, as well as Lake Washington and Lake Union. I enjoy taking people to shop in the different neighborhoods, and enjoy cultural events like the Seattle International Film Festival. I'll keep exploring more with them on their second and third visits! There is so much to offer here, both urban delights and natural wonders.
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