Gary Reed has seen 30 years of Puget Sound business history from the boardrooms of more public companies than anyone else in Washington. Here are some of his observations:
The region’s economy: Reed is not terribly optimistic about the future.
Microsoft: Reed, who has been on Microsoft’s board since the company went public in 1986, warns officials not to congratulate themselves just because Microsoft and the tech boom happened to develop here. It’s just luck.
The region’s challenges: He says Seattle leaders also should recognize the area’s disadvantages. “Just geographically, a lot of companies would rather be located in more central locations, like Chicago, simply because their employees don’t have to travel as much.”
Prospects for the Port of Seattle: He said he’s unsure if the problems that prevent the region from exploiting the Port can be overcome. Unions pose an obstacle to modernization, he said, and transportation is clogged. The Port’s traffic has tumbled.
Bleagh. Not what I wanted to read right now.