Story Published:
Jul 21, 2009 at 8:43 PM PST
Story Updated:
Jul 21, 2009 at 8:51 PM PST
ISSAQUAH, Wash. -- Four cities are chasing one small business.
Each anxious for the Green Car Company to move into their community, the cities are putting their best offers on the table in hopes of earning greens.
After a few years tinkering and fine tuning its business model, the Bellevue company is ready to put the pedal to the metal.
"We're doing real well over here. A lot of support from the community," said Matt Spratt, owner of the Green Car Company.
The company opened its only show room in Bellevue last year to highlight its fuel-efficient cars and electric bicycles. Now that it's making money - an estimated $8 million last year, Kirkland wants the business to return to where it started.
Seattle and Issaquah also want to plug into green car company's tax dollars and eco-friendly reputation.
"From Seattle over to Bellevue, Kirkland,they're all very environmentally friendly. They all have their thumb on the pulse of the eco-movements," said Spratt.
Seattle's Economic Development Director Steve Johnson made it clear: he wants the green car company to join the city's eco-economy.
"They're not a big company, but they are pioneers. We think Seattle is a great place to be a pioneer," he said. "We'll work very closely and aggressively with them to help them succeed."
Seattle says it wants to build a green car center, which would house the Green Car Company.
It's not just tax dollars the cities are after. They all see potential spin-offs and more jobs.
"From an economic development perspective, it's just really smart because it diversifies your economy," Johnson said. "This is where the business world and the global economy are going."
Spratt says loves his company and he loves the Bellevue. But now might be the time to test-drive future locations.