But the frills only complement what administrators hope will be the core of Satsop's future. Because the site has its own electrical substation, Bonneville Power Administration transmission lines stretch to the front door. By installing such cable throughout the planned business park, Romjue hopes to attract software companies, call centers and technology development businesses among others. The company of 120 employees started with 6 and expects to have 300 by the end of the year. Renovation efforts of the old office building the company operates from barely can keep up with its growth.
Empty cubicles await new workers, some of whom already are in training.
These jobs wouldn't get much attention in Seattle. Only this isn't Seattle. In nearby Elma, there are more rickety old barns than high-rise office buildings, more cow pastures than parking garages. The jobs are needed. There's plenty of room for more development.