In 30 years, these companies have helped transform the identity of the Pacific Northwest (as seen by outsiders) from a dreary and desolate place into a forward-thinking, innovative and inspiring cultural hub.
But there is more to the NW region (and always has been) than computers, coffee and expensive clothing. There is something special about the people. I would argue that it is next-to-impossible to live in the NW and not develop a heightened sense of spirituality. Washingtonians, Oregonians and Idahoans have a special appreciation for the environment (not just ecological) and their role in preserving, improving and thriving in it.
When the world thinks "Seattle" they associate it with rain, lattes and the 90's Grunge scene. The world doesn't see the role that Native American culture played in developing the social framework and foundation by which people in the region live and have come to appreciate how interdependent life and nature truly are.
Economic prosperity makes the NW a wonderful place to live. But, the strong cultural backbone of the region is a key factor that has allowed this prosperity to happen. I have included a quick bit of NW Native American history to highlight the point I am trying to make:
The next time you attend a potluck dinner you can thank the indigenous peoples of the NW Coast--Tlingit, Tsimshian and Salish to name a few. The term 'potluck' was derived from the word 'potlach', (Chinook jargon meaning 'to give away') a festival ceremony held by these tribes.
These ceremonies were held for the main purpose of re-distributing wealth. Wealth included material goods but also involved spiritual goods such as elaborate songs and dances. Unlike our society now, family status in these communities was determined not by the possession of resources but by how many resources each family gave away.
Their idea of a strong community was one that empowered its members to work hard in order to help others.
Bringing this post full-circle, I'd like to think that the success enjoyed by the aforementioned companies is, in part, due to strategic business visions that incorporate this ideology into their business models.
I'm proud of my NW roots--I grew up there. I'm proud that I am associated with a place that people think is cool, innovative and edgy. But, I'm also proud that there is so much more to my home than famous companies and Nirvana (the band, not the state-of-being).
I don't think the economic success of the NW would have ever happened if it weren't for the deep-rooted cultural importance placed on sense-of-community and unwavering appreciation for sustainability (economic, social and environmental).
The NW is clearly unique. I think it has been able to make a tremendous positive difference in the world by acknowledging and leveraging its uniqueness. Citizens of the NW have a clear vision of 'who' they are, 'where' they come from and 'what' their community should stand for.
