Editorial: Russell decision felt here, too

It's easy to distance ourselves from Tacoma and the rest of the Interstate 5 corridor because of our small-town atmosphere and fewer traffic impacts, but the stark reality in the case of Russell Investments is going to impact Gig Harbor, too.

More than 10 percent of Russell’s 900 employees at the downtown Tacoma location find themselves between a rock and hard place now that the investment firm has announced its decision to relocate to Seattle next year.

Do they remain in Gig Harbor and commute to Seattle? Do they pack up and attempt to sell their home in this market and move closer to their new office? Do they leave the firm altogether and try to start up their own ventures here in town?

There will probably be “yes” answers to all three questions, which means its true impact is difficult to predict.

But instead of focusing on our displeasure with Seattle and King County for stealing an important economic factor from Pierce County, we should focus on how successful Russell Investments became while it was here. It shows our area can support big business, and county leaders should promote that notion as they work to bring in a successor.