AWB ANNUAL REPORT 9
CONTENT AND ADVOCACY 2016
MEMBER-FOCUSED, MEMBER-DRIVEN
From election-year debates to webinars and seminars, AWB’ s 2016 content was driven by members and for members.
The election year offered AWB the opportunity to showcase the many candidates for statewide office— the officials who make decisions that impact employers in every community.
In keeping with tradition, AWB hosted the first statewide gubernatorial debate of the year on Aug. 17 with our partners, Greater Spokane Incorporated and the Community Colleges of Spokane. The debate, presented by Avista, was broadcast and streamed live throughout the state thanks to our media partner KHQ. AWB hosted a total of six statewide candidate debates beginning at the Spring Meeting in June and culminating at the Policy Summit in September.
The AWB events team revamped the seminar and webinar content to better reflect the nearly 92 percent of members that are small businesses. From the popular six-part employment law webinar series to seminars that help business owners prepare to transition out of their business, the changes were well received.
The Government Affairs team likewise took outreach and educational efforts to a new level with the addition of the small business tour and engagement on statewide ballot initiatives affecting employers.
The year once again proved that member-driven committees and offerings are the strength of AWB’ s advocacy efforts.
5,771 1.3 M 98
The number of AWB members with 100 or fewer employees
The number of Washingtonians employed by small businesses
The percentage of all Washington employers that are small businesses
Source: U. S. Small Business Administration 2016 report