Key Findings
awb regional manufacturing
meeting locations:
August – October 2011
• Everett
• Mount Vernon
• Moses Lake
• Pasco
• Spokane
• Vancouver
AWB heard from more than 70 employers representing
approximately 5,000 employees at six meetings around the state
who discussed the advantages of tax credits, struggles with hiring
a qualified workforce and issues concerning regulatory oversight.
Hearing first-hand from business is key to understanding and
addressing the needs of the manufacturing industry in order to
support the growth of the sector.
Washington state manufacturers attending AWB’s regional
meetings identified the following items as the top areas of concern
for the industry:
• Power rates must remain competitive. Changes are needed
to Initiative 937 in order for manufacturers to remain
competitive with other states.
• There are serious regulatory issues and impediments with
several state and federal regulatory agencies that must be
addressed.
• There is a lack of a skilled workforce to meet demand.
• Tax incentives play a vital role in the growth of the manu-
facturing industry and must be protected.
wa state manufacturers
account for 78 percent
of the state’s exports.
Power Rates and I-937
Businesses and industries located in Washington state enjoy the
benefits of a reliable and competitive power supply. Washington
is a leader in capitalizing on energy efficiency opportunities to
extend supplies and keep prices competitive. Washington state
is one of the lowest emissions producing states ranking number
5 in per capita emissions from electric power generation pulling