washington business
Inside AWB
It doesn ’ t matter whether you ’ re a small-business owner hiring your first full-time employee , or the manager of a corporate division of thousands . For more than 100 years , AWB has been your voice in Washington state .
What ’ s Going On at AWB AWB Hosts 1st 2016 Gubernatorial Debate
An election-year tradition that began in 1992 continued this summer as AWB and Greater Spokane Incorporated hosted the first gubernatorial debate of 2016 , sponsored by Avista .
Democratic Gov . Jay Inslee and Republican challenger Bill Bryant headlined the event , which also featured a debate between Republican Secretary of State Kim Wyman and her Democratic challenger , Tina Podlodowski .
Television anchor and news reporter Sean Owsley moderated the gubernatorial debate , and KHQ live-streamed the event , which was held at Spokane Falls Community College . Spokesman- Review Olympia Bureau Chief Jim Camden moderated the secretary of state debate .
This event followed a live debate at AWB ’ s Spring Meeting between the full slate of lieutenant governor candidates . AWB also hosted debates for auditor , commissioner of public lands , and superintendent of public instruction at the Policy Summit in September .
Video of all of AWB ’ s debates is online at www . awb . org / awb-debates .
AWB has hosted gubernatorial debates in every election since 1992 ’ s race between Mike Lowry and Ken Eikenberry .
Spring Meeting Brings a ‘ Vote for Business ’ to Spokane
With the theme “ A Vote for Business ,” the 2016 AWB Spring Meeting in Spokane naturally focused on the year ’ s state and national elections .
The sold-out event was held in June at the Historic Davenport Hotel in Spokane .
One highlight was a debate between eight candidates for lieutenant governor , including the two candidates who went on to win the Top Two primary : Sen . Cyrus Habib , D-Bellevue , and Republican Marty McClendon .
The evening dinner included remarks from Spokane Mayor David Condon and the graduation of the Leadership Washington Class of 2016 , followed by a keynote address from CNN commentators and authors Margaret Hoover and John Avlon . This husband-andwife team discussed the presidential election , the impact of independently-minded millennials on the future of the Republican and Democratic parties , and how to restore civility to politics .
Grassroots Alliance Continues Growth , Meets in Spokane and SeaTac
The partnership between AWB and local Chambers of Commerce continues to grow . The Grassroots Alliance , founded in 2014 with 35 chamber partners , now has more than 60 members .
This two-way partnership connects AWB ’ s expertise in government affairs and advocacy with the on-the-ground connections and relationships of local chambers .
To help solidify those connections , AWB recently held mini-summits with Grassroots Alliance members in Spokane and SeaTac .
The Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives has taken note of this innovative partnership , profiling the Grassroots Alliance in the Spring 2016 edition of Chamber Executive magazine .
The next step for the Alliance : expanding a database of local employers who can testify in Olympia and speak to the news media about issues particular to their field or with widespread impact .
To learn more , visit www . awb . org / local-chamber-grassrootsalliance or contact Bobbi Cussins at 800.521.9325 .
First-ever AWB Evening of Excellence to be Held at Benaroya Hall in Seattle
AWB is rolling out the red carpet to honor Washington ’ s most outstanding employers during a new awards ceremony in downtown Seattle ’ s elegant Benaroya Hall .
The Evening of Excellence ceremony will honor businesses who help enhance and support AWB ’ s five pillars : Achieve , Connect , Employ , Compete and Place . Awards will also go to the Entrepreneur and Employer of the Year .
This black-tie event will be held Nov . 30 , with a member appreciation reception in the Samuel & Althea Stroum Grand Lobby before the awards program in the Nordstrom Recital Hall .
Contact AWB at 800.521.9325 for ticket information .
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