Washington Business Spring 2017 | Washington Business | Page 12

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 32nd Annual Legislative Day and Hill Climb a Sold-Out Affair AW B m e m b e r s w e re h e a rd b y Washington’s legislative leaders Jan. 17 at the annual AWB Legislative Day and Hill Climb. Gov. Jay Inslee kicked off the sold-out event by saying, “I come to you as an optimist.” Inslee spoke of Washington’s economy, noting that “economic growth is not uniform throughout the state.” He also spoke on K-12 education funding, saying it was the number one priority for economic growth in the state. He also said that a repeal of the Affordable Care Act would impact roughly 750,000 Washingtonians. Chris Reykdal, Superintendent for Public Instruction, said Washington can do better for its students, and the time is now to make a change in K-12 education, particularly finding alternative graduation pathways for students who may not be college bound. Skylar Olsen, senior economist for Seattle- based Zillow, offered a look at the state’s economy based on current housing patterns in Seattle and comparing them nationally. In total, there were 359 attendees at the day session and evening reception; 83 AWB members joined in the Hill Climb to speak with their lawmakers and state leaders. AWB No Longer Selling Employment Law Posters — L&I and DOL have them for Free Download AWB will no longer produce and sell employment law posters; however, staff will continue to remain available to answer questions for members. Updates to state minimum wage and employment law posters are available for free to download from the Washington Department of Labor & Industries and the U.S. Department of Licensing at http://bit.ly/2iSu6Gm. For more information, contact Bob Battles, [email protected] or at 800.521.9325. 12 association of washington business AWB Welcomes New Staff: Mary Catherine McAleer and Susan Wagner AWB welcomes Mary Catherine McAleer, who joined AWB as a government affairs director in January. McAleer specializes in water quality, environment, climate and energy. She comes to AWB from the Washington State House of Representatives, where she was a policy analyst on agriculture, natural resources and environmental issues. Mary Catherine McAleer Susan Wagner joined AWB as a membership manager. Wagner comes to AWB with 20 years of experience at the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, where she worked in membership, events and other departments. Susan Wagner AWB Annual Report Highlights a Year of Advocacy for Employers The bold look is back for AWB’s 2016 Annual Report. Each section of the report reflects the work the association has done over the course of the year to live the new AWB Mission and Vision and employ the five strategies to make them a reality — Achieve, Connect, Employ, Compete and Place. From supporting thoughtful K-12 education investments to AWB’s Grow Here employer image campaign, the 2016 Annual Report illustrates how Washington’s employers are the solution to expanding economic opportunity and supporting vibrant communities. The report was mailed with this magazine, or read it online at www.awb.org/annual-report