Washington Business Spring 2019 | Washington Business | Page 23

what’s working gary chandler amy k. anderson, mhpa, j.d. 360.943.1600 [email protected] 360.943.1600 [email protected] issue expertise: issue expertise: Vice President, Government Affairs Oversees Government Affairs department and directs AWB’s legislative and regulatory programs Chandler, a former legislator and owner of a small business in his home town of Moses Lake, oversees the Government Affairs team and monitors the issues they cover. He is also active in ensuring AWB is at the table in key task forces, including the Washington State Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board, the Southern Resident Killer Whale (Orca) Task Force, and other special committees that meet year-round. robert “bob” battles, j.d. General Counsel / Government Affairs Director 360.943.1600 [email protected] issue expertise: Legal Affairs Employment Law/Wage & Hour Workers’ Compensation Unemployment Insurance Workplace Safety employment law in the spotlight: From rules about employee scheduling and who can work as independent contractors to paid family and medical leave, employment law issues have been active in the Legislature. When it comes to workplace policies and regulations, there is no better voice than that of business owners and leaders. The real-world examples of how a proposed law would impact job creation and employee retention that employers offer to lawmakers can change the trajectory of those policies for the better. Government Affairs Director Health Care Education Workforce Development Federal Policies engagement on issues at the state, federal level: Employer involvement in the legislative and congressional process is key to helping lawmakers understand the impact of the policies they pass. In particular, we need to hear from Washington state employers experiencing a workforce shortage or training and benefit issues. Their voices and solutions need to be heard. mike ennis Government Affairs Director 360.943.1600 [email protected] issue expertise: Aviation Land Use Rural Economic Development Telecommunications Transportation/Infrastructure building the economy in all of washington: Well-maintained and updated infrastructure, whether for water or transportation, is critical to Washington’s trade-driven economy. Business leaders and owners have a critical role in shaping how Washington addresses those needs to ensure an economy that extends to every community — rural and urban — in the state. peter godlewski clay hill 360.943.1600 [email protected] 360.943.1600 [email protected] Government Affairs Director issue expertise: Environmental Policy Energy Chemical & Solid Waste Management Water Quality clean, renewable energy: Washington’s low cost, clean hydroelectric energy is a major competitive advantage, serving to both attract businesses to the state and keep the cost of living low for consumers. Carbon reduction is an extremely important goal — and Washington employers, employees and consumers are leading the way through investment, innovation and personal choices. But, policy discussions in Olympia this year, and in coming years, will determine what employers and consumers will pay for energy over the next 50 years. Government Affairs Director Issue Expertise: Tax & Fiscal Policy responsible spending: Every legislative session and the interim break bring to life new proposals to adjust who pays taxes and how much. Engagement on tax policy throughout the year helps make sure lawmakers are informed about the competitive landscape for businesses in every sector across the state. spring 2019 23