Inside
Workforce Portal Launches in Second Region
The AWB Institute ’ s new Washington Workforce Portal had a grand introduction during a February press conference .
AWB Debuts Weekly “ Capitol Focus ” Public Affairs Program
Washington has a new employer-focused voice on the airwaves . AWB marked a new level of engagement with the lawmaking process by creating a weekly public affairs web-streamed program called “ Capitol Focus ,” which debuted with the start of the all-virtual 2021 session .
Hosted by Dave Mastin , AWB assistant vice president of government affairs , the program brings together lawmakers , employers and community
leaders to talk about the challenges of this moment and highlight people working to solve problems .
Early episodes covered topics such as vaccine production , business reopening , capital gains tax proposals , child care , unemployment insurance , transportation investments , reliable energy production and much more .
The show is recorded at AWB ’ s Olympia office with a crew led by AWB Creative Director Brian Temple .
AWB joined the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce , Washington State University Tri-Cities and Columbia Basin College to launch this new online portal connecting employers and students for internship opportunities .
“ Achieving equity in the workforce is imperative to building a stronger economy ,” said AWB President Kris Johnson . “ This means building internships and opportunities within companies for students who otherwise might not have the contacts to find that opportunity .”
The Washington Workforce Portal is an online resource in which employers and educators may post an unlimited number of internship opportunities and have access to an intern candidate database for free .
“ Not only does this type of experience benefit employers , it benefits students ,” said WSU Tri-Cities Chancellor Sandra Haynes . “ Gaining realworld experience is one of the best ways students learn how to transform classroom learning into action — and a great way to expand foundational skills like teamwork , critical thinking and communication .”
The Tri-Cities is one of two locations in Washington where the project is being piloted . A similar pilot project is underway in Spokane .
“ This is a visionary project and we ’ re excited to be a partner ,” said Lori Mattson , president of the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce .
For more information , contact Sarah Rith at sarahr @ awbinstitute . org .
Each new episode debuts at 7 p . m . on Sundays through April 25 at www . awb-tv . org .
AWB ’ s Membership Team Receives Top National Honors
The Association of State Chamber Professionals gave its top honors in December to the AWB membership department for member retention .
“ This award is testament to the value AWB provides to employers throughout the state , particularly during such a challenging time , and motivation to continue our mission to serve as a catalytic leader and unifying voice for economic prosperity in all of Washington ,” said AWB President Kris Johnson . “ Kudos to the Membership team , led by Sean Heiner .”
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