business backgrounder | economy
Reeves is the governor’s lead on economic development for the
military and defense sector in the state Commerce Department, a
position that grew out of recommendations made in the 2012 report.
She’s also the executive director of the Washington Military Alliance
(WMA), an advisory group made up of major business and trade
organizations with ties to the defense industry.
The WMA first came together under Gov. Gregoire in response
to the Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC). In
September 2014, Gov. Jay Inslee reestablished it as a formal advisory
body to address proposed force reductions announced by the DoD.
(Reeves refers to the current challenge as a “stealth BRAC.”)
business involvement with the washington
military alliance
Rich Hadley represents AWB on the alliance and serves as its
co-chair. A naval intelligence officer during the Vietnam War, Hadley
is president emeritus of Greater Spokane Incorporated.
In Spokane, he helped organize Forward Fairchild to advocate
for the Air Force base, which he calls “a blessing for our region.”
In addition to their civic contributions — from search-and-rescue
operations to partnerships with the schools — Hadley says the
military offers two direct economic benefits: talent — “highly skilled
people with a great work ethic” — and business opportunities.
Many Washington bu ͥ