Inside
Record Attendance at Spring Meeting
Mary Catherine McAleer Takes New Role at Weyerhaeuser
AWB ’ s Mary Catherine McAleer has taken a new position in Weyerhauser ’ s public affairs and government affairs team . She covered climate , environment and water quality issues for AWB .
“ During her time here , MC proved to be a leader on environmental and water issues , a generous colleague and uplifting presence in our office ,” AWB President Kris Johnson said .
“ I ’ m a lifetime Weyerhaeuser fan and thrilled to join the ranks of the talented folks who support our state ’ s legacy and future in forestry ,” McAleer said .
For questions on environmental issues , please contact Gary Chandler , AWB vice president , government affairs , at 360.943.1600 .
2018 Policy Summit Taking Shape
A record number of Washington employers , business leaders and lawmakers gathered in May to learn about international trade , rural broadband solutions and more at AWB ’ s Spring Meeting .
Automation may not eliminate jobs , especially highly creative ones , but it could eliminate parts of a job , particularly the routine tasks , James McCafferty , director of the College of Business & Economics at Western Washington University , told attendees .
Betty Buckley of the Washington Independent Telecommunications Association said at a rural broadband panel it will take about $ 1 billion to build out the network in Washington state , and bring that service to underserved areas .
Mark your calendar for AWB ’ s annual Policy Summit Sept . 18-20 at Suncadia Resort in Cle Elum . This year ’ s event will feature timely panel discussions and guest speakers to share ideas and solutions to move Washington forward .
Registration is now open and be sure to take advantage of AWB ’ s discounted room block . Visit www . awb . org or contact Kelli Schueler at 360.943.1600 for more information .
Second-Annual Federal Affairs Summit Held in Tacoma
And Rep . Larry Springer , D-Kirkland , indicated there ’ s hope for a business and occupation tax credit for manufacturing in next year ’ s Legislature .
One thing lawmakers didn ’ t get done this year was “ to even out the business and occupation tax for manufacturers ,” Springer said . He said later that with accountability provisions — like job creation and tax collection increases — he thinks lawmakers could pass it next year .
John Murphy of the U . S . Chamber of Commerce highlighted the importance of international trade at the luncheon keynote address . Other countries are moving ahead with their own trade agreements while the U . S . debates the issue , Murphy said .
“ What you see is all these countries reaching new trade pacts among themselves ,” he said . “ The world won ’ t stand still .”
The two-day event , held for the first time at the Davenport Grand Hotel , also featured panels on cannabis and the workplace , paid leave and a powerful speech from Capt . “ Sully ” Sullenberger , who shared his story of leadership under pressure as he landed a crippled passenger jet on the Hudson River .
Federal issues like taxes , immigration and international trade have a significant impact on Washington employers . That ’ s why AWB brought together members of Washington ’ s congressional delegation for a one-day meeting with job creators at the secondannual AWB Federal Affairs Summit Aug . 14 at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center . This event , a reverse fly-in , featured updates on timely topics and provided a direct connection to our state ’ s federal officials .
An estimated 40 percent of Washington ’ s jobs are connected to international trade , and working immigration policies is crucial for many Washington farmers and ranchers . Learn more by visiting www . awb . org or by calling Amy Anderson at 360.943.1600 .
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