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.
8 association of washington business