eye on business
Washington Manufacturers, Frontline Workers
Provide Inspiration
Kris Johnson, AWB President
So much has happened this year, and we’re
only partway through 2020.
Our economy went from years of growth to
virtually shut down in a matter of days as the
coronavirus pandemic swept the world.
This is undoubtedly one of the most challenging
times employers and families have ever faced.
It seems like every day there’s something new
to work through — shutdown orders, federal relief
packages, PPP, PPE.
Many employers are adapting to dramatic changes
as well — lost revenue, collapse in demand, new
product lines and changing markets. In addition
to the public health and economic challenges, the
country is facing social unrest and attempting to
address longstanding issues of racial equity.
This is an extraordinary time for our state and
nation.
And whenever I’m feeling tired, or unsure about
what the future will bring, I think of the hundreds of
manufacturers who have pivoted to create personal protective
equipment (PPE), and the front-line workers who kept us going
during the stay-home order.
Back in March and April, when our front line workers needed
help accessing critical PPE, Gov. Jay Inslee asked our state’s
manufacturers to step up and fill the void. The response has
been gratifying, but not surprising.
Hundreds of Washington manufacturers answered the call.
They’re making hand sanitizer, face masks, gloves, thermal
scanners and much more.
And when officials began talking about how to safely reopen the
economy, AWB volunteers stepped up. A Rebound and Recovery
Task Force, representing 17 industry sectors, spearheaded the
development of a new website, www.reboundandrecovery.org,
to connect our state’s employers with the PPE they need to
open, and give small businesses a tool kit full of customizable
templates to help them welcome back employees and customers.
It’s working. Thousands of Washington employers are using
the website to connect with Washington manufacturers to
acquire the equipment needed to reopen. This work is creating,
and sustaining, jobs across our state. Washington dollars are
supporting Washington communities.
As we look to the future, we should be thinking not only about
how to recover but how to rebuild our economy so it’s better
than ever. In July, the AWB Institute launched Washington in
the Making, a data-driven initiative that aims to build a thriving,
resilient and connected economy that includes every community
in the state.
I’ve said before it’s an honor to serve as AWB President. But
the response of our manufacturing firms is especially inspiring
for me and all of us at AWB.
I also want to acknowledge the frontline heroes of the
coronavirus pandemic. The work of our nation’s doctors,
nurses, health care workers, public health officials, first
responders and religious leaders over the past several months
is tremendous, and a true testament to our country’s strength
and community spirit.
Be sure to thank these heroes the next time you can.
For now, please know that at AWB we will continue to
work tirelessly for Washington’s employer community. We’re
committed to helping our members survive this crisis and come
out the other side of it so much stronger.
As we work to restore the economy and navigate the new
normal, please know, we’ll be with you every step of the way.
summer 2020
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