from the chair
Speaking Together With a Stronger Voice
Preston R. Love, AWB Board Chair
On the back of every dollar bill, the American eagle holds a ribbon that reads,“ E Pluribus Unum”— a Latin phrase that means,“ Out of Many, One.”
This year, as the United States marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, that statement of unity means a lot for our nation. And it’ s also meaningful for employers.
I was reminded of that at AWB’ s recent Legislative Day & Hill Climb. I encouraged many of my colleagues at State Farm to join me in Olympia at this year’ s event. We had a big group from across the state, representing some of the many communities where State Farm operates, all coming together. As the day went on, they connected not just with legislators and policymakers, but with the many diverse members of AWB— manufacturers, chamber leaders, advertisers, doctors, and so many more.
We saw ways that our very different businesses are linked to each other. We saw how, by speaking with a common voice through AWB, we can help shape state policy for the better. Out of many, one. It’ s a natural project for State Farm, where the independent owners of our local agencies, from Aberdeen to Zillah, are all unified under the umbrella of a company that offers leadership support, guidance and the power of numbers. Just like AWB.
Most AWB members are small businesses. Along with our wide-ranging base of small and medium-sized employers, AWB also counts as members some of the biggest businesses in the state and world that bring their own expertise. The AWB board, which I’ m privileged to lead as chair, is a dynamic group of CEOs, business owners, entrepreneurs, government affairs professionals and people who are connected not only to their firms, but to the communities where they operate.
This is a unique organization that is powered by the diversity of Washington’ s employers, marshaling their expertise and perspectives into a strong voice of advocacy for the entire employer community. That unified, coherent, thoughtful presence in the halls of government is more important than ever. Together, the businesses of Washington, through AWB, stand up and speak out to help inform the debate in Olympia and Washington, D. C.
AWB is a unique organization that is perfectly situated to convene discussions and bring together problem-solvers to help craft legislation that moves our state forward. We’ re a trusted voice, bringing more than 120 years of expertise and accountability to our discussions with policymakers.
From the legislators to the governor, agency staff to members of Congress, AWB unpacks the impact of legislation and presents the facts to leaders in a credible, understandable, actionable form. We look at responsible ways to solve our state’ s problems and we cast a vision for a Washington that remains entrepreneurial, innovative and able to sustain healthy economic growth into the future.
These are big projects and difficult tasks. The work is unending. But AWB has an ace up its sleeve. We have you. And together, we are stronger. winter 2026 11