AWB ANNUAL REPORT 9
CONTENT AND ADVOCACY 2016
MEMBER-FOCUSED , MEMBER-DRIVEN
From election-year debates to webinars and seminars , AWB ’ s 2016 content was driven by members and for members .
The election year offered AWB the opportunity to showcase the many candidates for statewide office — the officials who make decisions that impact employers in every community .
In keeping with tradition , AWB hosted the first statewide gubernatorial debate of the year on Aug . 17 with our partners , Greater Spokane Incorporated and the Community Colleges of Spokane . The debate , presented by Avista , was broadcast and streamed live throughout the state thanks to our media partner KHQ . AWB hosted a total of six statewide candidate debates beginning at the Spring Meeting in June and culminating at the Policy Summit in September .
The AWB events team revamped the seminar and webinar content to better reflect the nearly 92 percent of members that are small businesses . From the popular six-part employment law webinar series to seminars that help business owners prepare to transition out of their business , the changes were well received .
The Government Affairs team likewise took outreach and educational efforts to a new level with the addition of the small business tour and engagement on statewide ballot initiatives affecting employers .
The year once again proved that member-driven committees and offerings are the strength of AWB ’ s advocacy efforts .
5,771 1.3 M 98
The number of AWB members with 100 or fewer employees
The number of Washingtonians employed by small businesses
The percentage of all Washington employers that are small businesses
Source : U . S . Small Business Administration 2016 report