Washington Business Spring 2017 | Washington Business | Page 12
washington business
Inside AWB
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a small-business owner hiring your
first full-time employee, or the manager of a corporate division of thousands.
For more than 100 years, AWB has been your voice in Washington state.
What’s Going On at AWB
32nd Annual Legislative Day and Hill Climb a Sold-Out Affair
AW B m e m b e r s w e re h e a rd b y
Washington’s legislative leaders Jan. 17
at the annual AWB Legislative Day and
Hill Climb.
Gov. Jay Inslee kicked off the sold-out
event by saying, “I come to you as an
optimist.”
Inslee spoke of Washington’s economy,
noting that “economic growth is not
uniform throughout the state.” He also
spoke on K-12 education funding, saying
it was the number one priority for economic growth in the state. He also said that a
repeal of the Affordable Care Act would impact roughly 750,000 Washingtonians.
Chris Reykdal, Superintendent for Public Instruction, said Washington can do better
for its students, and the time is now to make a change in K-12 education, particularly
finding alternative graduation pathways for students who may not be college bound.
Skylar Olsen, senior economist for Seattle-
based Zillow, offered a look at the state’s
economy based on current housing patterns
in Seattle and comparing them nationally.
In total, there were 359 attendees at the
day session and evening reception; 83 AWB
members joined in the Hill Climb to speak with
their lawmakers and state leaders.
AWB No Longer Selling Employment Law Posters — L&I and DOL
have them for Free Download
AWB will no longer produce and sell employment law posters; however, staff will
continue to remain available to answer questions for members.
Updates to state minimum wage and employment law posters are available for free
to download from the Washington Department of Labor & Industries and the U.S.
Department of Licensing at http://bit.ly/2iSu6Gm.
For more information, contact Bob Battles, [email protected] or at 800.521.9325.
12 association of washington business
AWB Welcomes New Staff: Mary Catherine
McAleer and Susan Wagner
AWB welcomes Mary Catherine
McAleer, who joined AWB as a
government affairs director in January.
McAleer specializes in water quality,
environment, climate and energy. She
comes to AWB from the Washington
State House of Representatives,
where she was a policy analyst on
agriculture, natural resources and
environmental issues.
Mary Catherine
McAleer
Susan Wagner joined AWB as a
membership manager. Wagner comes
to AWB with 20 years of experience at
the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber,
where she worked in membership,
events and other departments.
Susan Wagner
AWB Annual Report Highlights a Year of
Advocacy for Employers
The bold look is back for AWB’s
2016 Annual Report. Each section
of the report reflects the work
the association has done over
the course of the year to live the
new AWB Mission and Vision
and employ the five strategies to
make them a reality — Achieve,
Connect, Employ, Compete and Place.
From supporting thoughtful K-12 education investments
to AWB’s Grow Here employer image campaign, the 2016
Annual Report illustrates how Washington’s employers
are the solution to expanding economic opportunity and
supporting vibrant communities.
The report was mailed with this magazine, or read it online
at www.awb.org/annual-report