Washington Business Spring 2019 | Washington Business | Page 5

washington business editorial staff Kris Johnson, Publisher Jason Hagey, Executive Editor Bobbi Cussins, Communications Manager Andrew Lenderman, Communications Specialist Brian Mittge, Staff Writer/Photo Editor Brian Temple, Digital Media Coordinator What’s Ahead awb officers Tim Schauer, Chairman MacKay Sposito, Vancouver Fran Forgette , Vice Chair Forgett Iller Bowers, Kennewick A Good Surprise Jason Hagey, Executive Editor Laura Lawton, Secretary/Treasurer Lawton Printing Services, Spokane Michael Senske, Immediate Past Chair Pearson Packaging Systems, Spokane awb leadership team Kris Johnson, President Gary Chandler, VP, Government Affairs Jason Hagey , VP, Communications Greg Welch , Director of Finance Sean Heiner , Director of Membership Stephanie Hemphill , Director of Member Relations & Events PO Box 658, Olympia, WA 98507-0658 T 360.943.1600 F 360.943.5811 www.awb.org Letters are welcomed, but must be signed to be considered for publication. Please include contact information for verification. Reproduction of articles appearing in Washington Business magazine is authorized for personal use only, with credit given to Washington Business magazine and/ or the Association of Washington Business. Articles written by outside authors do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of AWB, its officers, staff or members. Products and services advertised in Washington Business magazine are not necessarily endorsed by AWB, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of AWB, its officers, staff or members. Washington Business magazine is the official quarterly publication of the Association of Washington Business. The annual subscription rate is $24.00, and individual copies may be purchased for $3.95. For subscription requests and magazine purchases, please contact the Association of Washington Business, P.O. Box 658, Olympia, WA 98507. washington business is designed by: Daniels-Brown Communications T 360.705.3058 www.danielsbrown.com I’m always a bit surprised when I run across one of AWB’s Grow Here ads. I might be watching TV after dinner when I hear the familiar music followed by the voice of Ally Svenson talking about MOD Pizza and its commitment to enlightened capitalism. Or I’m driving to work, and I hear Kate Lampson on the radio talking about why it’s important for her family business to give back to the community — and why competitiveness matters for Washington employers. Or I’m scrolling through my Instagram feed at lunch, checking to see what friends and family members are up to, and there’s an image of Olowo-n’djo Tchala, co-founder of Alaffia, sharing the company’s mission to alleviate poverty and give everyone an opportunity. It’s a bit of a surprise, but it’s the best kind. This spring, AWB launched a new round of its ongoing employer image campaign called Grow Here. In this edition’s cover story, staff writer Bobbi Cussins explores the background and goals of the campaign, and why AWB is shining a light on employers that are doing the right thing. AWB Board Chair Tim Schauer correctly sums up the companies profiled in Grow Here when he says, “They represent the best of what we can be.” Seattle Chocolate was one of the first employers featured in the Grow Here campaign and CEO Jean Thompson is the first interview in a new series called How I Did It. Staff writer Brian Mittge interviewed Thompson for the debut that appears on page 50. In each issue, we plan to seek out a successful entrepreneur and ask them to share something about their journey to success as well as lessons learned along the way. It’s aimed at younger professionals who are just starting out, but should appeal to lifelong learners, as well. Elsewhere in the magazine, we highlight the many benefits of Washington’s rail industry, sit down for an interview with Pierce County Executive Bruce Dammeier, recap the winter’s Evening of Excellence awards program and much more. I hope you enjoy reading. And I hope that you, like me, have been pleasantly surprised to come across a Grow Here ad on television, radio, online or social media. advertising inquiries may be directed to: Celeste at Daniels-Brown Communications [email protected] washingtonbusinessmag.com spring 2019 5