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
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washington business is designed by:
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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
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