Washington Business Spring 2019 | Washington Business | Page 9

washington business Champions for Rural Washington Promote Practical Solutions at Rural Jobs Summit Nearly 150 commu- nity leaders came together to share ideas and creative solutions to some of the biggest chal- lenges facing rural Washington at AWB’s third Rural Jobs Sum- mit in Longview. New Format, Same Message: AWB’s Legislative Day and Hill Climb Brings Employer Story to Capitol The two-day event at Lower Columbia College in November was packed with panel discussions focused on results. Leaders identified new ways to capitalize businesses and discussed different methods to deliver health care and view child care as an investment in infrastructure. State lawmakers talked about tax relief for small manufacturers, and other panels highlighted Opportunity Zone tax credits, and Washington’s affordable housing crisis. AWB has led three rural jobs summits as part of an effort to bring greater economic opportunity to all Washington communities, including those rural areas that have been left behind in the state’s recovery since the Great Recession. To learn more or get involved in AWB’s Rural Jobs Task Force, contact Mike Ennis at 360.943.1600 or [email protected]. AWB News Kicks into High Gear AWB’s communications team launched a new video program in January called AWB Amplified. The program, which is part of AWB’s News offerings, examines timely issues in the legislative session, from tax proposals and restrictive scheduling legislation to the independent contractor issue that drew thousands of hairdressers to Olympia. The team also works throughout the year to update members through Fast Facts, Washington Business magazine, social media and special reports. Stay tuned at www.awb.org. Washington employers converged on the Capitol in Olympia in late January to tell their story directly to state lawmakers at AWB’s 2019 Legislative Day and Hill Climb. Nearly 250 people participated throughout the day, which included more time for one-on-one discussions with state lawmakers, and panel discussions on the state budget, taxes, smarter transportation investments and more. The event resulted in more than 100 meetings between the employer community and state legislators. The day finished with an elegant reception in the marble-lined Capitol Rotunda. Nikki Haley to Deliver Keynote Address at AWB Spring Meeting, May 8-9 Nikki Haley, United States ambassador to the United Nations (2017-2019), will the deliver the keynote address at AWB’s annual Spring Meeting May 8-9 in Spokane. Haley, who previously served as governor of South Carolina, will cap a full day of discussion focused on the challenges and opportunities facing Washington’s employers including a review of the 2019 legislative session. Sign up today at www.awb/events or call 360.943.1600. spring 2019 9