Washington Business Winter 2015 | Page 30

washington business As lawmakers debate how to balance the budget and how best to protect the environment, it’s important to remember that employers are already doing plenty to help in both regards. 2015 Transportation is a priority because employers need a safe, efficient system for getting goods to market and employees to work. As a state that’s heavily dependent on exports, the need for an efficient transportation network is that much greater. And job creation is a priority because it’s the cornerstone of a growing economy. In order for the entire state to prosper, Washington’s leaders must adopt policies that encourage entrepreneurship, attract new investment — from existing and new employers — and align regulatory policies with benefits and costs based on sound science. That means supporting policies that make Washington’s business costs competitive with other states and other nations. Like a homeowner facing a mountain of expenses, it is easy to see how Washington’s leaders could be overwhelmed by the challenges that lie ahead. Opportunity Washington is one way that employers are helping focus efforts on those areas that truly are priorities. Because when the roof is leaking and the furnace is broken, it doesn’t make much sense to build an addition. 2015 AWB Spring Meeting May 12-13, 2015 The Davenport Hotel, Spokane Join us for the 2015 AWB Spring Meeting for our quarterly board meeting and presentation of the annual Environmental Excellence Awards, Community Service Awards and AWB Leadership Awards. Sponsorships available for this high profile event. For details, contact Karlee Keith at 800.521.9325 or [email protected]. AWBSpringMeeting.com For details contact Anne Haller at 800.521.9325 or visit www.awbspringmeeting.com. 30 association of washington business