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Join the Conversation at the AWB Workforce Summit
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AWB encourages all Grassroots Alliance partners to help create a better workforce to power Washington's economy today and in future years.
We'd love to see you and your members at our Workforce Summit this Mach 19 in Tacoma. This is the summit's fourth year, and it came about largely from input from employers and local chambers of commerce. Please share this message with your members.
Our members consistently discuss workforce challenges, from routine communications to conversations along our Manufacturing Week tour: Qualified people are hard to find. Many lack the soft skills to succeed. Substance abuse, a lack of child care and poor training pose difficulties.
The goal of our summit is to continue a conversation about how to best fix these problems, and develop practical solutions for policymakers. In one day, we plan to cover opportunities for women business leaders, employment and immigration law updates, diversity and dependent care, new pathways to develop skills, and more. As a local chamber leader, your insights about Washington's employer challenges are valued.
All AWB Grassroots Alliance partners qualify for a discounted registration fee. Just register under the AWB member rate, and you're good to go.
We're also seeking local chamber leaders to participate in some of our panels. To learn more and get involved, please contact AWB's Paulette Beadling at PauletteB@awb.org or 360.943.1600.
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AWB Amplified Examines Child Care Challenge
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Child care is another challenge for Washington employers of all sizes. The latest edition of AWB Amplified offers a more detailed analysis of the issue and what it means for employers and the economy.
Washington's child care crisis, as many call it, is a $6.5 billion problem for the economy. AWB's Amy Anderson breaks down what that means for Washington's Main Street employers.
Thanks to Greater Grays Harbor CEO Dru Garson for his ongoing work with the Washington Child Care Collaborative Task Force. This group is providing the Legislature and the governor with formal recommendations for how to address this challenge, which is having a real impact on our economy today.
To learn more or get involved, contact Anderson at AmyA@awb.org or 360.943.1600.
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The latest edition of AWB Amplified looks at Washington's child care crisis.
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Check Out the New Grassroots Alliance Photo Page
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The Grassroots Alliance website features a new photo section which includes recent highlights from the 2019 Manufacturing Week tour, the Legislative Day and Hill Climb and other events.
And thanks to Jennifer Liggett from the Covington Chamber of Commerce and Erica Dial from Maple Valley Black Diamond Chamber of Commerce for sharing photos and reactions to their recent meetings with U.S. Rep. Kim Schrier, D-Wash. Schrier met with employers from both communities and listened to the opportunities and challenges they face. Read more on the Olympia Business Watch blog.
Notably, Liggett reached out to AWB for insights before her members met with Schrier. This allowed AWB's Government Affairs and Communications staff to equip the chamber with background information on state and federal issues including infrastructure and child care policy. We're happy to help.
Please stay in touch. Have photos or questions? Send a note to Communications Specialist Andrew Lenderman at AndyL@awb.org or give us a call at 360.943.1600.
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State economist: Optimism, State Revenues Strong
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Washington's chief economist reported mostly good news at AWB's Lobby Lunch Thursday.
Consumer and business confidence remain high, labor markets are strong and there's moderate inflation, Chief Economist Steve Lerch of the Washington State Economic and Revenue Forecast Council said.
However, the downside risks include an uncertain international trade policy, maturing economic expansion and geopolitical risks such as Brexit and China.
And state government continues to collect more taxes than it anticipates. State revenue collections were $169 million above expectations since the last forecast in November.
AWB's message on the state budget has been consistent: With record revenues, there's no need to raise taxes. And let's focus on creating a sustainable state budget with healthy reserves to protect the state from inevitable economic downturns.
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Sign up for the AWB Grassroots Alliance newsletter to keep the latest content in your inbox, and out of the spam folder.
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Need help or have questions? Please contact Communications Specialist Andrew Lenderman at 360.943.1600 or AndyL@awb.org.
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