Association of Washington Business – Updated Weekly
Statewide tours connect students to manufacturing careers
Early celebration: The AWB Institute helped support events in three cities last week to introduce K-12 students to career opportunities in today’s modern, high-tech manufacturing. The activities in Everett, Spokane and Tri-Cities helped kick off the 10-year anniversary of AWB’s Manufacturing Week bus tour, coming up in October. AWB News has a recap with photos.
The future of manufacturing: More than 300 students — ranging from elementary to high school — participated in hands-on activities and tours at manufacturing facilities. Students explored aerospace manufacturing in Everett, participated in Girls in Manufacturing Day in Spokane, and took part in STEM Discovery Day at WSU Tri-Cities.
“We must begin in the younger years of our future workforce to create an interest in careers in the trades,” said Wade Larson, executive director of the Production & Manufacturing Institute, one of many organizations that helped organize the events.
Get involved: AWB will be visiting manufacturing facilities across the state Sept. 30-Oct.7 for our weeklong bus tour.
If you’re a teacher interested in getting your classroom involved with the tour, email britneym@awb.org.
If you’re a manufacturer and want to host a tour, visit our event page to learn more and apply to become a tour stop.
‘Other states are watching’: Why WA needs a pro-growth economic plan
ICYMI: AWB’s latest employer survey revealed alarming data: 1 in 4 employers are now considering leaving the state amid the rising tax burden. In his latest newspaper column, AWB Kris Johnson writes why those numbers should signal a 911 emergency for the state’s economic health.
Interest in relocation spiked in the spring survey, released shortly after lawmakers passed a new income tax aimed at high earners that will also impact many small- and medium-sized businesses.
Other states are paying attention: In the survey, 17% of respondents said they had already been contacted by an out-of-state economic development official.
“In the long term, we need a pro-growth economic plan focused on making Washington a top state for creating, expanding and keeping a business,” Johnson writes. “Other states are watching what we’re doing. They are keenly aware that by adopting an income tax, we just gave away one of our biggest competitive advantages, and they’re lining up to try to take as many of our businesses as they can.”
Read the full column in South Sound Business The Seattle Weekly, The Chronicle, The Daily World and other newspapers statewide.
Nominations due May 29 for annual employer awards
⏰Clock is ticking: Fewer than two weeks are left to nominate a standout company for AWB’s annual employer and manufacturing awards. These awards recognize employers in 11 categories, from workplace safety and environmental excellence to best new business of the year.
Highlighting the best: Click to view the award categories and fill out the nomination form now. It’s free to nominate and receive an award.
Self-nominations are accepted and encouraged to recognize the quality in your own company. We also have many nominations come in as employers recognize clients and partner businesses.
The deadline to submit is May 29.
Former Gov. Gregoire calls for review of Climate Commitment Act, other programs
At AWB’s Spring Summit earlier this month, former Gov. Christine Gregoire said it’s time for the Legislature to conduct a full review of not only the CCA but other programs as well to determine whether they’re achieving their goals.
“I think it’s time for us to review the CCA and what it was intended to achieve, whether it’s working, and whether it’s doable,” she said. “And we’re under circumstances now that the CCA never expected we would be, yet here we are.”
Gregoire questioned how the state can continue increasing costs for consumers when Washington already ranks among the least affordable states in the country. Why isn’t Washington reviewing programs like the CCA, Gregoire asked.
“They were well intended when they were adopted,” she said. “Maybe they just don’t work. So why keep putting more money after and getting nothing back?”
The full session with Gregoire and former Attorney General Rob McKenna is available to watch on TVW.
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WSU lands $1.4M grant to strengthen nuclear energy workforce
Washington State University has received a $1.4 million federal grant supporting an initiative to prepare students and other workers for careers in the nuclear energy sector. The funds will go to towards training workers in nuclear operations, safety and support roles.
“The workforce pipeline hasn’t kept pace with where the industry is going,” said Noel Schulz, director of the Institute for Northwest Energy Futures at WSU Tri-Cities. “We’re trying to shorten that learning curve and give people the skills they need before they ever walk into a facility.”
Economic Future Solutions Summit coming up July 16
Growth agenda: Join us July 16 at the Hilton Seattle Airport for a focused discussion on the Business Environment pillar of the Washington in the Making 2040 plan, presented by the AWB Institute in partnership with the Washington Roundtable.
The Economic Future Solutions Summit will bring business leaders and policymakers together to create a growth agenda for Washington’s economy, focusing on tax reliability and regulatory reform.
Stay tuned: The agenda is actively in development and will feature data-driven insights, CEO perspectives, and discussions on issues such as regulatory reform, tax predictability, and engagement of key legislators.
Book your hotel room for Policy Summit, Sept. 15-17 in Spokane
Join us in Spokane: AWB’s biggest policy event of the year is returning to the Lilac City Sept. 15-17, 2026. Special discounted hotel room blocks are now available in downtown Spokane. Book your room today!
Registration coming soon: Check out this highlight reel from last year’s event, and stay tuned for more details for the 2026 AWB Policy Summit.
Exclusive health and wellness benefits through AWB HealthChoice
Employers enrolled in AWB HealthChoice can enjoy exclusive health and wellness deals through Blue365. Save money on services and products from your favorite national and local retailers, including:
Gym memberships
Wearable devices
Eyeglasses and exams
Vitamins and supplements
Footwear
Car rentals
Hotels
And so much more
Sign up here with your Premera ID card.
For more information about high-quality, health benefits through AWB HealthChoice, please visit https://www.propointservices.com/healthchoice1 or contact Billy Sangster at billys@propointservices.com.
“Boeing and Everett are the center of the world for aerospace… You’re basically at the pinnacle. The world is your oyster. You just have to keep your eyes open and step out of your comfort zone.” ~ Matt Poischbeg, executive director of the Washington Aerospace Training & Research, speaking with 25 high school students during a tour aimed at introducing students to manufacturing careers.