Washington Business Spring 2019 | Washington Business | Page 22

what’s working Meet AWB’s Advocacy Experts The Association of Washington Business’ Government Affairs team covers the policy issues that impact Washington’s employers at the state and federal level. Bobbi Cussins From health care to education, water resources to climate and every issue in between, the AWB advocacy team focuses its efforts on ensuring Washington is a competitive place to own and operate a business and a beautiful place to live and work. At A Glance AWB Vice President, Government Affairs Gary Chandler and the association’s five issue area experts navigate the bills and proposals that impact employers and their employees in every sector across Washington state. When the Legislature is not in session, AWB’s Government Affairs team participates in select task forces, special committees and work sessions on policies that may arise or will be addressed in the future. AWB has increased its advocacy efforts at the federal level and will host its third- annual Federal Affairs Summit Aug. 19-20 in the Tri-Cities. The Government Affairs team derives its policy positions on issues and legislation from member-driven, issue-specific committees. The Government Affairs team can help arrange for employers and business leaders to testify on bills within their issue areas that come before the Legislature. www.awb.org/policy-team 22 association of washington business When business owners ask, “Who is fighting for employers in the state Legislature and Congress?” The answer is the Association of Washington Business and its Government Affairs team. With nearly 7,000 members, representing 750,000 employees, the 115-year-old association advocates for policies at the state and federal level that make Washington state competitive, addresses workforce and transportation issues, supports innovation that has made the state the cleanest and greenest place in the nation and more throughout the year. For members who have not met the team, the following page outlines which issues each of the staff cover, how to contact them and why it’s more important than ever to engage with AWB on the issues that impact the economic competitiveness of employers in all business sectors and of all sizes throughout the state.