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.