Association of Washington Business

08/24/2026

Washington can do more to strengthen its economy and become a more competitive place to do business.

A new Seattle Times editorial highlights one place to start: reducing the state’s regulatory burden. The piece cites AWB’s 2026 Regulatory Environment Study, which found Washington has more than 200,000 regulatory restrictions — the eighth most in the nation. More than half were found to be “layered” or redundant.

“Here’s one idea that won’t break any budget," the ed board writes. "How about reducing the friction between businesses and the government, by simplifying an overburdensome regulatory environment?”

Read the Seattle Times editorial: https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/editorials/wa-lawmakers-should-goose-sputtering-economy-restoring-paths-to-growth/

Read AWB’s Regulatory Environment Study:https://www.awb.org/wp-content/uploads/WA-Regulatory-Environment-Study-3-2026.pdf

The House Speaker's effort must include ways that make it easier to do business in a state where the economy is struggling.

08/21/2026

Connect with business leaders and professionals from across the state at the AWB Policy Summit, coming to Spokane Sept. 15-17.

Register now and view the agenda: https://www.awb.org/event/2026-policy-summit/

08/21/2026

On July 10, The Boeing Company celebrated the grand opening of the new 737 North production line in Everett – a $1 billion investment in the future of our region. It was a proud moment not just for the company, but for our two cities and the entire Puget Sound region, continuing our legacy in aviation history.

Every person in our cities is touched by Boeing. The company and its employees are the economic backbone of our two cities and a positive presence. Boeing employees buy homes and cars, eat in local restaurants, shop in local stores, and pay taxes. We are all part of the Boeing family.

“When Boeing does well, we do well. We are proud to support Boeing as a second-tier supplier. They supported us tremendously during the onboarding process. Island Machine is better and stronger because of the investment by Boeing in us,” said Rebecah Reutimann, Co-Owner, Island Machine.

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Read the full joint letter about Boeing in Washington from the mayors of Everett and Renton published in the Herald and the Renton Reporter:
* https://www.heraldnet.com/2026/08/18/boeing-supports-a-positive-future-for-everett-and-renton/
* https://www.rentonreporter.com/2026/08/19/boeing-supports-a-positive-future-for-everett-renton-letter/

08/20/2026

Get on board the bus!

08/19/2026

Stay ahead of key issues impacting your business and learn about opportunities to engage at the AWB Policy Summit.

Join employers and policymakers in Spokane, Sept. 15-17, for insights on the upcoming legislative session and the policy decisions that could affect your business in the coming year.

More information and registration: https://www.awb.org/event/2026-policy-summit/

08/18/2026

ICYMI: The Seattle Times website yesterday displayed a big note of appreciation for Washington employers once again, as AWB’s Thank You WA Business campaign continued with another front-page news site ad takeover.

The www.ThankYouWAbusiness.org website continues to grow with messages of gratitude for the crucial role that businesses play in a successful Washington.

Watch the videos and consider recording your own!

08/13/2026

Aerospace manufacturing careers in action! ✈️

This spring, 25 Lake Stevens High School students got an up-close look at aerospace careers during tours of the Washington Aerospace Training & Research Center (WATR) and Aviation Technical Services (ATS) in Everett.

Students learned about WATR’s 12-week training program, which offers a direct pipeline to a career at Boeing in Washington, and toured ATS to see aircraft maintenance and repair in action. Big thanks to the Aerospace Futures Alliance - AFA for making these tours happen.

🎥 Check out highlights in this new video!

Washington is projected to need roughly 30,000 new aerospace and advanced manufacturing workers each year over the next decade. Connecting students with these family-wage career opportunities is more important than ever.

AWB will engage more students statewide on our 10th annual Manufacturing Week bus tour, Sept. 30-Oct. 7. Visit MFGisWA.org to learn how to get your manufacturing facility or classroom involved!

08/11/2026

Why attend the AWB Policy Summit?

🤝Networking with business leaders and lawmakers
🏛️Key updates on state and federal policy issues
💡Real discussion and real solutions for the most important challenges facing Washington state

Coming to Spokane Sept. 15-17. Learn more and register now: https://www.awb.org/event/2026-policy-summit/

08/10/2026

The Thank You, Washington Employers campaign is ongoing, and every voice adds to the story of what local businesses mean to our state. Share yours at ThankYouWABusiness.org

08/07/2026

Thank you University of Washington President Robert J. Jones for highlighting the partnership between employers and education.

"Working together, we share a role of growing our state's economy and helping people in communities thrive."

Washington employers provide the opportunities that help graduates stay, work and build their future here.

Visit ThankYouWABusiness.org to say thank you.