AWB to host 2015 Legislative Summit

Hundreds of business leaders will gather Jan. 27 at the Red Lion Hotel in Olympia for the Association of Washington Business’ annual Legislative Summit and evening reception. Attendees will hear the latest updates on a host of issues affecting the economy, including minimum wage, transportation, taxation and environmental proposals.

The day’s agenda begins at 8:45 a.m. with the kick-off of Opportunity Washington, a new employer-led initiative promoting smart public policy and strategic investment to spur opportunity throughout the state.

It continues at 9:30 a.m. with a series of panel discussions on key legislative issues, including a transportation and environmental policy panel featuring Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima; Sen. Doug Ericksen, R-Ferndale; Rep. Judy Clibborn, D-Mercer Island; and, Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, D-Burien.

After a short recess at 10 a.m. for an AWB member-only presentation, a panel discussing minimum wage proposals will begin at 10:45 a.m., followed by lunchtime remarks by Gov. Jay Inslee. AWB will also present its Better Workplace Awards during the lunch hour. The final issue panel begins at 2 p.m. where lawmakers will discuss tax and fiscal policies being debated in the Legislature.

The evening reception is for AWB members only, however members of the media are invited to attend the day’s three panel discussions and luncheon.

AWB’s Better Workplace Awards recognize member companies for excellence in workplace safety, job training and advancement, and benefit and compensation programs.

AGENDA

WHO:              Association of Washington Business

WHAT:           2015 AWB Legislative Summit

WHEN:           Tuesday, Jan. 27

Legislative Summit: 9:30-10 a.m.; 10:45-11:15 a.m.; and 12:15-3 p.m., Spruce Ballroom. Please note there will be member-only sessions at 10 a.m. and immediately following the 10:45 a.m. Minimum Wage Panel.  Media will be asked to excuse themselves during those times.

Legislative Reception: 5-9 p.m., Forest Ballroom

WHERE:          Red Lion Hotel Olympia

2300 Evergreen Park Drive S.W.

Olympia, WA 98502

About the Association of Washington Business

Formed in 1904, the Association of Washington Business is Washington’s oldest and largest statewide business association, and includes more than 8,300 members representing 700,000 employees. AWB serves as both the state’s chamber of commerce and the manufacturing and technology association. While its membership includes major employers like Boeing, Microsoft and Weyerhaeuser, 90 percent of AWB members employ fewer than 100 people. More than half of AWB’s members employ fewer than 10. For more about AWB, visit www.awb.org.