AWB Legislative Day will address critical topics to economic future

OLYMPIA — Hundreds of business leaders are expected to take part in the Association of Washington Business’ annual Legislative Day and Hill Climb Jan. 17 at Hotel RL in Olympia to discuss a wide range of topics critical to the economic climate in Washington state.

The day also includes panel discussions with lawmakers on a variety of issues, including education, labor and workforce issues, a look at the state budget and recent tax proposals, and an outlook on possible changes in state and federal health care policy, and how it may impact Washingtonians.

Gov. Jay Inslee will kick off the day with opening remarks. Others speakers include newly elected Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal, and a luncheon keynote address from Zillow senior economist Skylar Olsen on the “State of the Economy.”

The agenda includes:

• 9 a.m. – Gov. Jay Inslee, opening remarks

• 9:30 a.m. – Healthcare Outlook for 2017

• 10:15 a.m. – Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal

• 10:45 a.m. – Education Panel

• 11:35 a.m. – Tax & Budget Panel

• 12:50 – Keynote address

• 1:55 – Labor & Workforce Panel

The Association of Washington Business is Washington’s oldest and largest statewide business association, forming in 1904, and includes nearly 7,900 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, 92 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.