2025 AWB Legislative Day: Tri-Cities Business Leaders Advocate in Olympia

On February 5, the Association of Washington Business (AWB) hosted its annual Legislative Day & Hill Climb in Olympia, bringing together hundreds of employers to engage directly with state lawmakers. For the second time in two weeks representatives for Tri-City businesses gathered to make our voices heard in Olympia.

The day commenced with a welcome session at the AWB office, setting the stage for a series of face-to-face meetings between business leaders and legislators at the Washington State Capitol Campus. These discussions covered critical topics such as transportation, housing, healthcare, workforce development, tax and fiscal policies, energy, environmental concerns, employment law, manufacturing, and data privacy. 

A highlight of the event was the keynote address delivered by Governor Bob Ferguson during the luncheon at Saint Martin's University's Norman Worthington Conference Center. Governor Ferguson emphasized the importance of responsible budgeting and avoiding revenue assumptions that could lead to future shortfalls. He stated, "I'm determined as governor to make sure we learn from mistakes that we made as a state in making decisions on how we budgeted." 

Throughout the day, participants had the opportunity to meet with key legislators, including State Representative Greg Nance, D-Bainbridge Island, who engaged with AWB members on transportation issues. 

The event concluded with a legislative reception at Anthony's Homeport Olympia, providing a platform for further networking and discussions between business leaders and policymakers. 

Despite a snowy start, the 2025 AWB Legislative Day & Hill Climb was marked by productive dialogues and a shared commitment to addressing the pressing issues facing Washington's business community.