Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce
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CHAMBER BLOG

Join the Local Government Affairs Committee!

4/12/2024

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​We are currently seeking volunteers to join our Local Government Affairs Committee. This is a unique chance for individuals who are passionate about business and government regulations to make an impact in our community.

Why Join the Local Government Affairs Committee?
The Local Government Affairs Committee is a platform where you can engage in meaningful discussions about local government affairs and advocate for policies that promote a favorable business climate. It's a place where you can collaborate with other business leaders to address regulatory challenges and influence the direction of our local business community.

What Can You Expect?
As a volunteer, you will be part of a team that identifies and advocates on issues relating to business and government regulations. Your insights and experiences will be invaluable in shaping the business landscape of the Tri-City region.

How to Get Involved?
​
If you're interested in volunteering, we'd love to hear from you! Please reach out to us and we'll guide you through the next steps. We look forward to welcoming you to our committee and working together to make the Tri-City region a better place for businesses to thrive.
​
You can reach Matt Murphy, Government & Regional Affairs Directory at [email protected]
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Gallery - Business After Hours at Columbia Ability Alliance

4/12/2024

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Thanks to everyone who came out to Business After Hours at Columbia Ability Alliance on Thursday, April 11. We hope you had a wonderful time and made some fruitful new business connections.
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Rulemaking on Voluntarily Quitting Employment and Unemployment Benefits

4/11/2024

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​In 2023, the Governor signed House Bill 1106, which expanded the good cause reasons for voluntarily quitting employment set forth in RCW 50.20.050 and updated the employer benefit charging requirements set forth in RCW 50.29.021. 

Washington State House Bill 1106, passed in 2023, is an act concerning qualifications for unemployment insurance when an individual voluntarily leaves work. Here are the key points:
  • The bill expands access to unemployment insurance benefits by adding circumstances where a person may voluntarily quit for good cause.
  • The unemployment insurance (UI) system, administered by the Employment Security Department (ESD), is designed to provide partial wage replacement for unemployed workers.
  • A claimant may voluntarily quit and maintain eligibility for benefits only under one of 12 specifically permitted “good cause” circumstances.
  • This includes, for example, quitting due to illness or disability, or quitting due to safety issues that were unaddressed by the employer.
  • The bill modifies Washington’s narrow list of “good cause” circumstances permitted under law and extends UI eligibility to workers that leave employment because of the death, illness, or disability of any family member, or when workers are unable to reconcile care obligations for a child or vulnerable adult. The bill was effective from July 23, 20234. Please note that this is a brief summary and the actual bill contains more detailed provisions.

The Department is engaging in rulemaking to implement HB 1106. This rulemaking is being completed in stages. We have completed the first stage, which updated WAC 192-150-055.

They are now working on the second phase and updating the rules to define the term "split shift" and to incorporate quitting for good cause due to inaccessible care of a child or vulnerable adult, which was added by House Bill 1106. There is a draft ready to share and would like your feedback. 
​
Please send any comments or suggestions regarding the rulemaking to [email protected] or to:
        Attention: Stephanie Frazee, Legislation and Rules Coordinator
        Employment Security Department  
        P.O. Box 9046
        Olympia, WA 98501
​
 Please submit comments or suggestions by Tuesday, April 23, 2024. Please identify the rulemaking as "Expanding Good Cause for Voluntarily Quitting Employment" in your comments. 

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More Public Input Sought for Horse Heaven Wind Farm

4/8/2024

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Plans to construct the Horse Heaven Wind Farm across thousands of acres in Benton County are moving forward with modifications. The original plan has been cut back by 116 turbines from the original plan of 231. Many of the turbines would reach 670 feet into the air. The Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council, or EFSEC, will be sending a recommendation report to Governor Inslee on April 17.

EFSEC is accepting comments about the proposed report and modifications being sent to Governor Inslee. Public comments can be made online at comments.efsec.wa.gov through midnight Wednesday, April 10. 
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Understanding Nexus: A Key Concept for Local Governance

4/5/2024

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Local governments play a vital role in shaping our communities. They establish rules and regulations that impact everything from zoning laws to business licenses. But crafting effective regulations requires a clear understanding of a concept called "nexus."

What is Nexus?
In the context of local government, nexus refers to the connection between a rule or regulation and the legitimate governmental interest it seeks to serve. Essentially, it asks the question: Does this rule have a valid purpose and is it directly tied to achieving that purpose?
​

For example, a local government might impose a regulation requiring restaurants to maintain a certain health code rating. The nexus here is clear: the regulation aims to protect public health, a legitimate governmental interest.

Why is Nexus Important?
The concept of nexus is crucial for several reasons:
  • Protects Individual Rights: Local governments can't simply enact rules that infringe on individual rights without justification. Nexus ensures regulations are truly necessary and not overly burdensome.
  • Promotes Fairness: Applying the nexus test helps ensure regulations are applied fairly and don't unfairly target specific groups.
  • Prevents Abuse of Power: By requiring a clear connection to a legitimate purpose, nexus helps prevent local governments from enacting arbitrary or capricious regulations.

Applying Nexus in Practice
Let's consider two scenarios:
  • Scenario 1: A local government wants to limit the number of dog licenses issued per household.
    • Nexus Test: Is there a public health or safety concern justifying the limitation? If not, the regulation might lack nexus.
  • Scenario 2: A local government wants to require all businesses to install recycling bins.
    • Nexus Test: Does mandatory recycling contribute to environmental protection, a legitimate governmental interest? Here, the nexus is likely established.
      ​
Conclusion
Nexus is a powerful tool for ensuring local government regulations are effective, fair, and respectful of individual rights. By demanding a clear connection between a rule and its purpose, nexus safeguards our communities and fosters a healthy balance between local control and individual liberty.
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Gallery - Bridging Partnerships Small Business Symposium

4/5/2024

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The Bridging Partnerships Small Business Symposium was a huge success! Thank you to everyone who attended - we hope you made some fruitful new connections!
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U.S. Chamber Survey Finds Voters Prefer Pro-Business Policies

4/1/2024

1 Comment

 
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A recent survey from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce found that voters across party lines are "supportive of pro-growth policies and pro-business candidates who will help businesses create jobs."

The survey came to the following conclusions:
  • Concerns About Micromanagement:
    • A majority of voters are concerned about governments micromanaging private businesses.
    • They worry that such micromanagement could negatively impact taxpayers.
    • Voters strongly prefer candidates who refrain from telling industries whom they can do business with.
  • Support for Free Enterprise:
    • Americans overwhelmingly support the principles of free enterprise.
    • They value businesses’ ability to operate independently.
  • Growing Disconnect:
    • Despite public support for the free market, there is a disconnect.
    • Government officials’ efforts to micromanage business decisions are at odds with this support.
  • Preference for Free Market Candidates:
    • Nearly three-quarters of voters prefer candidates who support a hands-off approach from the government regarding business operations.
    • They believe the government should focus on securing the best deals for taxpayers rather than dictating business partnerships.
  • Consistent Views:
    • Most voters don’t favor aggressive government intervention in the economy and business operations.
    • Progressive and populist agendas advocating for increased government control do not resonate with most voters.
  • 2024 Election Season:
    • The consensus is clear: voters prefer candidates who support pro-business and pro-growth policies.
    • These policies strengthen America’s free enterprise system.

​​Click here to see the results of the U.S. Chamber poll.
1 Comment

Gallery - Remedy Health & Wellness Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

4/1/2024

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Congratulations to Remedy Health & Wellness on their ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening on Thursday, March 28. Visit them at 112 Columbia Point Dr., Ste. 102 in Richland.
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Copyright © Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved.
7130 W Grandridge Blvd., Suite C, Kennewick, WA 99336 USA
Phone: (509) 736-0510
[email protected]
Hours
Monday - Thursday: 8 am - 5 pm
​(closed for lunch 12 - 1 pm)
​Friday: 8 am - 12 pm
​Closed Weekends

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Photos from shixart1985, auntjojo
  • MEMBERSHIP
    • Membership Directory
    • Member Login
    • Join the Chamber
    • Membership Features
    • Sponsorship Opportunities
    • Stakeholder, Leader, & Growth Level Members >
      • Stakeholder and Leader Profiles
  • EVENTS
    • Chamber Calendar
    • Annual Events >
      • Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon
      • Women in Business Conference >
        • Call for Speakers - Tri-Cities Women in Business Conference
        • ATHENA Awards
      • Washington Workplace Summit
      • State of the Cities
      • Elected Leaders Reception
      • Tri-Cities Day at the Capitol
      • Bridging Partnerships Small Business Symposium
    • Monthly Membership Luncheon
    • Business After Hours
    • Ribbon Cutting Request
  • PROGRAMS & SERVICES
    • Ambassador Club
    • Ask the Experts
    • Business Builders Resource Roundtable
    • Business Resource Navigator
    • LEARN Groups
    • Member Advertising Opportunities
    • myTRI 2030
    • Office Depot Savings Program
    • Washington APEX Accelerator >
      • Meet the Buyer
      • Yes, You Can! Contracts with the Government
    • Workforce & Education >
      • Tri-Cities Regional Career Signing Day
      • Washington Workforce Portal
      • Job Board
  • Advocacy
    • Legislative Action and Advocacy
    • Business Advocacy Letters
    • 2025 State Budget
    • Vote for Business
    • 2025 Scorecard
  • NEWS
    • Press Releases
    • In the News
    • Blog
    • Member News
    • Annual Report
    • Email Updates
    • Website Sponsors
  • ABOUT US
    • Contact
    • Our Leadership
    • Our Team
    • Committees
    • Policies
    • Tri-Cities Strategic Alliance Partners >
      • Benton-Franklin Council of Governments
      • TRIDEC
      • Visit Tri-Cities
    • Tri-Cities Community Map
    • Built for Prosperity - Strategic Plan 2024-2026