The Association of Washington Business (AWB) has released a comprehensive report titled "Trade in Washington," highlighting the critical role of international trade in the state's economy. The report underscores how Washington's strategic location, robust infrastructure, and diverse industries contribute to its status as a leading trade hub. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining and expanding trade relationships to ensure continued economic growth and competitiveness. 

Washington's economy is deeply intertwined with global markets, with key sectors such as aerospace, agriculture, and technology relying heavily on exports. The report details how trade supports thousands of jobs across the state and contributes significantly to the state's GDP. It also discusses the challenges and opportunities presented by evolving trade policies and global economic shifts.
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In conclusion, the AWB's "Trade in Washington" report serves as a vital resource for understanding the state's economic landscape. It calls for proactive measures to strengthen trade infrastructure, advocate for favorable trade policies, and support businesses in navigating international markets. By doing so, Washington can continue to thrive as a dynamic participant in the global economy. 

​You can read the full report here. 

We’re looking for exclusive sponsors for two exciting Chamber events — the brand-new Mega Mixer and the return of our popular Small Business Resource Fair.

Why Sponsor?
Get your brand in front of business professionals, entrepreneurs, and key community leaders. These events are built for connection, visibility, and creating meaningful local impact.

Mega Mixer – $10,000 (Exclusive Sponsorship - Limited to 1)
A fast-paced, speed-networking event where attendees connect in 60-second rotations. Designed for energy, interaction, and high visibility. The Mega Mixer will be held twice in 2025, and your exclusive sponsorship includes naming rights, premium branding, booth presence, and recognition in all event marketing and promotions.

Small Business Resource Fair – $6,000 (Exclusive Sponsorship - Limited to 1)
Back by popular demand, the Small Business Resource Fair is a one-stop destination for small business owners to discover tools, resources, and services to help them grow. Also being held twice in 2025, this sponsorship includes naming rights, exhibitor booth, and comprehensive promotion across both events.

These sponsorships are exclusive – only one available per event. When they’re gone, they’re gone!

Interested in locking in your spot? Reach out today to secure your sponsorship and elevate your brand. Contact Ricki Sosebee, Events Director, at [email protected] or 509.491.3230.

Congratulations to Lucky Leaf on their latest location - 528 W. Clark St. in Downtown Pasco!

​A Simple Guide to the Washington State Legislative Process

In Washington State, legislative proposals may originate in either the House of Representatives or Senate. However, for a proposal to be enacted into law, it must receive approval from both the legislative chambers. This process can become complex, particularly when one chamber amends a proposal already passed by the other chamber.

The following outlines the process that occurs when a bill is amended in the second chamber, the subsequent response of the original chamber, and the procedures undertaken to reconcile these differences.

Step 1: Passage of a Bill in One Legislative Chamber 

Consider a scenario where a bill is introduced in the House of Representatives. It undergoes a series of committee hearings and debates culminating in a vote on the floor of the house. Upon successful passage, the bill is forwarded to the senate for further consideration.

Step 2: Modifications by the Second Chamber 

Upon reaching the Senate, the bill undergoes a comparable procedure: it is assigned to a committee for discussion and a potential amendment. Subsequently, it is presented to the full senate for a vote.  If the Senate approves the bill without alterations, it proceeds directly to the governor for ratification. 

Conversely, if the Senate incorporates amendments, the bill must be returned to the House of Representatives, the chamber of its origin, for further consideration.

Step 3: Review of Amendments by the Original Chamber

Following the modification of the bill, the original chamber, in this instance, the House, must determine whether to accept the amendments proposed by the Senate. The House is presented with two options:

• Concur (agree): Should the House concur with all the amendments introduced by the Senate, a vote to "concur" is cast. This concurrence signifies the acceptance of the revised bill, which is then deemed finalized and forwarded to the governor for signing.

• Do not concur (disagree): Conversely, if the House does not concur with the Senate's amendments, a vote to "not concur" is cast. In such a scenario, the bill cannot progress until both chambers reach agreement on the final version.

Step 4: Establishment of a Conference Committee

In instances where the originating chamber rejects amendments, a conference committee is typically required. This committee is a select group comprising members from both the House and the Senate tasked with reconciling the discrepancies between the two versions of the bill.

The conference committee convenes privately to negotiate and reach a compromise. Upon reaching an agreement, they draft a conference report that encapsulates the final version of the bill.

Step 5: Final Approval of the Compromise Bill

Subsequently, the conference report is submitted to both the House and the Senate for a conclusive vote. At this juncture, no further modifications are permissible. Both chambers are required to approve the report in its entirety, as presented. 

If both the House and Senate endorse the conference report, the bill is forwarded to the governor, who may either enact it into law or exercise a veto. Conversely, if either chamber rejects the report, the bill is rendered unsuccessful and does not become a law.
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Significance of the Process

This procedural framework ensures that both legislative chambers play an equitable role in determining the final version of the law. It also facilitates a thorough examination of any amendments and fosters collaboration among lawmakers to achieve consensus.

 Although the process may be protracted, it is structured to promote compromise and comprehensive scrutiny before the enactment of a bill into law.

For those interested in tracking the progression of bills through the Washington State Legislature, the official website can be accessed at: https://leg.wa.gov/learn-and-participate/
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The Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce (TCRCC) is pleased to announce the promotion of Austin Regimbal to the position of Vice President. Regimbal, who has been with the Chamber since 2017, previously served as the Marketing & Communications Director.

In his new role, Regimbal will oversee strategic initiatives and community outreach efforts, in addition to marketing and communications responsibilities. His leadership and innovative approach have been instrumental in advancing the Chamber's mission to promote regional prosperity and strengthen member businesses.

"Austin has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication and vision in his work," said Lori Mattson, TCRCC President & CEO. "His promotion to Vice President is a testament to his hard work and the positive impact he has made on our organization and the Tri-Cities community."

Regimbal, a native of Richland, brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the local business community. He is a graduate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organization Management and the Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.) Academy program for chamber professionals. Regimbal also served on the W.A.C.E. Emerging Leaders Council and was presented with a 2024 Young Professionals Award from the Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business.

"I am honored to take on this new role and continue working with our talented team to support the growth and success of our members," said Regimbal. "I look forward to furthering our efforts to make the Tri-Cities a thriving business hub."

​The Association of Washington Business (AWB) has released the 2025 Competitiveness Redbook, a comprehensive, data-driven analysis of Washington State's economic standing. This annual publication offers a side-by-side comparison of Washington's performance across 60 key economic indicators relative to other states, providing valuable insights for policymakers, business leaders, and community stakeholders. 

Key Highlights from the 2025 Redbook

• Job Growth: Washington added 77,100 jobs, ranking 11th nationally in both the number of jobs gained and percentage growth. 
• Exports: The state improved its position in exports per capita, moving from fifth to fourth, and in total export value, from eighth to seventh, underscoring its role as a leading exporter. 
• Technology and Innovation: Washington leads the nation in tech sector employment as a share of overall employment and ranks second in overall research and development spending. 
• Energy Costs: The state boasts the lowest electricity rates for residential and industrial customers and the eighth lowest for commercial users. Approximately 76% of Washington's electricity is generated from renewable sources, including hydropower, wind, and solar. 

Challenges Identified

• Business Costs: Washington has the highest workers’ compensation benefits paid and the highest average weekly unemployment insurance payments. Employers contribute nearly half of all state and local taxes, with the percentage increasing from 48.4% to 49.7%. 
• Minimum Wage: As of January 2, 2024, Washington has the second-highest minimum wage in the country. 
• Housing Affordability: Despite a slowdown in price growth, housing affordability remains a significant challenge. Home prices rose 0.6% year over year, and over the past 25 years, prices have grown by 5.9% annually on average. 

The 2025 Competitiveness Redbook serves as a vital resource for understanding Washington's economic landscape, highlighting both its strengths and areas needing attention. Stakeholders are encouraged to utilize this information to inform decisions and strategies aimed at fostering economic growth and competitiveness. 
For more detailed information or to access the full Redbook, visit the AWB's official page.

Congratulations to JoJo's Freeze Dried Goodies on their ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration on Friday, April 11! Visit their store at 3306 N. Swallow Ave., Ste. 206 in Pasco.

​Join us for a Regional Advocacy Roundtable bringing together business leaders and local law enforcement for an open, solutions-focused conversation on crime prevention, public safety, and the evolving legal landscape impacting our business community.

This session will provide an important forum to discuss new and proposed legislation that may affect local businesses—particularly in areas such as property crime, retail theft, and public safety. Law enforcement representatives will also provide insight into the current legal tools and enforcement strategies being deployed to address crime, as well as recent trends in criminal activity across the region.

Participants will:
• Hear updates on legislation with potential business impacts.
• Review current crime statistics relevant to the Tri-Cities area and surrounding communities.
• Learn about local enforcement efforts and how laws are being applied to combat retail theft and other criminal activity.
• Explore practical tactics, deterrence tools, and community programs available to help businesses safeguard their property, employees, and customers.

This roundtable is designed to foster collaboration, improve communication between sectors, and empower businesses with the information and tools they need to be proactive partners in promoting a safe and vibrant commercial environment. We encourage business owners, managers, and community stakeholders to attend and share their perspectives.

Congratulations to Spectrum Studios on the ribbon cutting celebration for their new Empower Center for Growth!

Spectrum creates opportunities for young people on the autism spectrum. Learn more about their unique, amazing mission here: spectrum-studios.org/