Area businesses aiming to work with local school districts had the opportunity to make connections with district representatives during the Meet the Buyer workshop on June 27.

The sold-out session featured insightful discussions beneficial to small business owners. Takeaways included the importance of carefully reading solicitations for requirements, the need to respond to every aspect of a solicitation, and the need to adhere to strict timelines in order to be considered.

Thank you to Washington River Protection Solutions for sponsoring the Meet the Buyer program.

The Regional Chamber's in-house Washington APEX Accelerator Counselor, Maria Alleman, attended the Latino Civic Alliance Small Business Workshop in Quincy, WA on Wednesday, June 26. She had the opportunity to present to a group of enthusiastic Spanish-speaking small business owners and entrepreneurs. During the presentation, the focus was on the fundamentals of government contracting and how to effectively work with government agencies. This topic is crucial for small businesses looking to expand their operations and tap into new revenue streams.

If your business in looking to earn government contracts, consider reaching out to Maria for guidance! Get started: https://washingtonapex.ecenterdirect.com/signup​.

The passage of a law by the legislature is just the beginning. Often a law outlines the desired outcome, but rarely includes the details of implementation. The legislature passes the laws and then it is up to the administrative branch to see the laws are implemented. This is usually done through the Rulemaking process.
Rulemaking in Washington State refers to the process by which state agencies create, modify, or repeal rules in the Washington Administrative Code (WAC). These rules help implement and enforce laws and policies enacted by elected officials.
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The rulemaking process includes three important steps.

1. The administration identifies its policy goals and objectives. These could relate to public health, environmental protection, economic growth, or social justice.
2. Relevant agencies draft rules that align with the administration’s policy. These rules provide specific guidelines, procedures, and standards for implementation.
3. The agency engages stakeholders, experts, and the public. Public hearings, comment periods, and consultations allow input on proposed rules.

After considering feedback, the agency adopts the final rule. The rules become legally binding and enforceable. Agencies enforce the rules through inspections, penalties, or incentives. Compliance ensures policy objectives are met.

Two examples of rulemaking include the Shoreline Management Act. RCW 90.58 establishes the Shoreline Management Act. WAC Chapters 173-26 and 173-27 provide detailed rules for land use and development along shorelines, balancing environmental protection and economic growth. Another example is RCW 19.118 which addresses apparel labeling requirements. WAC 173-337 specifies details such as labeling for athletic wear, rainwear, school uniforms, and other clothing items.

Rulemaking ensures effective implementation of laws and helps protect public health, the environment, and other critical areas. It bridges policy intent with practical application, ensuring policies are translated into actionable measures.

Congratulations to Ashlie Martin and RE/MAX Northwest on the ribbon cutting ceremony for their newest exclusive homebuilder, Haynes Homes. The beautiful new home is located at 2271 Estate Ave. in Richland.

Congratulations to Serengeti Home Care on their grand opening and ribbon cutting on June 25! Visit them at 8382 W. Gage Blvd., Ste. K in Kennewick.

The Port of Benton operates 16 miles of Railroad from Kennewick to north Richland. The rail network is operated by a short line operator, Columbia Rail. This short line serves shippers from around the region to efficiently get their products to market.
For more than 20 years the Port of Benton has worked to spur economic and industrial development in Benton County.

The Port of Benton has a six-year Transportation Improvement Program that includes maintenance and upgrades to the Port Rail system.  Improvements include:

• Rail crossings upgrades at the at State Route 240, Airport Way and Saint Street.
• Tie replacements of approximately 3000 ties
• A rail intermodal facility on Port industrial property in north Richland.

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The rail intermodal facility will also further increase investment and job creation within the intermodal sector, support the growth of existing industries and progress regional clean energy and advanced manufacturing.

The Port of Benton has scheduled an information night for Monday July 8th from 5:00 to 6:00 pm at the Richland Public Library, 955 Northgate Dr, Richland.
You can also find more information about these projects and all the other upcoming projects planned by the Port at their website https://portofbenton.com/
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Congratulations to the Boys & Girls Club of Benton and Franklin Counties on their new playground. The Kiwanis Club of Kennewick worked with the Boys & Girls Club to fundraise and build the project. The new playground is located at the Boys & Girls Club Clubhouse - Eerkes Family Branch at 910 W. 7th Pl. in Kennewick.

Congratulations to Goodwill Industries of the Columbia on their new attended donation center at Southridge! The new facility is located at 3813 Plaza Way in Kennewick.

The WA Cares Fund is a mandatory long-term care insurance benefit for workers in Washington State. Its purpose is to help offset eligible long-term care expenses. Workers contribute a small percentage of their income into the fund through a mandatory payroll tax. The earned benefit can be up to $36,500 (adjusted for inflation) and covers professional care, equipment, home safety evaluations, and family caregiver compensation.

The WA Cares Fund has faced controversy and criticism for several reasons. Critics argue that the $36,500 benefit is too small to be meaningful for long-term care expenses. Additionally, there are concerns about eligibility restrictions—people who pay the tax won’t receive the benefit if they move out of Washington when they need assistance. Furthermore, opponents have questioned the program’s solvency, especially since a significant number of workers opted out of participation. Despite these criticisms, proponents see WA Cares as a step toward supporting family caregivers and addressing long-term care needs in the state.
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Initiative 2124 will come before Washington State voters in November, and they will be given the opportunity to decide the fate of the fund. The measure proposes that employees and self-employed individuals must actively choose to retain coverage under RCW 50B.04, with the option to opt out at any time. Additionally, it seeks to repeal an existing law related to exemptions for employees. The initiative aims to provide consumer choice regarding long-term care insurance and addresses concerns about affordability, adequacy, and solvency of the current program.
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Regardless of your thoughts on the program, employers in Washington state have a responsibility that involves correctly implementing payroll deductions for the Washington Cares Fund. Starting from July 1, 2023, employers were required to collect premiums from Washington employees in the same manner as they currently do for Paid Leave. Employers are not required to contribute separately to the WA Cares Fund, but they must remit employees’ premiums to the Employment Security Department.

Thankfully there are many resources available from the Employment Security Department to help business owners navigate the process.  Business owners can access a library of webinars at www.wacaresfund.wa.gov/webinars. One can view old videos and sign up for upcoming live webinars. There is also a dedicated webpage with Toolkits and Resources at https://wacaresfund.wa.gov/toolkit#resources-for-employers.