Stakeholder-level members of the Regional Chamber may annually select a local business or non-profit organization to sponsor with a free Chamber membership.  The sponsored members will receive full Chamber benefits for one year. The following businesses/non-profits were selected for 2024:

• UA Local 598 Plumbers & Pipefitters - sponsored by Bechtel
• Grace Kitchen - sponsored by Benton PUD
• Community Action Connections - sponsored by Cascade Natural Gas
• Tri-City Americans - sponsored by Central Plateau Cleanup Company (CPCCo)
• Tri-Cities Food Bank - sponsored by Jacobs
• Tri-City Union Gospel Mission - sponsored by Kadlec
• Big Bro Joe Foundation - sponsored by Tire Factory
• Mid-Columbia Children's Museum - sponsored by Washington River Protection Solutions (WRPS)

Congratulations to Prime IV Hydration & Wellness on their ribbon cutting and grand opening! The IV therapy clinic is located at 1360 N. Louisiana St., Ste. B in Kennewick.

Congratulations to Hayden Homes on the groundbreaking ceremony for their new Peach Tree Estates community. The new neighborhood will be located on Bermuda Road in Richland, just off of Queensgate.

In Washington state, contractor bonding requirements are essential for protecting consumers and ensuring responsible business practices in the construction industry. Contractor bonds are a financial guarantee that provides recourse for consumers if a contractor fails to fulfill their contract.

Bonding is mandated by state law to maintain industry standards and protect both parties involved in construction projects. Bonds safeguard clients against financial losses due to contractor negligence, abandonment, or incomplete work.

Prior to July 1, 2024, contractor surety bond requirements where as follows. General contractors had to obtain a $12,000 surety bond and specialty contractors were required to carry a $6,000 bond. These bonds are posted with the Washington State Dept. of Labor & Industries (L&I) to guarantee compliance with regulations and financial obligations.

Beginning July 1, 2024 the bond requirements for both general and specialty contracts has more that doubled. General contractor bond requirements increased to $30,000 and specialty contractor bonds increased to $15,000.

Bond requirements for electricians and plumbers are regulated under a different set of laws.
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Bonding requirements contribute to a more reliable and accountable construction industry in Washington state. You can search to see if your contractor is bonded by visiting the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries verification page HERE. 

The Washington APEX Accelerator, formerly known as the Washington PTAC, provides no-cost, confidential, one-on-one technical assistance to Washington State businesses.

Its mission is to help businesses thrive in the government-contracting marketplace by increasing the number of government contracts awarded to local firms. Services include bid reviews, marketing assistance, contract performance guidance, and small business certifications.

 This program is part of a nationwide network that supports businesses pursuing and performing under contracts with federal agencies, state and local governments, and government prime contractors.

We need on your support to safeguard the Washington APEX Accelerator program. Unfortunately, the House has suggested a 60% reduction in funding through the FY2025 Defense Appropriations Bill. This program plays a vital role in our economic development initiatives, enabling businesses like yours to secure defense contracts and foster growth.

Please take a moment to contact your Congressional delegation and let them know that the you support the Washington Accelerator program and urge them to continue funding this important business development program.

Contact
Your Representatives https://buff.ly/2ITsIOM
Senator Murray https://buff.ly/4b8JZzi
Senator Cantwell https://buff.ly/4eqjFnd
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Thank you for your support and action on this important program.

Ballots will come out next week for the August 6, 2024, Primary election. There are 26 offices (not including judicial) up for reelection this year. The Tri-Regional Chamber of Commerce reached out to the candidates running for 14 different races that directly influence the Tri-City region.

We sent out a simple 4 question survey to each of the 37 candidates seeking to fill those positions. We sent surveys to the candidates running in the following races:

• 4th Congressional District (8 candidates)
• 8th Legislative District (1 race, 2 candidates)
• 14th Legislative District (3 races, 8 candidates)
• 15th Legislative District (2 races, 4 candidates)
• 16th Legislative District (3 races, 6 candidates)
• Benton County Commissioners (2 races, 4 candidates)
• Franklin County Commissioners (2 races, 5 candidates)

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We just released the survey results in our 2024 Vote for Business guide. The 2024 Vote for Business guide is the only business-focused voter’s guide in the region. Our goal with the Vote for Business Guide is to help inform our members and the business community on candidate positions on local business priorities. Responses are unedited, presented in alphabetical order, and any response exceeding the 130-word limit has been truncated. If a candidate chose not to submit a response, it is noted on their profile.

You can access the 2024 Vote for Business guide here. 

Washington State has recently enacted SHB 1355 to expand property tax exemptions for seniors, individuals retired due to disability, and veterans with disabilities. Here are the key points:

1. Eligibility:
   • To qualify for the property tax exemption, you must:
     • Own and occupy a primary residence in Washington.
     • Have a qualifying income.
     • Meet at least one of the following criteria by December 31 of the assessment year:
       • Be at least 61 years old.
       • Be at least 57 years old and the surviving spouse or domestic partner of a person who was an exemption participant at the time of their death.
       • Be unable to work due to a disability (regardless of age).
       • Be a disabled veteran with a service-connected evaluation of at least 80% or receiving compensation from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs at the 100% rate for a service-connected disability.

You can learn more about the property tax exemption eligibility here. Income threshold information has not been fully updated yet.

       2. Income Thresholds: The income thresholds have increased this year, allowing more Washingtonians to qualify for the exemption. However, the specific income limits depend on your county’s median household income. There are three levels of eligibility depending on your final calculated combined disposable income.  You can apply for the property tax exemption through your counties assessor’s office.

The new law increases the current thresholds, and it provides for future increases based on the most recent County Median Household Income level.

You can find another great resource here on other property tax exemptions.
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In summary, these changes aim to provide additional property tax relief to seniors, individuals with disabilities, and veterans in Washington State.