Congratulations to the Alzheimer's Association for the ribbon cutting celebration of their new location in Kennewick! Pay them a visit at 5219 W. Clearwater Ave., Ste. 14 - consider registering for the Walk to End Alzheimer's while you're there!

​Washington State’s “In Demand” employment list is a valuable tool used to identify which occupations have strong hiring needs both now and in the future. Developed by the Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) in collaboration with the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board (WTECB), this list plays a vital role in connecting people with meaningful careers and helping employers find qualified workers. For local communities and businesses, it acts as a roadmap to economic stability and opportunity.
 
The list is built using a mix of labor market data, including job vacancies, projected growth, wage levels, and employers’ feedback. Importantly, it accounts for regional differences, ensuring that workforce strategies reflect the unique needs of each part of the state. Once reviewed, occupations are labeled as “in demand,” “balanced,” or “not in demand.” These labels help inform jobseekers, schools, and policymakers about which careers are most likely to lead to stable employment.
 
This information directly influences access to education and job training support. Many public training programs, including those funded by state and federal dollars, require that participants pursue a career on the “in demand” list in order to qualify for tuition help. Similarly, high schools and community colleges use the list to guide decisions about which classes and degree programs to offer, ensuring that students graduate with skills that employers actually need. Workforce boards also rely on it to develop local economic strategies that align with real job opportunities.
 
For businesses, the benefits are clear. A workforce trained for in-demand careers means fewer staffing shortages, faster hiring, and lower training costs. It also allows employers to engage with local education providers to shape the curriculum and build talented pipelines for the future. On a broader level, communities benefit when their residents are employed in well-paying, stable jobs, reducing poverty, and strengthening the local economy.
 
That said, the list isn’t perfect. Although it is updated regularly, it can lag behind sudden economic shifts such as industry downturns or natural disasters. It’s also not a hard rule—just because an occupation isn’t listed as “in demand” doesn’t mean there’s no opportunity in that field, especially in smaller or niche markets. Therefore, it is best used as a guide rather than as a guarantee.
 
In short, Washington’s “In Demand” list helps everyone—from job seekers and students to educators and business owners—make better decisions about employment and training. This ensures that resources are directed toward careers that have a strong future, ultimately benefiting the entire state. For businesses, in particular, it offers a chance to align with workforce trends, advocate for relevant training programs, and prepare for long-term success. By focusing on what is in demand, we stand to gain.
 
The Benton and Franklin County In-demand Job List is developed and maintained by the Benton-Franklin Workforce Development Council. This current list for any county in the state can be found here.  

The Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce uses its guiding principles to shape policy positions that support a strong economy and a healthy business environment. These principles help the Chamber stay focused, consistent, and aligned with the needs of local businesses when weighing in on local, state, and federal issues.

Here is an in depth look at the Chambers Healthcare guiding principle.

Access to quality and affordable healthcare is a fundamental need for individuals, families, and businesses. For employers, especially small- and mid-sized businesses, rising healthcare costs and complex mandates can significantly impact their ability to hire, retain, and support a healthy workforce. This is why the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce includes healthcare as a core component of our Public Policy Guiding Principles. Our position supports healthcare policies that improve access, reduce employer costs, and eliminate unfunded mandates and excessive regulations on businesses.

In the Tri-Cities region, a healthy workforce is a productive workforce. When employees have access to preventive care, mental health services, and affordable prescriptions, they reduce their absenteeism and improve their job satisfaction. However, when businesses are burdened with complex and costly directives, especially without state or federal funding support, they create administrative challenges and financial stress. This is particularly true for small businesses that lack resources to absorb sudden changes in coverage requirements or reporting standards.

The Chamber uses this guiding principle to carefully review proposed healthcare legislation or regulatory changes. We ask, Will this policy improve access for employees without shifting additional costs to employers? Does it streamline compliance or add unnecessary bureaucracy? Does it empower local businesses to offer competitive benefits or make it harder to do so? These questions help us assess whether a proposal aligns with our region’s economic strengths and the real-world needs of Tri-City businesses.
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In summary, the Chamber’s healthcare policy principle supports a thoughtful, balanced approach to public policy, which prioritizes access, affordability, and simplicity. By using this lens, we can ensure that healthcare policy works for both employers and employees, helping Tri-Cities remain a competitive and compassionate place to live, work, and do business.

A huge thanks to everyone who presented at or attended the Washington Workplace Summit on July 22! 

Washington State has worked for decades to protect the air that we breathe. Air pollution can lead to serious health problems such as asthma, heart disease, and even early death. That is why the Washington Clean Air Act was passedto ensure that our air remains safe for people, wildlife, and the environment.

The Washington Clean Air Act began in the 1960s and was strengthened in the following years. It was created to work alongside the Federal Clean Air Act, which became a law in 1970. Federal law set national standards for clean air, and Washington developed its own system to meet—and sometimes go beyond—those standards.

One of the most important aspects of Washington’s law is that it gives local clean air agencies the power to manage air quality in their own regions. These agencies make sure businesses follow the rules and help monitor pollution levels. Over the years, the law has been updated to address new challenges such as climate change and wildfire smoke.

Another key goal of the Washington Clean Air Act is to reduce pollution from cars and trucks, which are major sources of greenhouse gases and other harmful chemicals. This includes setting limits on what comes out of tailpipes and encouraging the use of electric vehicles (EVs). These efforts are part of the state’s larger climate goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.

However, the rules Washington uses to clean up transportation often depend on policies from another state, namely California. This connection is a big part of how Washington’s clean air programs have worked.

California plays a unique role in the national clean air policy. It is the only state allowed to set its own vehicle emissions standards—even stricter than the federal government. Other states, including Washington, can choose to follow either California’s rules or federal rules, but cannot make their own.

For many years, Washington has chosen to follow California’s cleaner vehicle standards. These include programs such as Advanced Clean Cars II, which aim to phase out new gas-powered vehicles by 2035 and push for more electric vehicle sales. Aligning with California, Washington can help bring cleaner cars and trucks to the market and reduce pollution from transportation faster.

However, by 2025, things have changed. Congress used a law called the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to cancel California’s waiver, which allowed it to enforce its stricter emission rules. Then, the U.S. The Supreme Court allowed oil companies to move forward with lawsuits against California’s clean air programs.

Because Washington’s rules are directly tied to California, these decisions have placed Washington’s policies in legal limbo. If California cannot enforce its vehicle rules, Washington may not be able to enforce either.

In response, the Washington State Department of Ecology announced a six-month pause in enforcing the state’s clean vehicle requirements. This gives time for courts to decide what is legal and for state leaders to make new plans. At the same time, Attorney General Nick Brown joined lawsuits challenging federal rollback, saying that it was unfair and could hurt public health and the environment.

Washington still plans to achieve its climate and clean air goals, but the path forward is less certain. The state could:

• Wait to see how the courts rule.
• Try to write new laws that work without California standards.
• Ask the federal government for its own emissions waiver (although this has never been done successfully).

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Regardless, Washington leaders have made it clear that the state is still committed to clean air, climate action, and a healthier future for everyone. The next few months will be important, as Washington figures out how to keep moving forward even if the rules have changed.

Big changes are coming to the way Washington State collects sales tax. Beginning October 1, 2025, many services that were never taxed before will now have a sales tax added to their prices. This change is part of a new law called ESSB 5814, which state lawmakers passed in 2025.

Here is what is happening, who it affects, and how people and businesses can prepare.

What’s the Change?

Until now, the sales tax in Washington was mostly applied to physical things such as clothing, electronics, or restaurant meals. However, under ESSB 5814, several services will now be taxed, just like the goods you buy in a store.
These include:

• Online and digital advertising services
• IT support and tech consulting
• Custom software and website development
• Temporary staffing (except hospital staffing)
• Security and investigation services
• Webinars and live training presentations

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If you provide any of these services, you will have to start charging your customers’ sales tax and sending that money to the state. If you are a customer, you may notice higher prices on your bills for these services, starting in October.

Why Is This Happening?

The main goal is to raise more money for state programs such as schools, roads, and public safety. The state expects this new law to bring in over a billion dollars over the next two years.

State officials also say the change makes the tax system fairer. Since people spend more on services today than they did in the past, the law helps to ensure that services and products are taxed more evenly.

Who Will Be Affected?

If you own or work for a business that provides services, such as digital ads, tech help, or training events, this law likely affects you. You’ll need to:

• Figure out which services you offer are now taxable
• Update billing and software systems to charge sales tax
• Train your team to understand the changes

Customers—including other businesses—will also be affected. Whether you are hiring a consultant or attending a paid webinar, expect to see sales tax added to your invoice.

How to Prepare

The Department of Revenue (DOR) is helping businesses prepare. They hold online sessions this summer where people can ask questions and learn more. They also share guides and updates on their websites to explain the new rules.

If you run a business, now is the time to:

• Review your services
• Talk to your accountant or tax advisor
• Stay up to date with announcements from the DOR

Some groups are concerned the new rules may be confusing, especially for services that involve digital work. There is also discussion about possible legal challenges, especially when it comes to taxing online ads, while traditional advertisements such as newspapers and billboards are left out. However, at present, this law is moving forward.

ESSB 5814 is a significant change for Washington. By October 1, 2025, many services will be treated as retail goods when it comes to sales tax. The law affects both service providers and customers, and it is important to start preparing.
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Whether you are running a business, working in tech or marketing, or just curious about how taxes work, this is a real-world example of how laws shape our economy. For the latest information and tools to help you prepare, visit the Washington Department of Revenue’s website.

Congratulations to New Tradition Homes on the ribbon cutting celebration for their new Cherry Grove Lane development! Check out the beautiful new homes at 1103 18th St. in Benton City.

The Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce has created two easy-to-use tools to help you see how your local lawmakers voted during the 2025 legislative session. These tools make it easier to understand how state policy decisions affect businesses and local economies.

The first tool is the 2025 Legislative Scorecard. It provides a quick overview of how often each legislator voted in line with the chamber’s position on key bills. It also shows which lawmakers sponsored or co-sponsored bills that support job growth, housing, education, and other important business issues.

The second tool is the 2025 Vote Record. This resource breaks down how each legislator voted on individual bills. It includes short summaries of each bill, whether the Chamber supported or opposed it, and how the legislator voted. It’s a clear way to see which lawmakers supported business-friendly policies.

These tools are meant to help local businesses and residents stay informed. When you know how your lawmakers vote, you can make better decisions, give feedback, and be more involved in future legislative sessions.

Both tools are now available on the Chamber’s website. You can visit them here:
2025 Legislative Scorecard
2025 Vote Record

Take a few minutes to learn how your legislators represent you and what that means for our region’s future.

In 2025, Washington State lawmakers passed several important bills that made it easier for high school students to explore careers through Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. These new laws remove barriers for young workers, expand student access to training and internships, and improve the safety of students gaining hands-on experience. Together, these changes will help more students graduate with skills they can use immediately, and they will make it easier for employers to train and hire future workers.
Here is a breakdown of the key bills, their actions, and who benefits.

HB 1722 – Removing Age Barriers for 16- and 17-Year-Olds
HB 1722 directs state agencies to identify and remove rules that prevent 16- and 17-year-olds from joining CTE programs or participating in career-connected learning. It is about ensuring that age does not stop students from gaining job skills and certifications in high school.
Why it matters:
Younger students can now join more CTE programs and internships without waiting until they turn 18. Schools can design programs that start earlier. Employers can welcome high school students into their training programs, knowing the law supports it.

HB 1121 – Allowing Students to Work More Hours During the School Year
This bill allows students who are part of approved CTE programs to work the same number of hours during the school year as they do during school breaks. The employer must be connected to the student’s program and follow the state guidelines.
Why it matters:
Students can earn more money and gain real experience while staying in school. Schools need to coordinate schedules and ensure that students stay academically on track. Employers can build stronger training relationships with young workers throughout the year.

HB 1164 – Improving Workplace Safety for Student Interns
HB 1164 ensures that workplaces are safe for student interns and young workers. Employers who want to hire minors for hands-on training must complete a safety consultation with the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I). It also increases penalties for businesses that break youth employment laws.
Why it matters:
Students and parents can feel safer about their work-based learning experiences. Schools must ensure that internships and job placements follow the new safety rules. Employers will need to meet safety standards before bringing students into the workplace—but in return, they will have clear guidelines and fewer legal risks.

HB 1273 – Expanding Dual Credit Opportunities for High School Students
This bill expands a pilot program that allows high school students to earn college credit or industry-recognized certifications while still in school. It gives more students access to dual credit programs, especially in technical and career-focused areas.
Why it matters:
Students can graduate with college-level coursework or job-ready credentials at no additional cost. Educators will need to coordinate with community colleges and employers to ensure smooth pathways. Businesses benefit from a pipeline of young workers who are already trained in high-demand skills.

These new laws represent a big step forward for Washington students, schools, and businesses. They open the door to more hands-on learning opportunities, while ensuring that students are safe and supported. With earlier access to job training, more flexibility to work, and stronger industry partnerships, students can graduate with real-world experiences and confidence in their future careers.
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For educators and businesses, this is a chance to work together to build strong pathways from high school to high-demand jobs in our region. Whether healthcare, construction, technology, or maritime, these laws make it easier to train the next generation of workers.