In 2025, workforce issues are top of mind for business owners and managers. From hiring and retention to workplace culture, employee development, and performance management, employers are constantly seeking solutions to attract, develop, and retain top talent. That’s why the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce is dedicating this year’s Ask the Experts series entirely to workplace-focused topics—providing business leaders with the tools and strategies they need to build strong, successful teams.

​Each 90-minute session features a panel of industry experts who share real-world experiences, discuss key workforce trends, and engage in interactive Q&A with attendees.

Do you know someone who would be a great subject matter expert? We're looking for individuals or groups of up to three to present on workplace culture topics like delegation, hiring, AI, employee well-being, and conflict resolution at our upcoming workshops. Feel free to nominate co-workers, bosses, or company owners.

We’re looking for professionals who:
✔ Have deep expertise in hiring, retention, employee training, coaching/mentoring, time management, workplace culture, performance management, or related areas
✔ Enjoy sharing knowledge and best practices
✔ Want to support small business success by helping leaders navigate today’s workforce challenges

How to Apply:
Please submit the following:
📌 Your areas of expertise
📌 A high-quality headshot & short biography
📌 A session title & brief outline of your proposed presentation

Interested? Apply today and help empower businesses with the knowledge they need to thrive in today’s evolving workplace!​

Like the rest of the country, Washington lacks an adequate supply of affordable, high-quality childcare options for families. This issue affects not only families but also employers, costing Washington businesses over $2 billion annually due to employee turnover or missed work, and impacting the state economy by more than $6.5 billion each year.

The term ‘childcare divide’ refers to disparities in access to quality childcare services. Factors such as income, location, and the availability of affordable care influence how it affects families differently.

The problem stems from low wages for childcare workers, high staff turnover, and narrow profit margins for licensed childcare providers. Particularly in small towns and rural communities, access to specialized providers and care beyond regular 9-5 hours is limited.

Communities can play a crucial role in supporting childcare providers by implementing the following strategies:

1. Advocacy and Awareness:
   • Raise awareness about the importance of quality childcare and its impact on families, children, and the local economy.
   • Advocate for policies that prioritize childcare funding and support.
2. Financial Assistance and Grants:
   • Establish local grant programs to provide financial assistance to childcare providers.
   • Encourage community foundations and businesses to contribute to childcare scholarships or grants.
3. Collaboration and Networking:
   • Facilitate networking opportunities for childcare providers to share best practices, resources, and support.
   • Create partnerships between childcare centers, schools, and community organizations.
4. Infrastructure Support:
   • Identify unused or underutilized community spaces (such as schools, community centers, or churches) that could be repurposed for childcare facilities.
   • Support childcare providers in navigating licensing requirements and improving their facilities.
5. Workforce Development:
   • Offer training and professional development opportunities for childcare providers.
   • Encourage pathways for aspiring educators to enter the field.
6. Parent Engagement:
   • Educate parents about the importance of stable childcare and encourage them to advocate for childcare funding.
   • Involve parents in decision-making processes related to childcare services.
7. Flexible Policies:
   • Advocate for flexible work schedules and paid family leave policies to support working parents.
   • Explore options for extended hours or weekend childcare services.

Addressing the childcare divide in Washington requires a multifaceted approach. Communities can play a pivotal role.  By implementing the strategies mentioned above, Washington can bridge the gap and ensure that families have access to affordable, high-quality childcare, benefiting both parents and the local economy. 

The Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted the 3rd Annual Tri-Cities Regional Career Signing Day on Tuesday, June 11, in partnership with Inland Northwest Associated General Contractors (AGC), Educational Service District (ESD) 123, and Tri-Tech Skills Center. This event celebrated the hiring of student candidates by employers committed to offering a living wage, benefits, and opportunities for advancement within their organizations.

Twenty-eight students and fifteen employer organizations were honored. These students will immediately contribute to the workforce in various industries, including healthcare, automotive repair, firefighting, and more.

The ceremony was attended by the students' families, employer representatives, Tri-Tech instructors, and numerous elected officials, including 15th Legislative District Senator Nikki Torres, 8th Legislative District Representatives Stephanie Barnard and April Connors, and Kennewick City Councilmember Jim Millbauer. Representative Connors made remarks before the commencement of Signing Day, highlighting the positive impact of the Tri-Tech Skills Center on the region.
​
Congratulations to the Signing Day graduates! We wish you the best of luck in your new careers!

Tri-Cities Regional Career Signing Day is sponsored by the Regional Chamber's Stakeholder Members: Bechtel, Benton PUD, Cascade Natural Gas, CPCCo, Gesa Credit Union, Jacobs, Kadlec, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Tire Factory, and Washington River Protection Solutions.

The Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with our partners at Associated General Contractors, Educational Service District 123 and the Tri-Tech Skills Center are holding our 2024 Career Signing Day on Tuesday, June 11 in the Bechtel Board Room at 7130 W. Grandridge Blvd. Kennewick.

A “Career Signing Day” is a special event designed to recognize and celebrate high school students who are choosing to enter career pathways leading to in-demand careers and occupations directly from high school. This event is like the traditional College Signing Day, where high school graduates pledge to attend a particular college or university. However, Career Signing Day focuses on students who commit to a career after high school.

The goal of our event is to show students that these are good jobs and to celebrate the employers who are giving the student the opportunity for a skilled, hands-on career without accumulating college debt. 

During a Career Signing Day, students are recognized for their commitment to a skilled job. They sign a letter of intent, indicating their commitment to work in a specific field after graduation.

In summary, Career Signing Day is a celebration of students' commitment to enter the workforce immediately after high school, particularly in trades and other in-demand occupations.

If you know of a graduating senior that is eligible to participate in the ceremony or perhaps you are an employer that is hiring a new graduate, let the Chamber know. We'd love to include you!

The 2nd Annual Tri-Cities Regional Career Signing Day was a huge success! Congratulations to the recent graduates and their new employers. You can read more about the event here.

Thank you to Rich Breshears and Breshears Professional Photography for capturing the day with these wonderful photos!

On Thursday, June 22, the Tri-City Regional Chamber, along with our partners, Inland Northwest Associated General Contractors (AGC), the Educational School District (ESD 123), and Tri-Tech Skills Center, hosted the second annual Tri-Cities Regional Career Signing Day at Tri-Tech Skills Center, recognizing ten students alongside their new hiring companies. Participating companies included Tire Factory (Pasco/Richland), Toyota of Tri-Cities, Columbia River Electric, Framatome, Mel’s Inter-City Collision, and Hopsteiner. Recognized graduates included students from Pasco to Prosser, with most attending Tri-Tech Skills Center and primarily from Tri-Tech’s Autobody Tech, Auto Systems Tech, Pre-Electrical, and Construction programs.

In the months leading up to Tri-Cities Regional Career Signing Day, Tri-Tech’s Worksite Learning Coordinator and program instructors worked to identify strong student candidates to interview for open employment positions. In contrast, the Chamber and NW AGC worked to identify local employer candidates from the trade/tech fields willing to interview and hire these students. As a result, six local companies extended offers of employment to ten students.

Thank you to Delta High School for inviting us to exhibit the Washington Workforce Portal at their Internship Fair on May 5. The goal is to get all 88 juniors in attendance registered on the Portal this year! More info on the Washington Workforce Portal: ​Bridging Washington State's Skills Gap - Washington Workforce Portal

The Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce, Inland Northwest Associated General Contractors, and Educational Service District (ESD) 123 are partnering to pilot the Tri-Cities Regional Career Signing Day for the graduating classes of 2022.

Several local companies, primarily in trade and sales sectors, are participating in the inaugural event, through identifying and subsequently hiring strong employment candidates from area high schools and other non-traditional school settings. Through joint partnerships, we will come together during a celebration ceremony on Thursday, June 16, 2022 to recognize graduating students who have successfully interviewed and accepted job offers from these employers. These students can serve as a shining example of young adults who are not college-bound and yet will be strong participants in our local communities and economy.

Participating businesses include:

• Tire Factory
• Bruce, Inc.
• Meyers Auto Tech
• McCurley Integrity Dealerships
• O'Brien Construction Co. Inc.
• RDO Equipment

If your business is interested in participating in Tri-Cities Regional Career Signing Day, or would like to know more about the event, please contact Brooke Myrland, Workforce & Education Manager, at [email protected] or 509.491.3242.

Tri-Cities Regional Career Signing Day wouldn't be possible without the support of the Tri-City Regional Chamber's Stakeholder Members: Bechtel National, Inc., Benton PUD, Central Plateau Cleanup Company, Gravis Law, Jacobs, Kadlec, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Tire Factory, and Washington River Protection Solutions.