Washington Policy CenterGovernment Reform DirectorJason MercierWhat is the Washington Policy Center?Washington Policy Center (WPC) is an independent, nonprofit think tank that promotes sound public policy based on free-market solutions.WPC improves lives of Washington state’s citizens by providing accurate, high-quality research for policymakers, the media and the general public. Headquartered in...
Tri-City retailers are staffing up for the holiday shopping season even as customers head online because of the pandemic.U.S. shoppers will spend more than $189 billion online during the holiday season, a 33% increase that represents two years’ worth of typical growth, according to the Adobe Analytics Holiday Forecast 2020.The...
Local manufacturing businesses and jobs have experienced a resurgence in recent years that needs to continue for our state’s livelihood and connection to the global economy.Before the pandemic, the manufacturing sector employed 11.6 million workers in the United States. During the past three years, about 500,000 manufacturing jobs were added...
One goal for employers is to hire and then incentivize the brightest talent available to remain with the employer and grow the business over time. So, what are the components of a compelling compensation package that keeps the prized executive employee with the company?The most recognizable component of the executive’s...
The Covid-19 pandemic has shed light on the many holes in America’s social safety net — workers in fields deemed “nonessential” are struggling to make ends meet across Eastern Washington. Many of those deemed essential find themselves in harm’s way.Fortunately, there is one resource that working families in the Tri-Cities...
I have often said that small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and that could not be truer in Central Washington’s rural communities.The owners and employees of Main Street businesses are integral to the well-being of our communities, and the support for small businesses I have witnessed during my...
Young adults can complete free, individualized program to earn GED diploma, get help finding a jobThe opening of TC Futures in Kennewick has created a home base for young adults looking to earn their GED diploma, get help finding a job or even wash laundry and grab a bite to...
In the Tri-City area, retail jobs are among the top five most in demand.That’s according to the state’s recently released Employment Security Department’s employer demand reports. Retail salespeople, retail sales supervisors, registered nurses, physicians and surgeons, and teacher assistants were the top five jobs advertised online in August in Benton...
The residential construction industry provides a rewarding career path for women. Builders and remodelers across Washington state are seeking skilled artisans and professionals, including carpenters, architects, engineers, plumbers, electricians and painters. In the U.S., women make up about 50 percent of the workforce, but only 9 percent of women work...
By Don C. BrunellEmployers and employees need to set aside their differences and partner with one another. The same advice should be heeded by our elected officials.Easier said than done, especially in a vitriolic and politically-charged atmosphere punctuated by an absence of listening and a profusion of people shouting at...
