A new survey from the Association of Washington Business finds 44% of Washington employers are considering moving their personal residence out of state, with more also exploring relocating their businesses. As lawmakers debate new taxes in Olympia, the findings underscore rising anxiety about Washington’s economic competitiveness.

Over and over, we hear there is a “skilled labor shortage” in construction, and that we simply don’t have enough skilled workers to meet demand. But we see a very different reality every day as the people who train and represent this workforce.

For more than 10 years, I have drafted and submitted a monthly column for the Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business. Every month. That’s equaled more than 120 columns. This will be my final installment.

Menopause is a natural stage of life that affects millions of working women, yet it often remains overlooked in workplace wellness efforts. As organizations expand their focus on mental health, flexibility- and whole-person well-being, menopause deserves to be part of that conversation, not as a private issue, but as a workplace support need that can directly impact performance, engagement and retention.

Here are seven areas to tap into to increase your capacity to do more without burning out.

Most elected officials have no idea what it’s like to risk everything you have or to struggle to meet payroll for your employees and their families as waves of new taxes, fees and regulations threaten to drown you and your business.  

Washington has long been a high-cost state for employers, but new data show the state is increasingly losing its competitive edge in key areas.

Just like an organization has a board of directors to guide it, you too can create your own personal board of directors to guide and encourage you.

Do Washington state taxes get you thinking of moving away?

Across the Tri-Cities, there is shared recognition that the path forward is less predictable than in years past, but also a determination to adapt and endure.