This new year begins under the maddening cloud of Covid-19, omicron edition, but color us optimistic at the Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business.

After two years of Covid-19, many Washington families and small businesses could use a break. Fortunately, the Washington Legislature has the means to help.State lawmakers have more than $8.6 billion in unrestricted cash reserves. These funds – a historic surplus by any measure – can boost our economy and improve...

The first order of business for the 2022 session of the Washington Legislature should be to replace the state’s new long-term care law. It is fatally flawed. Gov. Jay Inslee and Democrats who control the state Legislature wisely postponed implementing the sweeping “Long-Term Services and Supports Trust Program,” but it is...

Washington state is dedicated to building an economic future that is as inclusive, diverse and resilient as the people who live here.We are looking beyond our borders for economic models that will strengthen our legacy industries, help communities create new sectors, fuel innovation and entrepreneurship, and ensure meaningful job opportunities...

I moved to Tri-Cities in February 2021 when I was hired as the new executive director for the Benton-Franklin Council of Governments (BFCOG). Everyone I have met is so welcoming. Their first question is always to ask where I work. When I tell them, their next statement is nearly always,...

Each December, the Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business invites some of the region’s most insightful leaders to help us review the highlights of the past year.This month, they came through.The Tri-Cities tallied an astonishing list of wins in the second year clouded by Covid-19.As the year closes, we look back...

Throughout Washington, the leaders of local chambers of commerce are busy delivering bags of toys to rural fire departments, enabling the firefighters to play Santa Claus for the children who live in their communities.For the fire departments, this is nothing new. They have been giving out toys and food every...

To “Build Back America” people must return to work!In a U.S. Chamber of Commerce poll released in early December, the findings spell trouble for America’s employers whether they are in the private or public sectors. It found that over 60% of the respondents are in no hurry to return to...

Stories highlighting the need to shop early for the holidays as supply chain issues clog the path from factory to store shelves have been grabbing headlines since September.With the arrival of Christmas with the next flip of the calendar page, there’s an easy solution to avoid supply chain issues.Head to...

Shorter days and cooler temperatures are tell-tale signs that autumn has arrived.Unfortunately, another sign of the season is the beginning of increased flu activity. Flu season can last from autumn to as late as May, peaking between December and February.According to a study published by the Centers for Disease Control...