Articles by Guest Contributor
Washington employers on edge as uncertainty swirls
Is the U.S. economy headed into a recession? Has inflation peaked? When will the labor market ease? While economists debate questions like these, it’s helpful to hear from employers on the ground, the men and women who own and operate businesses throughout Washington state. That’s why AWB staff spent the summer collecting information from employers…
Dry rivers hint at Snake River’s future without dams
If you want a glimpse of parched river bottoms behind “would be breached” lower Snake River dams, look at recent photos of European rivers and lakes. Along parts of the picturesque Rhine River, there is often more dry land than flowing water. Europe is in the clutches of another drought, its second since 2018. It…
Rethinking asset protection can involve common sense solutions
Some readers have heard of personal asset protection strategies like trusts or limited liability companies. The draw to products like these is the supposed promise that your personal assets can be protected. Not only is the issue of asset protection much more nuanced than establishing either of those options, but there are also a host…
5 leadership skills to prioritize this quarter
Business leader, as you head into the fourth quarter of 2022, you have a lot on your plate. Finishing the year strong is probably one of your overall desires. As you revise your own personal leadership growth plan for the end of the year, consider prioritizing these five leadership skills to increase your odds of…
The pandemic was not kind to student learning
The grim scorecard of Covid-19 in the U.S. is responsible for over 1 million deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention Tracker. In addition to deaths, the pandemic has left a trail of injuries and insults: long-term disability, early retirement, hundreds of thousands of years of time unemployed, not to mention countless…
The Northwest must reclaim its lost semiconductor edge
Surprisingly, recent U.S. presidents and congressional Democrats and Republicans agree America’s economic and national security hinge upon tiny, yet powerful semiconductors. Semiconductor computer chips are the brains of modern electronics that operate our laptop computers, vehicles and smartphones. They permeate every sector of our lives, from farming and manufacturing to health care and public safety.…
Employers can study up now for November elections
Summertime during an election year is a busy time, and not just for the candidates who are ringing doorbells, walking in parades and working the phones to rally support. It’s also a busy time for the Association of Washington Business. For the last two months, our Government Affairs team has coordinated and hosted dozens of…
Newly formed Mountain States Policy Center hires WPC director
By Karina EliasSpokane Journal of Business The director of the Washington Policy Center’s Eastern Washington office has announced he will step down in September to become the president and CEO of a new think tank organization, Mountain States Policy Center. Chris Cargill, 41, has been with Washington Policy Center for the past 13 years. His…
Loans against investment accounts can offer compelling benefits
Though most Americans have at least a passing understanding of the ability to use the equity in a house to obtain a low-interest loan though a home equity line of credit (HELOC), there is a lesser-known option for obtaining quick line of credit financing that might offer more compelling benefits for some. The financing option…
It pays to revisit investing basics in uncertain market
It has been a tough year for the market, battling the headwinds of record inflation, rising interest rates and Russia’s war in Ukraine. However, some portfolios may be more battered and bruised than others, depending on their investment selection. In times like these it pays to revisit the fundamentals and determine whether any adjustments need…
