From an economic perspective, measuring tourism is a bit dicey.Outside of a national “experimental” account from the U.S. Department of Commerce, government statisticians don’t track a sector labeled “tourism.” That’s because economic activity related to tourism cuts across several established ones: accommodations, food and beverage, retail, transportation, and arts and...
It’s hard to believe summer is winding down. The sun is setting just a little earlier, the start of the school year is right around the corner, and some are looking forward to cozy clothes and pumpkin spiced everything.But wait – there is still plenty of summer left to enjoy...
When I’m on the hunt for a young leader who is on an “up and to the right” trajectory in their career, I look for the following traits. Do they describe you?
When our friends in Great Britain open their eyes in the morning, many parts of their day look a lot like what we see here in Washington.The Association of Washington Business led a trade mission to the United Kingdom in June, and it was apparent during our visit that employers...
Regenerating millions of western forested acres scorched by large wildfires is a herculean task costing hundreds of billions. However, healthy growing woodlands are essential to reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide and providing clean air and fresh water for people, crops, fish and wildlife.According to the National Interagency Fire Center, wildfires had...
On occasion, you, or someone you know, might be asked to co-sign a financial obligation for the purchase of a car or a house or the lease of an apartment or commercial space. Sometimes the request is simply to co-sign on a personal loan, so the borrower has access to...
By Amanda MasonFor the Tri-Cities Area Journal of BusinessToxic algae can no longer hide in plain sight.The Benton-Franklin Health District Water Lab in Kennewick is now home to ELISA, a testing kit and plate reader that detects toxins from algae blooms in water samples collected from local lakes and rivers.The...
The greater Tri-Cities is rich with STEM jobs.The chart, taken from the Vitals of the Association of Washington Business Institute, makes this clear.The density of STEM jobs in 2021 in the two-county workforce was slightly over 5.6%. That places the metro area at the top of the heap for STEM...
Over the course of the pandemic, using technology to connect with family and friends was a lifeline for so many, but a switch away from 3G – third-generation wireless – could leave loved ones in a lurch.This year, wireless carriers are shutting off 3G coverage, forcing consumers to replace older...
By Derek Sandison Derek Sandison,Washington Department of AgricultureWhen it comes to growing food, it all starts with the weather. No doubt, the weather is having a substantial impact on agriculture of late.In 2021, the lack of spring rains and low soil moisture resulted in difficult growing conditions for dryland agriculture,...
