More than a year-and-a-half into the pandemic, it’s clear that Washington manufacturers are contending with two issues that appear likely to remain with us for some time: supply chain disruption and a growing labor shortage.Those two issues came up at nearly every stop during the Association of Washington Business’ annual...
Lowering our flags to half-staff seems to be an all too familiar sight these days. It is a solemn act that recognizes our fallen heroes, whether they be men and women in our armed forces or a Vancouver police officer killed in the line of duty. It is a vivid...
It’s time for the Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business’ deep dive into all things related to construction and real estate.Readers will find the 64-page Focus magazine inserted in this month’s edition of the paper. It is a strikingly different publication than issue we published in 2020, when coronavirus shutdowns were...
It’s been more than a year since the Babb Road Fire scorched over 15,000 acres south of Spokane. The rebuilding process is underway, signaling hope for a bright future for those who still call that area home. In the wake of that devastating yet transformative event, they are creating a...
Manufacturing is a bedrock of the state’s economy. It accounts for more than 300,000 jobs and approximately 11% of the state’s total economic output.Those jobs tend to pay above average, too, with an average salary of $80,000.That’s good news, but imagine what it would mean for Washington’s economy if the...
Gov. Jay Inslee’s end run around the state Legislature banning natural gas in new homes and commercial buildings is a bad idea.Even though the Legislature adjourned last spring without passing his bill, he unveiled building codes which would accomplish the same thing by fiat.Inslee’s proposed regulations forbid the use of...
As the Tri-Cities grapples with rising Covid-19 cases again, we’re seeing more cancellations and postponements of community events.We’ve got our own to add to this growing list.We were hoping to announce that our Senior Times Fall 2021 Expo would again be indoors, but it won’t be.For those of you who...
Back to school this year is, unfortunately, not a return to normal. As summer turns to fall, the Delta variant of the coronavirus means this remains a time of tremendous uncertainty for schools, teachers, students and families.It’s still a time of great uncertainty and unpredictability for employers, too, who are...
Many of us don’t think about or plan for long-term care until a crisis strikes or urgency forces our hand. Thankfully, a new benefit to help Washington families pay for care during a long-term illness, injury or disability is on the horizon. Seventy percent of Washingtonians 65 and older will require...
Starting Jan. 1, more of your paycheck will go missing if you are a W2 worker in Washington.The state will take 58 cents of every $100 you make, while claiming it is for your own good. But it isn’t really, even if you one day qualify for the measly $36,500...
