In the lead-up to the general election, as national news and conversations are dominated by topics surrounding the controversial presidential race, we urge the business community to pause and do their homework on the remaining candidates and issues on the ballot. We encourage
It may be harder than ever to get through all the noise of a national election, but we know that successful managers, managers, and entrepreneurs share important traits. That means they are strategic thinkers and often look ahead.
That’s why it’s more important than ever to ensure that future elected officials are the voices of the business community and are attuned to the challenges facing businesses.
We’ll provide some advice and resources to help voters make these business-minded decisions when they sit down and check the boxes on their ballots when they arrive in the mail in mid-October.
The Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Vote for Business guide (tricityregionalchamber.com/vote-for-business.html) shows that candidates who took the time to participate at least We provide an information clearinghouse for candidates’ positions. practice. I would like to express my gratitude to those who have done so.
Questions posed range from what actions to support small businesses and entrepreneurship to how to address what we believe to be the biggest economic challenges facing the Tri-Cities region. There is a wide range of things to do.
Local chambers do not endorse candidates, but the state’s largest business organizations do.
Since 1992, the Washington Business Association has brought candidates for statewide office together to debate their ideas before employers and the public. Our group publisher Paul Reed moderated a recent debate between state attorney general candidates in Spokane and discussed how such debates can help voters understand the candidates and their role if elected. He pointed out that it is useful for a deeper understanding.
AWB provides recommendations on four ballot initiatives as well as vetted endorsements for candidates across the state, including state senators and representatives. Visit awb.org/government-affairs/2024-election-hq.
We encourage the business community to review these guides to better understand the issues and candidates and ensure that your choices align with your business values and long-term strategic plans. We must prioritize the needs of business and elect representatives who will act as the voice of our economy.