The Washington APEX Accelerator, formerly known as the Washington PTAC, provides no-cost, confidential, one-on-one technical assistance to Washington State businesses. Its mission is to help businesses thrive in the government-contracting marketplace by increasing the number of government contracts awarded to local firms. Services include bid reviews, marketing assistance, contract performance guidance, and small business certifications. This program is part of a nationwide network that supports businesses pursuing and performing under contracts with federal agencies, state and local governments, and government prime contractors. We need on your support to safeguard the Washington APEX Accelerator program. Unfortunately, the House has suggested a 60% reduction in funding through the FY2025 Defense Appropriations Bill. This program plays a vital role in our economic development initiatives, enabling businesses like yours to secure defense contracts and foster growth. Please take a moment to contact your Congressional delegation and let them know that the you support the Washington Accelerator program and urge them to continue funding this important business development program. Contact Your Representatives https://buff.ly/2ITsIOM Senator Murray https://buff.ly/4b8JZzi Senator Cantwell https://buff.ly/4eqjFnd Thank you for your support and action on this important program.
0 Comments
Ballots will come out next week for the August 6, 2024, Primary election. There are 26 offices (not including judicial) up for reelection this year. The Tri-Regional Chamber of Commerce reached out to the candidates running for 14 different races that directly influence the Tri-City region.
We sent out a simple 4 question survey to each of the 37 candidates seeking to fill those positions. We sent surveys to the candidates running in the following races:
We just released the survey results in our 2024 Vote for Business guide. The 2024 Vote for Business guide is the only business-focused voter’s guide in the region. Our goal with the Vote for Business Guide is to help inform our members and the business community on candidate positions on local business priorities. Responses are unedited, presented in alphabetical order, and any response exceeding the 130-word limit has been truncated. If a candidate chose not to submit a response, it is noted on their profile. You can access the 2024 Vote for Business guide here. Washington State has recently enacted SHB 1355 to expand property tax exemptions for seniors, individuals retired due to disability, and veterans with disabilities. Here are the key points:
2. Income Thresholds: The income thresholds have increased this year, allowing more Washingtonians to qualify for the exemption. However, the specific income limits depend on your county’s median household income. There are three levels of eligibility depending on your final calculated combined disposable income. You can apply for the property tax exemption through your counties assessor’s office. The new law increases the current thresholds, and it provides for future increases based on the most recent County Median Household Income level. You can find another great resource here on other property tax exemptions. In summary, these changes aim to provide additional property tax relief to seniors, individuals with disabilities, and veterans in Washington State. AuthorMatt Murphy, TCRCC Government and Regional Affairs Director, [email protected] Area businesses aiming to work with local school districts had the opportunity to make connections with district representatives during the Meet the Buyer workshop on June 27.
The sold-out session featured insightful discussions beneficial to small business owners. Takeaways included the importance of carefully reading solicitations for requirements, the need to respond to every aspect of a solicitation, and the need to adhere to strict timelines in order to be considered. Thank you to Washington River Protection Solutions for sponsoring the Meet the Buyer program. The Regional Chamber's in-house Washington APEX Accelerator Counselor, Maria Alleman, attended the Latino Civic Alliance Small Business Workshop in Quincy, WA on Wednesday, June 26. She had the opportunity to present to a group of enthusiastic Spanish-speaking small business owners and entrepreneurs. During the presentation, the focus was on the fundamentals of government contracting and how to effectively work with government agencies. This topic is crucial for small businesses looking to expand their operations and tap into new revenue streams.
If your business in looking to earn government contracts, consider reaching out to Maria for guidance! Get started: https://washingtonapex.ecenterdirect.com/signup. The passage of a law by the legislature is just the beginning. Often a law outlines the desired outcome, but rarely includes the details of implementation. The legislature passes the laws and then it is up to the administrative branch to see the laws are implemented. This is usually done through the Rulemaking process. Rulemaking in Washington State refers to the process by which state agencies create, modify, or repeal rules in the Washington Administrative Code (WAC). These rules help implement and enforce laws and policies enacted by elected officials. The rulemaking process includes three important steps.
Two examples of rulemaking include the Shoreline Management Act. RCW 90.58 establishes the Shoreline Management Act. WAC Chapters 173-26 and 173-27 provide detailed rules for land use and development along shorelines, balancing environmental protection and economic growth. Another example is RCW 19.118 which addresses apparel labeling requirements. WAC 173-337 specifies details such as labeling for athletic wear, rainwear, school uniforms, and other clothing items. Rulemaking ensures effective implementation of laws and helps protect public health, the environment, and other critical areas. It bridges policy intent with practical application, ensuring policies are translated into actionable measures. AuthorMatt Murphy, TCRCC Government and Regional Affairs Director, [email protected] Congratulations to Ashlie Martin and RE/MAX Northwest on the ribbon cutting ceremony for their newest exclusive homebuilder, Haynes Homes. The beautiful new home is located at 2271 Estate Ave. in Richland. Congratulations to Serengeti Home Care on their grand opening and ribbon cutting on June 25! Visit them at 8382 W. Gage Blvd., Ste. K in Kennewick. Thank you to everyone who attended or spoke at the Tri-Cities Diversity Summit on Wednesday, June 26. We hope you received actionable information and powerful resources to optimize your team and bring about lasting change in your organization. Luncheon and Keynote PresentationBreakout SessionsSponsor Booths The Port of Benton operates 16 miles of Railroad from Kennewick to north Richland. The rail network is operated by a short line operator, Columbia Rail. This short line serves shippers from around the region to efficiently get their products to market. For more than 20 years the Port of Benton has worked to spur economic and industrial development in Benton County. The Port of Benton has a six-year Transportation Improvement Program that includes maintenance and upgrades to the Port Rail system. Improvements include:
The rail intermodal facility will also further increase investment and job creation within the intermodal sector, support the growth of existing industries and progress regional clean energy and advanced manufacturing. The Port of Benton has scheduled an information night for Monday July 8th from 5:00 to 6:00 pm at the Richland Public Library, 955 Northgate Dr, Richland. You can also find more information about these projects and all the other upcoming projects planned by the Port at their website https://portofbenton.com/ AuthorMatt Murphy, TCRCC Government and Regional Affairs Director, [email protected] |
Categories
All
Archives
July 2024
|