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Congratulations:
2008 Legislative Business Stars

Senator Derek Kilmer
Senator Curtis King
Representative Mike Armstrong
Representative Deborah Eddy

What We Do

The Business Institute of Washington encourages and facilitates the engagement of private sector employers and employees in public policy.

All of us in Washington state have a lot to be proud of.  We have some of the most innovative and influential businesses in the world, and are home to industries on the cutting edge of technology and research.  Our successful private sector businesses fund one of the most healthy and wealthy governments in the nation. Even so, the Business Institute of Washington recognizes that the contributions of the private sector often go unrecognized, and the impact of policy issues on employers and private sector employees are sometimes ignored or misrepresented.  

By providing jobs, generating tax revenues and making contributions to non-profit organizations, businesses large and small, are the fuel that makes Washington state's economic engine strong. Whether it is a large corporation that employs thousands, or a small business that employs one, each contributes to Washington's communities and generates revenue for our state. In fact, all state revenue comes from the private sector.

The Business Institute of Washington is dedicated to building a better understanding among Washington's citizens and policy leaders regarding the role businesses play in our state and the policy advancements that are necessary for employers to create jobs, compete and be successful right here at home.

Three Steps to a Better Washington

Our state will not be attractive to businesses without strong, smart and articulate leaders able to make tough decisions that ensure Washington is globally competitive. Decisive action is required on complex issues such as transportation, healthcare, education and sustainable spending. State policymakers need to hear from employers and employees across the state on these and other important issues to ensure that our state leaders understand and appreciate the business perspective, irrespective of party lines. The Business Institute gives companies and individuals the non-partisan information and tools they need to engage in detailed, issue-oriented communication with elected officials.

The Business Institute of Washington's 2007 Legislative Business Stars, Pictured left to right: Senator Linda Evans Parlette, Senator Tim Sheldon, Representative Mark Ericks and Representative Cary Condotta.

Step 2: Get Accurate Information Delivered
Through Non-Partisan Intelligence

For many, there are not enough hours in a day to pay attention to policy and politics. Others are engaged, but do not have enough non-partisan information to be comfortable making informed political decisions. Our job at The Business Institute is to simplify the process, facilitate access to non-partisan information and provide easy access to civic engagement and dialogue with state leaders.

It is important to remember that policy-making is happening 365-day-a-year; whether you are paying attention or not. Our lawmakers are involved with various stages of lawmaking all year round, working to advance and implement public policy.

The Business Institute's role is to be at the forefront of those happenings, keeping citizens informed of their right and responsibility to be active in the civic arena and show them how to engage using simple, easy tools.

Step 3: Engage With The Business Institute of Washington;
We Will Give You The Tools.

The Business Institute is dedicated to building statewide support for the private sector. Whether you live in Spokane or Snohomish, we will cross the state North to South, East to West to bring information and research to you, your co-workers and your employers, through:

• Independent research and analysis: The Business Institute conducts ongoing, scientific district analysis that lets us understand the diverse regions of our state and how our citizens think about business issues.
• Non-partisan legislative briefings: Using pro-business principles as a guide, we will present legislative analysis statewide to inform and guide you as you become engaged in the legislative process.
• Legislative Business Stars Luncheon & Awards: Help build awarness of our state governments role in a healthy business economy by attending this year's Luncheon. This is a way to recognize our legislators who are working hard on behalf of the business community.