Posts by WBA
State lawmakers hit the gas on multi-year spending spree
By Kris Johnson Looking back at the 2022 state legislative session, it’s hard not to be disappointed at the missed opportunities. Yes, lawmakers accomplished some things that are good for the economy, like shoring up the unemployment insurance trust fund, lowering the B&O tax threshold for the smallest of small businesses and passing a transportation…
Read MoreWashington’s long-term care program needs more than a short-term delay
By Kris Johnson When the Legislature convened the 2022 session last month, lawmakers made long-term care their first order of business. It’s probably not a topic you thought about much until recently, but news that every employee in the state (except for some who were able to opt-out — more about that in a moment) would begin paying a new tax on Jan. 1 caught people’s attention. Amid an outcry from employees…
Read MoreVSH CPAs builds momentum with merger to strengthen business advisory expertise
Lydia Ahn will join VSH as Partner Focused on International Tax and Transactions With an eye on continued growth and expanded capabilities, VSH CPAs (VSH) announced in late September that Lydia Ahn will be joining the firm as partner and merging Ahn Tax & Business Advisors (ATBA) into the 23-year-old business advisory, tax and accounting…
Read MoreSBA increases COVID-19 EIDL maximum to $2M
(Shared with permission from Larson Gross) The Small Business Administration (SBA) has increased the limit for COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) from $500,000 to $2 million. In a recent announcement, the SBA has implemented some major changes to the existing EIDL to make it easier for the small business communities still reeling from the…
Read MoreBellingham voters should reject these initiatives in November
In this upcoming election, Bellingham voters will be asked to consider four initiatives submitted by a coalition of Bellingham community activist groups — with no regard to the long-lasting negative effect on local businesses. WBA’s Board of Directors is recommending a no-vote for all four initiatives because of the enormous adverse impact for City of…
Read MoreWhat employers should know about the Long-Term Services and Supports Trust Act
Does it make sense for you to opt out of coverage? James B. Twining, CFP Much to the chagrin of our Washington state government, the citizenry of the state will not approve a corporate or personal income tax. But never fear, the government makes up for it with a myriad of smaller tax bites of…
Read MorePeoples Bank increases minimum wage
Effective July 1, 2021, Peoples Bank announced it would raise its base minimum hourly wage for all hourly employees to $17, with market adjustments in Snohomish and King counties. The base minimum wage in Snohomish County will be adjusted to $18.70; in King County, the base minimum wage will be adjusted to $19.55. The Bank…
Read MoreRMC Architects hires Judge and Leigh
David Judge AIA has joined RMC Architects as a Project Architect. Judge received a Bachelor of Science in Architecture in 2010 from A. Alfred Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning at the University of Michigan. He received a Master of Architecture in 2018 from the College of Built Environments, University of Washington, specializing in…
Read MoreRMC Architects announces promotions
RMC Architects is pleased to announce the following promotions: Christopher Mead AIA, LEED AP to Associate. Since joining RMC in 2005, Chris has distinguished himself as an approachable and trusted project leader and mentor. He has worked on a variety of project types for the firm, including the recently completed Multicultural Center at Western Washington…
Read MorePeter Ruffatto joins Chmelik Sitkin & Davis P.S. as a principal
Peter Ruffatto is joining the Bellingham law firm, Chmelik Sitkin & Davis P.S., as a principal. Peter is a well-known municipal lawyer having worked as the Bellingham City Attorney since July 2012. Peter joined the City Attorney’s Office in 2003, where he worked in the areas of Labor and Employment; Public Works and Contracting; Municipal…
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