Advocacy
ACTION ALERT: Single-use plastics ban needs to align with state regulations
On July 31, City of Bellingham Ordinance 2021-05-023 will go into effect that will ban the use of some single-use plastics by retail establishments in Bellingham with the goal of “encouraging compostable or reusable alternatives.” This new regulation will impact restaurants (no matter their size), coffee shops, hotels, etc. in Bellingham. The ordinance was passed…
Read MoreWhat your business needs to know about the state’s new wildfire smoke workplace rules
Dann Mead SmithAs summer approaches, unfortunately so does wildfire season in our state. Our summer days and nights will be impacted by the smoke that these fires produce even if they are hundreds of miles away from where we live and work. It is something that we have learned to adapt to especially over the…
Read MoreState 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 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 MoreGovernor Jay Inslee announces new regional reopening plan
Governor Jay Inslee recently announced “Healthy Washington – Roadmap to Recovery,” a new regionally focused reopening plan that will begin on January 11th. The Inslee Administration believes the new plan will allow the state to ease some business restrictions without overwhelming hospital systems. “No one was untouched by the effects of the pandemic in 2020;…
Read MoreWBA on KGMI
Listen as WBA Executive Director Barbara Chase and KGMI’s Mike Davis discuss the recent petition efforts by WBA to County Executive Satpal Sidhu and the challenges all businesses are facing as we move into the next year. KGMI podcast: Whatcom Business Alliance
Read MoreState Minimum Wage Set to Increase to $13.69 on January 1
On January 1, 2021, minimum wage will increase to $13.69 in Washington State, putting additional financial pressure on Whatcom County businesses. Furthermore, there are changes to overtime pay rules, raising labor costs even more on top of the wage increase. The planned minimum wage increase has been expected for some time. Still, with the ongoing…
Read MoreGovernor Inslee announces sweeping new coronavirus restrictions, WBA to monitor
In response to increasing coronavirus cases, Governor Jay Inslee announced sweeping, potentially devastating new restrictions on business. Those restrictions include the closure of indoor dining, bars, movie theaters, bowling alleys, museums, restricting retail to 25% capacity (including grocery stores), and banning indoor gatherings of any kind with individuals outside of your own household. Unlike the…
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