Advocacy
WBA calls on Inslee administration to avoid UI tax increases
Despite the Inslee administration’s claims, it has become clear that Washington businesses should expect an increase in their unemployment insurance (UI) taxes that will add up to $800M in 2021, with additional increases likely in store in 2022 and 2023. Economists at the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) attribute the UI shortfall to the…
Read MoreWBA reacts to the failure of additional coronavirus relief legislation
On Thursday, September 10 Senate Democrats blocked what some called a “skinny” coronavirus relief bill. The two parties could not agree on the scale of the aid, with Republicans supporting relief for schools, small business, and jobless benefits. The $650B package was deemed too small by Senate Democrats, who opposed the bill on a near…
Read MoreInslee administration restricts agri-tourism, threatens family farms
Washington continues to witness positive trends as hopeful data emerges on the spread of the coronavirus pandemic throughout the state. However, despite the good news, Governor Jay Inslee’s administration has placed additional regulatory burdens on Agri-tourism and family farms. Under the Administration’s new restrictions, customers cannot touch or view animals. Hayrides, games, and touching farm…
Read MoreWBA hosts Recovery Whatcom webinar, ‘The future of health care: experts answer your questions’
On Thursday, August 19, business leaders from across Whatcom County attended the Whatcom Business Alliance’s Recovery Whatcom webinar to learn more about the science behind COVID-19, the potential policies and changes to the future of health care and what businesses could do to mitigate the spread of the disease and potentially open sooner. Panelists included:…
Read MoreWhatcom County businesses must step forward and make their voice heard
Things were normal. Then they weren’t. Then everything was closed. Then a few things could open—and that is where things have stayed. In early June Whatcom County moved to Phase 2 of the Governor’s Safe Start Plan, and for the time being that is where Whatcom County will remain. Per Governor Jay Inslee’s latest order,…
Read MoreSmall business optimism rebounds, but uncertainty remains
Nationally, the Small Business Optimism Index increased 3.5 points in May to 94.4. That increase reflects a strong improvement from April and shows that small businesses are optimistic that conditions will improve as states reopen following the economic restrictions implemented to contain the coronavirus pandemic. However, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) also reported a seven-point…
Read MoreDowntown site to be used for drop-in homeless shelter
At a meeting on Tuesday, June 16th, the City of Bellingham City Council unanimously voted to move forward with plans to accept the lease and sublease conditions for the Public Market site on Cornwall Avenue for a drop-in homeless shelter. The facility will be used over the next three years, with an option for a…
Read More[BLOG] Whatcom County businesses are nearing the middle of PPP forgiveness. Here’s one thing they should do.
While Whatcom County is on a pathway to Phase 2 of the state’s Safe Start plan, many businesses face the possibility of running out of money prior to being able to re-open. The Paycheck Protection Program loans that have been secured by many local businesses require owners to spend funds in an 8-week period starting…
Read MoreWBA Business Confidence Survey Results
The coronavirus pandemic has had a severe impact on the local, state, national, and global economy. With the statewide Stay-at-Home order in effect until at least May 4th, the Whatcom Business Alliance (WBA) conducted a survey of over 220 county businesses to better understand how they have been affected by the current health and economic…
Read MoreWorkforce development 101
By its very nature, workforce development is a community prosperity initiative. After all, helping workers gain valuable skills attacks the roots of poverty. Training workers for living-wage jobs can help break the cycle of dead-end work. What’s more, boosting the skills of Whatcom County workers helps local companies fill important jobs so they can grow.…
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