The 7 Critical Priorities Of The Association Of Washington Business (AWB) For 2025-2026
The Association of Washington Business (AWB), the largest and oldest statewide business association, is currently navigating one of the most challenging economic and legislative environments in its history. As of December 19, 2025, the AWB is intensely focused on its 2025–2026 Legislative Objectives, which are designed to counteract a business climate that many Washington employers feel is getting worse due to new taxes and regulations.
Serving as both the state’s chamber of commerce and manufacturers association, the AWB’s recent activities—including its annual State of Manufacturing Address and deep dive into the new sales tax on services—underscore its critical role in Olympia. This comprehensive guide breaks down the AWB's current leadership, its most urgent policy battles, and the key initiatives it is using to mobilize Washington's diverse business community.
AWB Leadership and Organizational Profile (2025)
The AWB acts as the unified voice for thousands of employers across Washington, from small startups to large manufacturers. Its current leadership is tasked with translating the concerns of these businesses into actionable policy in the state capital.
- President & CEO: Kristofer Johnson. Kris Johnson serves as the organization's chief executive and spokesperson, driving the AWB's policy agenda and strategic direction.
- Chair: Preston Love. Representing State Farm Insurance Company, Love holds the top volunteer leadership position on the AWB Board of Directors.
- Secretary-Treasurer: Megan Hughes. Hughes, from Barnard Griffin Winery, manages the financial oversight of the association.
- Key Recognition: In November 2025, the AWB honored Mike Schwenk with the prestigious Legacy of Leadership Award, recognizing his significant contributions to the state's business community.
The AWB’s structure includes a robust Board of Directors and a dedicated staff focused on policy development, communication, and grassroots mobilization.
The 7 Critical Legislative Objectives for 2025–2026
The AWB's legislative strategy for the 2025–2026 session is centered on seven core areas, aiming to foster economic growth and stability by opposing harmful regulatory proposals and advocating for pro-business policies.
1. Energy & Climate: Securing Washington’s Power Future
A top priority is expanding Washington's baseload energy production. The AWB is actively advocating for legislation that supports the siting of new energy production facilities and necessary transmission infrastructure to ensure the state can meet its growing power demands without compromising reliability or affordability.
2. Employment Law: Balancing Worker and Employer Needs
The organization is focused on creating a balanced regulatory environment. A key effort in May 2025 involved supporting an amendment to the Equal Pay & Opportunities Act, demonstrating a commitment to refining existing labor laws rather than simply opposing new ones.
3. Education & Workforce Development: Closing the Skills Gap
Recognizing the severe workforce shortage, the AWB supports policies that strengthen early childhood public policy, including child care and early learning. This is viewed as a necessary step to ensure a robust pipeline of skilled workers for Washington's future economy.
4. Opposing Harmful Taxes and Regulations
A central theme of AWB's advocacy is encouraging lawmakers to be champions for the economy by opposing proposals that increase the cost of doing business. This includes significant concerns and questions lingering over Washington’s new sales tax on services, which the AWB is actively scrutinizing and opposing.
5. Health Care: Controlling Costs for Employers
The AWB is focused on legislative solutions that reduce the burden of rising health care costs on businesses and their employees, a perennial issue that impacts the competitiveness of Washington employers.
6. Environment & Land Use: Streamlining Development
Advocacy in this area centers on creating permitting processes that are predictable and efficient. The AWB seeks to balance environmental protection with the need for businesses to expand, build new facilities, and invest in the state.
7. Immigration Reform: Addressing Labor Shortages
As part of its workforce strategy, the AWB supports comprehensive immigration reform policies that would help address the critical labor shortages faced by many Washington sectors, from agriculture to manufacturing.
Key Initiatives: Mobilizing the Business Community
To effectively champion its legislative objectives, the AWB runs several high-impact initiatives that connect its mission to local communities and employers across the state.
The Grassroots Alliance: A Unified Voice
The AWB's Grassroots Alliance is a powerful network consisting of over 90 local chambers of commerce. This initiative’s main purpose is to mobilize local networks to support the AWB's legislative and economic development goals, ensuring that the voice of every employer, regardless of location, is heard in Olympia.
The Alliance shares information, technical support, and training, creating a unified front for Washington employers. It is a cornerstone of the AWB's advocacy, celebrating its 10th anniversary of bringing together chambers from across the state.
The State of Manufacturing Address and Tour
The AWB regularly conducts its Manufacturing Tour, visiting businesses across regions like North Puget Sound. This hands-on approach culminates in the annual State of Manufacturing Address, providing a crucial, up-to-date assessment of the sector's health, challenges, and policy needs for the coming year.
Washington Business Magazine
The association publishes the Washington Business magazine, with the Fall 2025 edition focusing on a "Vision for a Better Washington." This publication serves as a key communication tool, providing in-depth analysis of policy issues and success stories within the state's economy.
The Future of the Washington Business Climate
The Association of Washington Business is currently operating with a sense of urgency, driven by employer feedback that the state’s business climate is on a negative trajectory. The focus on energy production, workforce development, and tax relief defines its agenda as it heads into the 2026 legislative session. By leveraging its Grassroots Alliance and the expertise of its leadership, the AWB is set on securing a more competitive and stable future for businesses operating within the state of Washington. Its success will significantly impact job creation, economic stability, and the overall quality of life for Washington residents.
Detail Author:
- Name : Beatrice Kessler
- Username : lincoln.yost
- Email : bridie19@friesen.com
- Birthdate : 1981-05-19
- Address : 7902 Arthur Burg Apt. 036 McDermottberg, TX 21376-0819
- Phone : 937-941-7271
- Company : Casper-Cruickshank
- Job : Highway Maintenance Worker
- Bio : Nisi veniam sequi modi corrupti reiciendis. Et voluptatem earum saepe ut sed aut ea. Quibusdam non et et laudantium voluptatibus est est. In harum natus molestiae est sunt natus.
Socials
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/wiegand2007
- username : wiegand2007
- bio : Et rem illum est expedita ea qui alias esse.
- followers : 6649
- following : 771
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@eastonwiegand
- username : eastonwiegand
- bio : Dolorem ipsam explicabo veritatis consequatur consequatur iusto.
- followers : 6433
- following : 1187
