Association of Washington Business Makes a Difference

Back in 1962, someone at the NMTA decided to join the Association of Washington Business. I think it was a really good idea and, as it turns out, through four plus decades we have maintained our membership in the AWB year in and year out.

The Association of Washington Business was formed in 1904. It is the oldest and largest statewide business association in Washington, and includes more than 6,500 members representing 650,000 employees. AWB serves as both the state’s chamber of commerce and the manufacturing and technology association. While its membership includes major employers like Boeing, Microsoft and Weyerhaeuser, 90 percent of AWB members employ fewer than 100 people. More than half of AWB’s members employ fewer than 10.

Let me connect the dots between our association, our members, our mission statement and the AWB by answering these four questions:

Q: Why would one business association be a member of another business association?
A: We believe in the value that “associations” bring to society and to our economy. Right now, we are members of seven different associations ranging from the National Marine Manufacture’s Association to the Marine Retailer’s Association of America.

Q: How does membership in the AWB benefit the NMTA?
A: Our mission is narrowly focused on recreational boating issues while the AWB is focused on the broader business climate in the State. The NMTA represents the business interests of the recreational boating industry while the AWB represents the business interests of the whole statewide business community. Both of our organizations interface with the legislature, regulatory agencies, as well as the Governor’s Office. Since we know that the AWB is looking out for the overall business community, we can focus our limited resources on boating related issues.

Q: How do the individual members of the NMTA benefit from our membership in the AWB?
A: When the AWB represents the business community in Olympia, they are also representing our collective interests and when we have specific issues we are facing in Olympia, the AWB staff is a valuable resource for us. (See below for a recent example).

Q: Why should NMTA members consider their own membership in the AWB?
A: The AWB is the gold-standard for business organizations in the state. For over 100 years they have represented the business community. Directly supporting them is an investment in the success of your own business. It is also an opportunity to get involved on a statewide level and contribute to the health and success of our state. Finally, the AWB is always looking for volunteers and there is nothing like the personal satisfaction of giving back.

With that overview, let me tell you a quick story. Last year I was asked to serve on the AWB Board of Directors. At last month’s meeting, the agenda included presentations from the five staff members who lobby the legislature on our behalf. I was completely impressed with their knowledge of the specific areas they cover: Tax and Fiscal Issues, Health Care, Education, Environmental Issues, Human Resources and Employment Law.

Afterwards, I spoke with Grant Nelson who covers environmental issues for AWB and expressed my frustration at the way we have been treated by the Department of Ecology over the last 10 years on the Boatyard Stormwater Permit. After listening to my concerns Grant offered to contact the Governor’s Office and set up a meeting. He was certain that the Governor would want to know just how challenged we have been over this important issue.

Within a few days, Grant set up a meeting for us. Marina Hench our Director of Government Affairs, Geo Tamblyn the owner of Lake Union Yacht Center, and James Tupper our stormwater attorney, met with the Governor’s Executive Policy Advisor in Olympia. Marina came back from the meeting encouraged and optimistic that, thanks to Grant’s contacts and relationships, we were able to “tell our story”. Hopefully this will lead to a more fair and equitable NPDES Stormwater Permit being issued later this year - one that the boatyards can live with and one that will help us clean-up our environment.

Bottom line – Our membership in the AWB has been a good investment for all of you. I would encourage you to consider membership in the AWB yourself. Details at www.awb.org.

With warm regards,

Michael Campbell
President