Weeks after closing their stores due to the coronavirus outbreak, retailers are pleased that the Governor is taking steps to reopen retail with careful safety measures required. In cooperation with our members and public health authorities, Washington Retail has developed detailed procedures for stores to reopen safely for their customers and employees. We've also created a Retail to Go guide for retailers to reopen soon with limited curbside service. - Click on "Read Article" to learn more. read more

Gov. Jay Inslee issued an executive order tonight directing all residents to stay home unless they need to pursue an essential activity. The "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" order, which is similar to orders in other states, will ban all gatherings for social, spiritual and recreational purposes, and close all businesses except those deemed essential unless employees can work from home. The full list of sectors and workers deemed essential is available here. read more

Employers - get up to date facts and make informed decisions on how to respond to the COVID-19 virus. AWB (Association of Washington Businesses) is hosting a conference call for businesses at 10 a.m. Tuesday with Gov. Jay Inslee, Major Gen. Bret Daugherty, state Secretary of Health John Wiesman and others to provide the latest information on COVID-19. Details including how to register for the free call are available here. Also, we have assembled a list of employer resources on our website and will be updating it as new information becomes available. This is open to all businesses! read more

Governor Inslee's recent budget proposal includes a 1% B&O Tax increase for service-sector businesses. How will this affect your business? Read on if you are interested in speaking out to the Legislature about this proposed increase. The more they hear from YOU - the small business owner - the more impact it will have. read more

The Maple Valley Black Diamond Chamber's Legislative committee members spent a full day of policy and networking during AWB's Legislative Day and Hill Climb! They got an update from Governor Jay Inslee, Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal, and several senators and representatives speaking on labor, education and the tax landscape. Then they along with more than 80 other AWB members, hit The Hill to meet with lawmakers and then finished the evening at a well-attended and relaxed reception. Check out this highlight video where our Chamber got noticed! read more