Washington Business Alliance, A New "Centrist" Business Organization in Olympia?

Business executives are launching Washington Business Alliance, an organization that they say will better represent the state's business community.

by:

Leslie D. Helm

A new business organization is out looking for members. The organization argues that it will do a better job representing the values of Washington businesses in Olympia. The organization is chaired by David Giuliani, CEO of Pacific Bioscience Laboratories.

Here is the pitch they are sending out to businesses across the state:

Bringing a business approach to policy solutions

Vision – A state where businesses and communities are dynamic, prosperous, and sustainable.

Mission – The Washington Business Alliance (WBA) is a statewide organization whose members are for-profit businesses of all types and sizes. The WBA advocates for strategic, creative and non-partisan public policies that promote private sector growth and community prosperity over the long-term.

Situation Analysis

Ideology, partisan politics and special interest influence have brought government to gridlock and waste, leading to widespread public frustration. Many business people believe in the importance of investing in our state’s future, but have lost confidence in government’s ability to lead the way and execute well against a plan.

Far too often good policy is co-opted by narrow special interests focused only on the short term. Washington State faces serious long-term problems that call for sound, pragmatic long-term solutions. We are a state that relies on a highly educated workforce and thrives on innovation, but have some of the most poorly performing public schools in the nation. We depend on trade and cutting edge technology, but suffer from an inefficient transportation system and inadequate R&D funding.

We need a new dynamic direction, with practical business people playing a major leadership role. Business people can evaluate ideas from a broad-based and solution-oriented perspective, independent of political bias. Business people can help form a broad centrist consensus, and assert a voice strong enough to transcend partisan politics.

Businesses should lobby for policies that: ecourage economic growth; encourage innovative start-ups companies; protect and promote the state's unique natural resources; Ensure an excellent public education system; provide a high quality of life to attract and retain key talent; and support a stable and sufficient state revenue stream.

The WBA believes that a strong, statewide, non-partisan business organization can help achieve these goals. No such organization currently exists. Instead, many statewide business associations are politically polarized, and so do not effectively address the state’s needs. We all want and enjoy the quality of life that is unique to the Pacific Northwest. A business organization like the WBA that lobbies for effective approaches to addressing our most pressing long-term issues in a pragmatic, thoughtful way