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Association of Washington Business

Thank you,
Washington Employers

Celebrating the employers who build our communities, create opportunity, and make Washington home.

About the campaign

"Thank you."

Two words that Washington's businesses hear far too rarely. Yet every day, across every corner of this state, businesses are creating jobs, paying taxes that fund our schools and roads, investing in housing and infrastructure, and giving back to the communities they call home. From the farms that stocks our grocery stores to the companies that sponsors a local nonprofit, Washington businesses make this state what it is.

And right now, they need to hear from us.

Employers are leaving Washington. Others are being recruited away. Too many are frustrated by a growing tax and regulatory burden that makes it harder to compete and harder to stay. We want to change that. We want to celebrate Washington employers, because when they thrive, our communities thrive, our kids have opportunities, our neighborhoods grow stronger, and our state becomes a place people want to invest in, build in, and stay in.

We're inviting people across Washington to say thank you for what businesses have built, from our parks, hospitals, and cultural institutions to our roads, farms, and neighborhood gathering places. And we're calling on state leaders to respond with a long-term economic development plan that makes Washington the best state in the country to start, grow, and keep a business.

Nearly 1 in 2

The proportion of tax dollars in Washington that come from businesses.

83%

Of Washingtonians with private health insurance get it through their employer.

109,000 

How many jobs Washington added a decade ago, ranked 2nd in the nation.

19,800

How many jobs Washington added last year, ranked 35th in the nation.

how to participate

Share what you are thankful for the employers in your community

We are inviting people across Washington, to submit a short video completing one simple prompt.

complete the prompt

I want to say thank you to Washington employers for...

For example:

01

Film your video

 Record a short 20- 30 second video on your phone camera completing the prompt. Authenticity is what matters most. Share a story of your employer, a sponsorship, or a way a local business impacted your life or community. 

02

Submit the form

Upload your video using the form below. Include your business name, industry, and the location.

03

How we will use the video

We will place this video on the website, use it on the AWB social media, and help grow the movement statewide. 

Have a story to share? We want to hear from you.

Blue Light Gradient

Video gallery

Washington speaks for itself.

Stories from employers across every industry and every corner of the state.

Seattle Weekly

April 9, 2026

Two words employers deserve to hear more often | Commentary

Kris Johnson from Association of Washington Businesses asks if you own or operate a business in Washington, I’m curious — when is the last time you have heard the words “thank you?”

READ THE STORY

KOMO News

October 1, 2025

Business leader warns tariffs and taxes threaten Washington's manufacturing future

Association of Washington Business President Kris Johnson said new taxes, tariffs, and regulatory burdens are making it harder for Washington manufacturers to compete and invest locally.

READ THE STORY

The Seattle Times

September 18, 2025

Washington business groups push back on proposed payroll tax expansion

The Association of Washington Business joined other employer organizations in opposing a proposed payroll tax expansion, arguing it would hurt hiring and economic growth.

READ THE STORY

Puget Sound Business Journal

August 22, 2025

Washington employers cite taxes and labor costs as top concerns

A new survey from the Association of Washington Business found employers increasingly concerned about taxes, labor shortages, and operating costs across the state economy.

READ THE STORY

KUOW Public Radio

May 7, 2025

Business coalition urges lawmakers to reconsider transportation package

The Association of Washington Business and allied trade groups criticized portions of the state transportation funding proposal, warning it could increase costs for employers and consumers.

READ THE STORY

Seattle Weekly

April 9, 2026

Two words employers deserve to hear more often | Commentary

Kris Johnson from Association of Washington Businesses asks if you own or operate a business in Washington, I’m curious — when is the last time you have heard the words “thank you?”

READ THE STORY

press & Media 

In the news.

Coverage of the Thank You Washington campaign and AWB's call for a statewide economic development plan.

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