WCIT Honors U.S. Representative Dave Reichert as 2014 Washington Trade Hero

WCIT was pleased to recognize U.S. Representative Dave Reichert as the 2014 Washington Trade Hero for his bold and consistent leadership on trade policies that matter to Washington's global competitiveness. Representative Reichert has gone above and beyond to not only vote "yes" on trade policies, but also to introduce and co-sponsor key trade legislation and to educate other elected officials on the importance of international trade to our economy. He serves as a co-chair of the Congressional TPP Caucus and on the President's Export Council, is a co-sponsor of one of the new Ex-Im reauthorization bills, introduced the US OUTDOOR Act again this year, and helped rally his colleagues to bring a conclusion to the West Coast port labor dispute.

"It is an honor to be recognized for working with my colleagues on an issue that is so important to our great state," said Rep. Reichert. "With so many goods and services - from our delicious apples to our computer software - in demand around the globe it is no wonder that trade supports 40% of jobs in our state. These well-paying jobs tied to trade help my hard-working constituents provide for their families. I thank WCIT for all of their work in helping educate others about the importance of trade and for today's recognition."

WCIT would like to extend a huge thank you to Representative Reichert and his staff for being true champions for Washington state's global competitiveness.

WCIT Releases "The Truth About the Trans-Pacific Partnership" Factsheet

With myths abounding about the Trans-Pacific Partnership and its potential impact on the U.S. and Washington state, WCIT has developed a "Truth About the Trans-Pacific Partnership" factsheet to dispel the common misconceptions. Opponents of the TPP often fail to realize that this trade agreement aims to be the most progressive trade agreement in U.S. history, raising labor and environmental standards in participating countries, eliminating discriminatory trade barriers, and implementing safeguards to ensure governments maintain their right to regulate in the public interest. We hope you find WCIT's new factsheet to be a useful resource with easy-to-access data to address common concerns about the TPP.

Over the past two months WCIT has hit the road with the message that trade is vital to Washington state's economic success. WCIT President Eric Schinfeld presented at the Cowlitz County Economic Development Council in Longview on January 21, Greater Spokane Incorporated's Good Morning Spokane breakfast on February 20, and the Greater Yakima Chamber of Commerce luncheon on March 9.

With Congress moving closer toward considering Trade Promotion Authority and Export-Import Bank reauthorization, it's more important than ever to educate Washington business and community leaders on why trade matters to the economic health of our state. WCIT is looking for additional opportunities in places like Vancouver, Wenatchee, Pasco and Bellingham to educate and engage communities in the fight for our state's trade competitiveness.

If you are interested in having a WCIT presentation in your city, contact Erik Adair at [email protected].

WCIT and the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association are once again teaming up to host a candidate forum on trade and maritime issues. Building off their past successful candidate forums for Governor and Port of Seattle Commission, this event will feature candidates for the Seattle City Council in Districts 1 and 6 (two of the main maritime and trade Council districts).

Attending candidates include:

• George Capestany (District 1)
• Chas Redmond (District 1)
• Amanda Helmick (District 1)
• Lisa Herbold (District 1)
• Phillip Tavel (District 1)
• Shannon Braddock (District 1)
• Brianna Thomas (District 1)
• Catherine Weatbrook (District 6) 

Candidates will have the opportunity to share their thoughts on how to grow Seattle's trade and maritime economy, as well as to answer questions from attendees about specific issues of interest. Breakfast will be provided.

When: Wednesday, April 29, 8:00 to 9:30 am

Where: Holland America Dining Room at the World Trade Center Seattle

2200 Alaskan Way, Seattle

 REGISTER NOW!

Ex-Im Reauthorization Is a Capitol Idea!

Not much can motivate 700 business leaders to drop everything for two days. But apparently flying across the country to talk about the need for Ex-Im Bank reauthorization to their member of Congress is one of those things!

That's exactly what happened at last month's Exporters for Ex-Im Fly-In. The Ex-Im Bank is so critical to the success of exporting businesses - especially small businesses -that hundreds of them rallied in DC to call for its long-term reauthorization. I had the chance to attend the Fly-In, and I came away with three key takeaways:

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Did You Know That You're My (Trade) Hero, Dave Reichert?

Sometimes, the work of WCIT is really easy. I realize I shouldn't say that in a place where some of my members and Board members can see, but it's true. When members of the Washington congressional delegation take a leadership role in ensuring that their colleagues in our state and across the country support the trade policy issues that matter to our employers, we simply have to stand back and applaud their work.

And we get to do that a lot: Representative Heck on the Ex-Im Bank, Senator Cantwell on freight mobility and Senator Murray on Harbor Maintenance Tax, just to name a few. But in 2014, no one showed more leadership on such a wide range of key trade policy issues for our state than the newly announced 2014 Washington Trade Hero, U.S. Representative Dave Reichert.