Newsletter — June 20, 2024

IN THE NEWS

• WR Board meeting highlights strategic planning and legislative engagement
• Senator Matt Boehnke named 2024 Retail Legislator of the Year by WR

POLICY

• Department of Ecology seeks producer feedback

ON THE LOCAL FRONT

• WR partners with Challenge Seattle to tackle organized retail crime through newly formed partnership
• Seattle Mayor invests $10M in youth mental health and violence prevention

RETAIL THEFT & PUBLIC SAFETY

• WR joins Seattle City Auditor's Office in Organized Retail Crime Audit presentation

Group photo with Senator Matt Boehnke (R) 8th Legislative District.

WR Board meeting highlights strategic planning and legislative engagement

Led by WR’s President & CEO Renée Sunde, WR’s Board and senior staff convened for a pivotal meeting at Alderbrook Resort on June 17 and 18. This gathering brought together members from across the state for discussions amidst the scenic backdrop of Washington’s Hood Canal.

The meeting agenda was robust, featuring essential board business and a detailed review of the 2024/25 Strategic Plan led by WR’s Senior Vice President of Policy & Government Affairs, Mark Johnson, and State & Local Government Affairs Manager, Crystal Leatherman. Distinguished guest legislators, including Senator Matt Boehnke, recognized as the 2024 Retail Legislator of the Year, Representative Kristine Reeves, and Senator Drew MacEwen, contributed valuable perspectives.

Highlights included a focused session on Seattle, featuring a meeting with councilman Bob Kettle and a presentation by Bobbi Cussins from Cymbal PR on the “Promise of the Future Campaign”. This initiative aims to strengthen collaborations among Seattle’s officials, retailers, and law enforcement.

Former Governor Christine Gregoire, CEO of Challenge Seattle, joined the meeting to discuss a new public-private partnership addressing organized retail crime (ORC), emphasizing collaborative efforts to address significant civic challenges. Renée Sunde, President & CEO of WR, will serve as co-chair of the steering committee, underscoring WR's commitment to strengthening partnerships and enhancing public safety across Washington state.

The meeting concluded with comprehensive discussions on upcoming campaigns, elections, the 2025 Legislative Session, and succession planning, underscoring WR’s strategic alignment with member priorities.

WR extends gratitude to all participants for their contributions to a productive and forward-thinking meeting.

WR board and staff with Senator Drew MacEwen (R), Representative Dan Griffey (R), and Representative Travis Couture (R) 35th Legislative District.

WR board and staff with Representative Kristine Reeves (D) 30th Legislative District.

Senator Matt Boehnke named 2024 Retail Legislator of the Year by WR

WR is thrilled to honor Senator Matt Boehnke from District 8 – Tri-Cities as the 2024 Retail Legislator of the Year. This prestigious award recognizes current elected members of the Washington State Legislature who demonstrate extraordinary leadership in advancing policies that promote innovation and allow the retail industry to thrive.

Senator Boehnke’s commitment to the retail sector is exemplary. His proactive efforts include sponsoring legislation that focuses on retail careers and establishing a retail industry workgroup within community and technical colleges. These initiatives have been instrumental in creating diverse career pathways and supporting the economic contributions of the retail industry. His work led to the unanimous passage of critical legislation, underscoring his effectiveness and dedication.



In the 2024 session, Senator Boehnke ensured retail representation in the artificial intelligence task force, amended a potentially harmful cookware bill, and backed legislation to combat retail crime. His efforts have created a safer and more vibrant retail environment, benefiting both customers and employees.

Senator Boehnke's responsiveness and accessibility have been invaluable. He actively collaborates with the WR government affairs team, promoting commonsense regulatory policies that foster growth and innovation. His support for justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion principles further highlights his commitment to a sustainable and healthy retail sector.

WR proudly recognizes Senator Matt Boehnke as the 2024 Retail Legislator of the Year for his outstanding leadership and unwavering support of the retail industry. Congratulations, Senator Boehnke!

Department of Ecology seeks producer feedback

The Department of Ecology (DOE) is seeking feedback from plastic producers regarding their experiences with the 2024 registration and reporting processes. This feedback is critical as DOE aims to implement a Creative Evaluation and Engagement (CE&E) strategy, promoting deep reflection and co-creating fair and equitable future solutions.

DOE invites plastic producers to participate in a brief online survey by June 30th to facilitate smoother registration processes for the upcoming year. The survey is designed to be concise, taking no more than 10 minutes to complete, and all responses will remain anonymous.

Producers can help DOE refine and improve the registration and reporting system by sharing their insights, making it more efficient and user-friendly.

WR partners with Challenge Seattle to tackle organized retail crime through newly formed partnership

We are excited to announce a significant new collaboration between Challenge Seattle Washington Retail Association (WR), Sound Cities Association, Bellevue Chamber and the Seattle Metro Chamber, aimed at addressing the critical issue of Organized Retail Crime (ORC). Under the esteemed leadership of former Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire, CEO of Challenge Seattle, WR President & CEO, Renée Sunde, will co-chair the 18-member steering committee which will include businesses, law enforcement and prosecutors to help formulate the region’s next steps establishing a long-term public-private partnership.

Gregoire brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of leadership. As CEO of Challenge Seattle, an alliance of CEOs from 23 of the region’s largest organizations, Gregoire has been at the forefront of tackling pressing civic challenges such as housing, homelessness, and transportation. As Governor, Gregoire established a well-earned reputation for bringing together the right people, setting aside individual agenda – to get things done.

In recent years, organized retail crime and theft have surged in Washington state and 52% of Police Chiefs in King Country have identified retail theft as one of their top public safety priorities.  Addressing ORC requires a true public-private partnership between retailers and businesses, cities and law enforcement and prosecutors.

To align the roles and ensure the long-term success of the Retail Industry Leadership Association’s (RILA) Vibrant Communities pilot project and new state funding, Challenge Seattle and WR will convene a series of meetings to ensure proper coordination of efforts throughout King County.

Challenge Seattle in partnership with WR, Seattle Metro Chamber of Commerce, Bellevue Chamber and the Sound Cities Association, will host a half-day public safety summit scheduled for October 2 at Microsoft in Redmond. In addition to the named partners the event will include high level officials and decision makers including King Couty Mayors, Police Chiefs, prosecutors’ business organizations and regional business executives.

We believe that we can come together across sectors to ensure accountability and deterrence of one of our more pressing public safety challenges in the region.

Seattle Mayor invests $10M in youth mental health and violence prevention

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell has announced a bold $10 million investment to combat youth violence and bolster mental health support. This comprehensive strategy, outlined in an executive order, focuses on expanding telehealth access, addressing gun violence, and implementing preventative measures for the city’s youth.

Key components include increasing telehealth therapy access from 80 to 2,000 students and launching a "100 Days of Action" violence prevention campaign. The plan also emphasizes mental health education, early intervention, and proactive screening in high schools.

Initial spending includes $2.4 million for telehealth services, guided by feedback from over 150 students. Additional measures include safe passage initiatives and enhanced police presence around Garfield High School.

The city also launched a public awareness campaign under the Reach Out Seattle initiative, aiming to increase the use of mental health resources. Seattle remains committed to spending $24 million annually on youth enrichment programs, ensuring a holistic approach to youth safety and well-being.

Executive Order 2024-01

WR joins Seattle City Auditor's Office in Organized Retail Crime Audit presentation

Mark Johnson, WR’s Sr. Vice President of Policy and Government Affairs, recently presented crucial updates on the 2023 Organized Retail Crime (ORC) Audit alongside the Seattle City Auditor at the Seattle City Council’s Governance, Accountability, and Economic Development Committee meeting. The City of Seattle's Auditor's office conducted this comprehensive audit, highlighting the intricate operations driving ORC in Seattle.

Johnson emphasized the severe financial impact of ORC on the local and state economy, noting that the rise in ORC is partly due to the increased use of online marketplaces for selling stolen goods through “fencing.” Fencing is a sophisticated criminal activity where stolen merchandise from Seattle is shipped overseas, sold online, or peddled in storefronts and unregulated markets.

Johnson also provided an update on federal and state legislation recently passed and under discussion to tackle ORC more effectively.

The audit proposes seven actionable steps for Seattle to bolster its fight against ORC: 

1. Enhance City collaboration with agencies, including the new Organized Retail Crime Unit in the Washington State Attorney General’s Office. 
2. Utilize federal and state crime analysis resources. 
3. Conduct in-custody interviews with "boosters" to gain insights on fencing operations. 
4. Explore new technological solutions to combat ORC.
5. Implement place-based strategies to disrupt illegal street markets. 
6. Adhere to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office “prosecution checklist” for ORC cases. 
7. Support legislation addressing ORC.

Despite resource constraints, particularly within the Seattle Police Department, the recommendations focus on leveraging collaborations, existing resources, and new technologies. SPD has committed to working with the City to implement recommendations, marking a significant step towards curbing organized retail crime in Seattle.

View the meeting

WR diversity statement

WR is committed to the principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. We strive to create a safe, welcoming environment in which these principles can thrive.

We value all people regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, identity, sexual orientation, nationality, or disability, and that is the foundation of our commitment to those we serve.

Renée Sunde, President/CEO — 360.200.6450 — Email

Mark Johnson, Sr. VP of Policy & Government Affairs — 360.943.0667 — Email

Crystal Leatherman, State & Local GA Manager — 360.200-6453 — ‬Email

Rose Gundersen, VP of Operations & Retail Services — 360.200.6452 — Email