Washington Retail Association including Board Member Sean Brownlee of Ravenox Advocate for Retailers in Washington State Capitol
Ravenox CEO, Sean Brownlee, recently traveled to the state capitol with the Washington Retail Association to meet with legislators on behalf of the Washington retail industry community.
The Washington Retail Association represents approximately 4,000 storefronts in every legislative district in Washington State. In 2018, the Retail sector generated a record $170.2 billion in taxable retail sales in Washington - these sales generated more than half of the state's general fund resources.
Support to Continue to Create Jobs and Business Standards
More importantly, employment in the retail sector has steadily grown with more than 393,100 jobs in Washington supported by the retail industry offer job security to millions. Significantly, ninety-eight percent of retailers represent small business, employing fewer than 50 people. These businesses are dedicated to providing quality services for their customers, and to creating and growing jobs in their communities. Although there are many exciting pathways in the retail industry, retail is where many youths find their first jobs, and where adults can transition back to the workforce every year.
Discussing Issues that Effect Retailers and Consumers
During this legislative session, the board of directors was proud to address legislatures about bills impacting retailers to advocate support for business in the local area and the state. With some of the largest retailers in the world headquartered in Washington State, the rest of the country looks to Washington for national leadership. Two of the most impacting bills discussed were the Data Privacy Bill and the Retail Theft Bill. These issues impact retailers, customers, and the government alike.
Special thanks to the Senators and Representatives below who took the time to meet with Washington Retail's Board of Directors and discuss these important issues:
Senator Reuven Carlyle (D36-D)
Representative Roger Goodman (D45-D)
Senator Mark Schoesler (D9-R)
Senator Randi Becker (D2-R)
Senator Andy Billig (D3-D)
Representative Larry Springer (D45-D)
Representative J.T. Wilcox (D2-R)
Board of Directors for the Washington Retail Association in the Senate Chamber
Ravenox CEO and Board Vice Chair, Sean Brownlee, with Board Chair J.R. Burke and WR President Renée Sunde
Ravenox Taking the Lead Rope for Business
As technology evolves and reshapes the face of the retail industry, Ravenox will be there to help lead the way. Our rigorous company standards don't stop at our American Cordage Institute approved standards, we are proud to rigorously support American-based business as well for years to come!
