Climb set for Feb. 9 in Olympia (AWB Legislative Day & Hill Climb)
The Burlington Chamber of Commerce is pleased to share the following update from the Association of Washington Business (AWB), Washington state's chamber of commerce and a leading advocate for employers across the state. AWB works to strengthen Washington's business climate by connecting employers with policymakers, championing business-friendly policies, and ensuring the voices of businesses of all sizes are heard in Olympia. Their annual Legislative Day & Hill Climb provides an opportunity for
Learn about key employment laws at L&I webinars
The Burlington Chamber of Commerce is sharing the following information provided by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) as a resource for our local business community. Understanding Washington State employment laws is important for employers and employees alike. To help businesses and workers stay informed, L&I is offering a series of free educational webinars throughout October, November, and December 2026. These webinars are hosted and presented by the Washington State
EDASC names new CEO
The Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce David Ballif as the organization’s new CEO. Ballif, who is currently the Executive Director of the Economic Development Council of Jefferson County (WA), will begin his tenure as EDASC’s CEO starting Jan. 12, 2027. "The Board and I have the utmost confidence that David will build upon the strong trajectory [current CEO] John Sternlicht has set out and bring EDASC into the next decade to further impact our
WA’s nation-high minimum wage rising to nearly $18 an hour in 2027
Editor’s Note: The following article was originally published by the Washington State Standard on October 1, 2026, and was written by Jerry Cornfield. It is republished here under a Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 license. Read the original article here. Washington’s minimum wage workers will get a 3.5% pay bump in 2027. The state’s minimum wage will climb to $17.73 an hour starting Jan. 1, the state Department of Labor and Industries announced this week. That’s a 60-cent increase from the
Burlington Chamber Seeks Business and Community Feedback on Proposed 2027 City Budget Changes
Burlington Chamber Seeks Business and Community Feedback on Proposed 2027 City Budget Changes The Burlington Chamber of Commerce Business Advocacy & Government Relations Committee is seeking feedback as it reviews the City of Burlington’s proposed 2027 budget and potential new taxes and increases that could affect Burlington businesses and residents. Information presented during the City’s budget process includes discussion of a potential new utility tax on water, sewer/wastewater, stormwater, and solid
New I-9 Inspection Notice Requirements Take Effect October 1
Originally published by the Washington Retail Association on October 1, 2026. Shared by the Burlington Chamber of Commerce as an informational resource for Washington employers. Washington’s new Immigrant Worker Protection Act requirements for I-9 inspections take effect October 1, 2026, creating new notification and posting requirements for employers. Under the new law, employers must notify workers within five business days of receiving a federal Notice of Inspection (NOI) for Form I-9 and related
Employers Encouraged to Register for Oct. 21 Regional Job Fair
MOUNT VERNON, WA — The Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County (EDASC), in partnership with WorkSource and the Northwest Workforce Council, is preparing for the next WorkSource Regional Pop-Up Job Fair on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, and local employers are encouraged to reserve their space soon. The job fair will take place from 12:30 to 4 p.m. at WorkSource Skagit, located at 2005 E. College Way in Mount Vernon. Military veterans will receive early admission from 12:30 to 1 p.m. Employers
EDASC to Offer Startup School in Spanish Beginning Oct. 6
The Burlington Chamber of Commerce is pleased to share the following opportunity on behalf of the Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County (EDASC). EDASC is offering its Startup School program in Spanish beginning Oct. 6, providing entrepreneurs with an opportunity to build their business knowledge through a proven curriculum and guidance from Spanish-speaking business professionals. The six-week online course is designed for entrepreneurs who are just getting started as well as existing business
SBA Disaster Assistance Available for Skagit County Businesses and Private Nonprofits
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced the availability of low-interest federal disaster loans for eligible Washington small businesses and private nonprofit organizations impacted by the ongoing drought that began May 12, 2026. Skagit County is among the Washington counties included in the disaster declaration, along with Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Grant, Lincoln, Okanogan, Stevens and Whatcom counties. Under SBA Disaster Declaration WA-20034, eligible organizations may apply for
