AWB hosts Economic Future Solutions Summit, features Chamber CEO among speakers
Date postedJuly 20, 2026
IN THE NEWS · In the News
AWB hosts Economic Future Solutions Summit, features Chamber CEO among speakers
Bellevue Chamber | July 24, 2026
Our President & CEO, Joe Fain, was invited to participate in AWB's Economic Future Solutions Summit last week, specifically to speak on a panel alongside Steve Mullin. Throughout the course of the one-day conference, speakers highlighted concerns about unsustainable state budgeting, mounting taxes, regulations, and cost pressures facing small and midsize businesses, ultimately marking the next chapter of Washington in the Making 2040.
Take a look at the recap by AWB here, and watch the event thanks to TVW here.
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The Seattle Times editorial board is weighing in on the statewide payroll tax proposal.
Bellevue Chamber President & CEO Joe Fain: “In practical terms, this means taxpayers and employers from every corner of Washington would be directly subsidizing the City of Seattle’s budget.”
Read the editorial: https://lnkd.in/g-MttGZa
Bellevue Chamber President & CEO Joe Fain: “In practical terms, this means taxpayers and employers from every corner of Washington would be directly subsidizing the City of Seattle’s budget.”
Read the editorial: https://lnkd.in/g-MttGZa
Read more
Bellevue Chamber
3 minutes ago
The Bellevue Chamber joined Washington Roundtable, Association of Washington Business, Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, and Greater Spokane Inc. in responding to an income tax measure introduced in Olympia. While framed as a personal income tax, the proposal has clear implications for business activity, and deserves careful review.
As we evaluate the legislation, we’re focused on affordability impacts for families and employers, whether outcomes are tangible in communities, and how the policy affects long-term budget sustainability and Washington’s competitiveness.
Chamber President & CEO Joe Fain also flagged several structural issues that need closer review, including treatment of pass-through entities, charitable deductions, a potential marriage penalty, and interactions with other state tax policies.
Read more: https://lnkd.in/g8Uv_wD4
As we evaluate the legislation, we’re focused on affordability impacts for families and employers, whether outcomes are tangible in communities, and how the policy affects long-term budget sustainability and Washington’s competitiveness.
Chamber President & CEO Joe Fain also flagged several structural issues that need closer review, including treatment of pass-through entities, charitable deductions, a potential marriage penalty, and interactions with other state tax policies.
Read more: https://lnkd.in/g8Uv_wD4
Read more
Bellevue Chamber
52 minutes ago