Welcome to the latest issue —and new look — of Washington Business magazine.

We hope you like the results of our efforts this winter to create a magazine that meets your needs as an AWB member, while also catering to your demands as a busy person. A lot has changed in the publication – the typeface, the layout, even the binding — but our commitment to quality, in-depth reporting of the issues affecting businesspeople like you has not.

Last fall, AWB asked for your input on its communications tools, including Washington Business. This prompted us to revisit not only the content for the publication, but how it is displayed. You’re busy. You want things quickly but, when you do have a moment, you also want the kind of reporting that puts the big picture issues into perspective. That’s why you’ll see more article summaries, more information graphics and bigger visuals to help convey information rapidly. Every aspect of our new design has been created with the reader in mind, starting with our cover story on the economy.

It’s been a rough start to the new year for almost every business. With unemployment rising and sales declining, just finding a way to keep the shop doors open has become a challenge. Senior Writer Paul Schlienz wanted to find out how employers are responding to the economic challenges. His cover story shines a light on companies that are finding success even in hard times.

Elsewhere in this issue, you’ll find some insights from our regular columnists — AWB President Don Brunell, AWB Board Chair Jack McRae and WashACE’s Richard Davis.  Our new point/counterpoint feature, The 360, helps explain the trend toward “product stewardship” in our state. And, we find out what makes Woodland home to two of the world’s best fishing gear manufacturers.

Finally, about this time of year, readers expect our Legislative Review and Scorecard. Trying to put the legislative session in perspective just as it’s all coming to an end was a production challenge. By shifting it to the summer issue, we’re able to give our Government Affairs team a little time to catch their breath and think more reflectively on the events of the 2009 session.
Running a business is no easy task, especially in this economy. We know you have many difficult decisions to make with respect to your business and appreciate your continued investment in AWB.