Tri-Cities – Washington Policy Center, in conjunction with Tri-Cities Area Chamber of Commerce, TRIDEC, Tri-Cities Homebuilders Association, and the Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business, will be holding a regional Small Business Forum in Richland on Thursday, October 30.  A bipartisan panel of legislators will discuss health care reform ideas for the upcoming 2009 legislative session.  In addition, business owners and employees will join policymakers and analysts to discuss several other important issues impacting small businesses.

“We’re honored that legislators will be joining us,” remarked Carl Gipson, director of WPC’s Center for Small Business.  “This is a great opportunity for small business owners to make their voices heard and hear directly from lawmakers on their plans for health care reform during the upcoming legislative session.”

What: 2008 Regional Small Business Forum and lunch

When: Thursday, October 30, 11:30am-1:30pm

Where : Red Lion Hotel - Richland Hanford House (802 George Washington Way)

Topics:

• What can be done to help small businesses afford quality health care
• How current tax policies affect your tax liability and what to expect in 2009
• An overview of Initiative 985, the “reduce traffic congestion act of 2008”
• A special presentation on how to make your business truly “green”

The Tri-Cities event is part of Washington Policy Center’s 2008 Regional Small Business Forums, where the Center travels the state and gathers business owners, policymakers, and leading experts to discuss the coming legislative session and other critical issues.  Throughout October and November, the Center will also be holding forums in Spokane, Wenatchee, Tacoma, Vancouver, and Bellevue.

Media should RSVP to WPC communications director John Barnes at 206-937-9691.