BBB Serves with MilitaryLine

The BBB was the sponsoring organization at the last Military Affairs Forum.  Among info share with attendees was about their MilitaryLine:

(Click on Image for a Larger & Complete View)

Chamber Supports Washington Military Alliance

Tom Pierson, Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber President & CEO, joined Governor Jay Inslee and more than 20 military and economic development leaders for the launch of the Washington Military Alliance (WMA), a diverse group of military and defense stakeholders representing industry, infrastructure, veteran, workforce and economic development interests across the state.

“The military and defense sector is an economic backbone for many Washington communities and a priority industry sector for economic development statewide,” Governor Inslee said. “As the DOD reduces military assets around the country, we want to make sure our communities and our military personnel are prepared and ready. By planning ahead, we can make sure Washington remains in a strong position to support our military and defense infrastructure, its diverse industry supply chain and the tens of thousands of jobs associated with this industry.”

“With Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) the major economic impact in Pierce County and the largest single-employer worksite in Washington State, our community recognizes the necessity of state leadership in sustaining the installation’s military mission,” said Pierson. “The state can help local efforts to chart a course through the challenges ahead and to take advantage of the inevitable opportunities that occur with anticipated changes,” he concluded.

In 2012, Washington’s military industry accounted for 136,000 jobs and $15.7 billion in economic activity. Washington is the sixth most military populous in the nation with personnel at bases and assets all throughout the state. The industry supports military personnel as well as civilian jobs in cybersecurity, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, clean technology, and information and communications technology. 

The WMA will provide a forum for collaboration in the state between local governments, military installations, state agencies, and federal agencies. It will serve as a policy advisor to the governor, other state agencies, the Legislature, and others. Inslee signed a memorandum of understanding with more than 20 military, business and economic development organizations from every corner of the state.

The group was originally convened to collaborate on production of the Washington Military Alliance Report, which identified impacts to Washington’s military and defense infrastructure and develop initial recommendations in response to a possible Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC) action.

WA Examines Retaining & Expanding Missions

Last August, Gov. Chris Gregoire and members of the Congressional delegation called together representatives from across the state to discuss five issues:

(1) Involvement and support from local elected officials in military-supporting organization’s activities;

(2) Preparation of a short presentation of these organization’s current activities;

(3) Commissioning an analysis and report of Washington’s strengths and challenges for military mission retention and expansion;

(4) Funding the report; and a

(5) Schedule for future meetings. 

In addition to input on these issues, the group wanted to hear thoughts and recommendations for making a Washington Military Alliance a success.  The goal was to identify and resolve any issues and achieve a common understanding.

As a result, the group established an aggressive timeline for a study to assess the strengths and opportunities Washington State has to offer the DoD as it implements its strategic plans and to provide a comprehensive report, including recommendations as to how the State can assist in promoting military mission retention and expansion.

That report, available here, will be an important tool in demonstrating to the DoD and military policy makers that maintaining and expanding military missions, as well as growing military contracting in Washington State, promotes national security and is a wise fiscal investment.

Based on the recommendations of the study, the Governor’s proposed budget included funding for a Director of Military Affairs, competitive matching grant funds to assist local communities address particular needs to support their base and matching funds to modernize and replace schools on JBLM.

WA State Steps Up Competitive Position

Today Governor Chris Gregoire announced her final proposed budget. 

 

She met with a group of local defense advocates from across the state in August, and stated the need for an aggressive time frame to conduct a report about how Washington State fits into the Department of Defense Strategic Plans, so she could make investments in her budget. 

 

You will find the final report, Retaining and Expanding Military Missions, Increasing Defense Spending and Investments (http://ofm.wa.gov/reports/mil_report.pdf).  Also here is a link to a summary brief of the Governor’s proposed investments based on the recommendations of this report (www.governor.wa.gov/priorities/economy/BRAC.pdf). 

 

The Governor proposes:

-          Hiring a Director of  Military Affairs; 

-          Creating military community support grants ($500,000);

-          Improving quality of life by improving schools at JBLM ($11.9M);

-          Continuing transportation infrastructure improvements.

 These investments are an important step in continuing the momentum begun this summer.  Thanks to Denny Miller and Associates and Hayek & Fix, Inc. for their great work on the analysis and report and thank you to all the members of the Washington Military Alliance who are supporting this project and make it possible.