As a delegate member of the Tri-Cities Legislative Council, I traveled to Olympia last week to meet with state representatives to promote the Tri-Cities region and discuss critical issues affecting our region's businesses.

The Legislative Council also hosted an evening reception providing additional opportunities to network with legislators from across Washington State, reinforcing the impact our region has on the economy as well as sharing our community’s needs and resources.

Paul Harmsen also attended the two-day session in his role as a current member of this year’s Leadership Tri-Cities class. During this two-day session the class was exposed to city, county and state government operations first-hand from community representatives and  elected leaders. Class members also experienced the State Capitol during the bustle of the legislative session.

The Tri-Cities Legislative Council was formed to help regional leaders speak with one voice when promoting the Tri-Cities to elected officials throughout the state. The purpose of the Legislative Council is to share resources and avoid duplication of efforts among the membership with respect to monitoring legislative information and events. The Tri-Cities Legislative Council has representatives from the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce,TRIDEC, Tri-Cities Visitor and Convention Bureau, the Pasco Chamber of Commerce, the West Richland Chamber of Commerce, and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.