Dayton Chronicle - Your Hometown News Source

CAMAS-The largest employer groups in Washington and Oregon toay announced the launch of a multi-state coalition in support of hydropower as a low-cost, reliable and renewable energy source this week.

The Association of Washington Business (AWB), Washington's oldest and largest business association, and Oregon Business & Industry (OBI), the largest business advocacy group in Oregon, are joining together to highlight the critical role that hydropower continues to play for families and employers throughout the Pacific Northwest.

"For decades, our two states have reaped the benefits of forward-looking leaders who constructed the Columbia and Snake river dams," said AWB President Kris Johnson. "The dams transformed the Northwest economy, creating some of the most fertile farm land in the nation and fueling the growth of the region's manufacturing and high-tech industries. We need to protect and preserve the competitive advantage and quality of life they have given us."

The coalition was announced as AWB staff visited Analog Devices in Camas as part of its sixth-annual Manufacturing Week bus tour.

"The reason we're able to tour employers like Analog Devices, and the reason southwest Washington has a thriving semiconductor industry, is because of our low-cost, reliable and renewable hydropower," Johnson added.

Angela Wilhelms, president and CEO of OBI, said the Northwest dams will continue to play a key role not only for the health of the economy, but also for meeting the demands of the two states' clean energy climate goals.

"The Northwest dams have proven hugely successful, producing powerful results for our state, our region and our nation," Wilhelms said. "As we visit businesses and communities across the state, we hear routinely about the vital role that clean, reliable energy plays in creating opportunity today and for the future. Across the northwest, we share the same goals of a healthy environment and strong economy. It's not either-or."

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Formed in 1904, the Association of Washington Business is Washington's oldest and largest statewide business association, and includes nearly 7,000 members representing 700,000 employees. AWB serves as both the state's chamber of commerce and the manufacturing and technology association. While its membership includes major employers like Boeing and Microsoft, 90% of AWB members employ fewer than 100 people. More than half of AWB's members employ fewer than 10. For more about AWB, visit http://www.awb.org.

Oregon Business & Industry is Oregon's largest general statewide business association, representing more than 1,600 member companies who employ more than 250,000 Oregonians. OBI is the state's chamber of commerce and the state's affiliate for the national manufacturing and retail associations. As the voice of business in Oregon, OBI advocates on behalf of small and large employers in all sectors with a mission of advancing a healthy, prosperous and competitive Oregon. Visit http://www.oregonbusinessindustry.com to learn more.