AWB and Ontario Chamber Unite in Support of Free Trade

(Olympia and Toronto, May 10, 2018) – The Association of Washington Business (AWB) is joining with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) to voice support for continued cross-border trade between Washington state and Ontario and for the renewal of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

“Washington is a trade-driven state, so we understand the importance of strong cross-border partnerships,” said AWB President and CEO Kris Johnson. “Washington has more exports per capita than any state in the country and ranks third in overall exports. Forty percent of Washington jobs are tied to international trade. We have seen firsthand how trade creates good careers, builds strong communities and promotes a healthy economy.”

NAFTA has benefited Washington state and Ontario. Canada is Washington state’s second-largest trading partner with nearly $8 billion in exports in 2017. Two-way trade between Washington state and Ontario totaled nearly $7 billion in 2017, with Washington exporting nearly $3 billion worth of goods to the province. Major categories include aircraft, coffee, apples, pears, apricots, cherries, peaches, fork-lift trucks and aluminum plates.

“A strong cross-border trade partnership between Ontario and Washington state is critical for the prosperity of both our economies,” said Rocco Rossi, President and CEO at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “The OCC is pleased to join with AWB in support of free trade and we will continue to work with U.S. chamber partners throughout the country to encourage renewal of the NAFTA.”

About the Association of Washington Business

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, Microsoft and Weyerhaeuser, 90 percent of AWB members employ fewer than 100 people. More than half of AWB’s members employ fewer than 10. For more about AWB, visit www.awb.org.

About the Ontario Chamber of Commerce

For more than a century, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) has been the independent, non-partisan voice of Ontario business.

The OCC’s mission is to support economic growth in Ontario by defending business priorities at Queen’s Park on behalf of its network’s diverse 60,000 members. The OCC’s vision is to foster a vibrant and economically sustainable province that is driven by an innovative, successful and ever-expanding business community. From innovative SMEs to established multinational corporations and industry associations, the OCC is committed to working with our members to improve business competitiveness across all sectors. The OCC represents local chambers of commerce and boards of trade in over 135 communities across Ontario, steering public policy conversations provincially and within local communities.

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For more information please contact: 
Jessica Georgakopoulos
Director of Communications
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
647-243-3556
jessicageorgakopoulos@occ.ca

Jason Hagey
Vice President, Communications
Office: 360.943.1600 ext. 1025 or Mobile: 360.259.5288
JasonH@awb.org
Twitter: @awbolympia