Governor Bob Ferguson announced a new Economic Development Council and our president, Rachel Smith, is honored to be part of it – serving on the council and as its chair.

When it comes to our economy, the reasons to double down on our assets, seize opportunities, wrestle down challenges, and make a plan are obvious. This is not going to be just another task force to write another report to put on a shelf with the rest of them. And that’s virtually a direct quote from the Governor himself. This Council is a strong signal that says: Washington’s economic future is important enough that we need to be intentional about it. To that we say: thank you, we agree, and we’re ready to get to work. And I’m delighted to be serving alongside Roundtable members Mary Kipp, Thomas Lynch, Stephanie Pope, Heather Rosentrater, Michael Senske, Brad Smith, and David Zapolsky. Join the conversation on LinkedIn.

We were proud to be part of STEM Signing Day on June 5, as 50 high school seniors and recent graduates from across Washington state made their commitment to STEM pathways official. Hosted by Boeing in partnership with the Seattle Seahawks and Partnership for Learning — the Roundtable’s education foundation — the event was a genuine reminder of why this work matters as we got to watch students sign letters of commitment to their futures — and where they are headed is remarkable. Aerospace engineering at Iowa State University. Marine biology at the University of Oregon. Materials science and engineering at MIT. Civil engineering at Washington State University. Network operations and systems security at Clover Park Technical College. Fields that will shape our state’s economy and our planet’s future, pursued by students who are curious, focused, and purposeful about the work they want to do. Thanks to Boeing and the Seattle Seahawks for making it happen!  Read more from Roundtable President Rachel Smith on LinkedIn.

That spirit of investment in Washington’s future workforce runs throughout our membership. A few recent examples:

Boeing was named 2026 Partner of the Year by the Washington State Association of College Trustees, recognizing its sustained investment in higher education and workforce development across Washington.

McKinstry is committing $1 million through its Building Futures initiative to expand access to careers in construction and STEM for women, with investments focused on early exposure and career-connected learning.

Microsoft is expanding AI training for skilled trades workers through a growing partnership with North America’s Building Trades Unions, delivering credential pathways that connect workers to the jobs of the future.

Puget Sound Energy is investing in Washington’s future energy workforce through its Powerful Scholars program, which funds scholarships for students at all 34 of the state’s community and technical colleges pursuing STEM and skilled trades credentials.