Washington Workforce Association

South Central Workforce played a key role bringing together local partners and small businesses for this powerful event focused on growth and opportunity planned for next Friday. In partnership with economic development leaders, they’re helping drive real impact — and thanks to Community Reinvestment Project funds, they’re expanding access to vital resources that support business success and equitable workforce development. Read more about how Yakima is building stronger communities through collaboration: https://lnkd.in/grtxpGPX

South Central Workforce is leading the charge in workforce transformation across our region. In just one year, they've empowered over 800 job seekers, partnered with 500+ businesses, and delivered nearly double the return on investment. From hands-on training to life-changing career paths, their work is building stronger people, stronger businesses, and stronger communities. South Central Workforce is building a more resilient, skilled, and thriving workforce!

Big news: The Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County has been awarded the national WIOA Trailblazer Award by the National Association of Workforce Boards. As a member of WWA, their innovative, community-driven approach is helping expand access to opportunity, equity, and economic mobility across the region. Washington continues to lead in building inclusive workforce solutions that support job seekers and employers. Full Press Release: https://lnkd.in/gQxhBBVj #WorkforceInnovation #WIOA #TrailblazerAward #WWA #SeattleKingCounty #EquitableRecovery #FutureOfWork

Since 2019, Workforce Southwest Washington (WSW) has been leading the way with the Economic Security for All (EcSA) program, helping individuals in SW Washington achieve self- sufficiency. Now, they’re taking it even further! With $3.6 million in Community Reinvestment funds from the Washington State Department of Commerce, WSW is expanding support for historically underrepresented and marginalized communities and businesses—creating more opportunities where they’re needed most.

South Central Workforce is proving what's possible through deep collaboration with their economic development partners in Yakima County. From expanding bilingual business support to launching employer-led networking groups like Chismecito y Cafecito, this partnership is helping businesses grow, supporting working families with new childcare slots, and strengthening the local talent pipeline. These efforts, supported through Washington’s Community Reinvestment Program, demonstrate how aligning workforce and economic development can drive lasting impact for businesses, workers, and communities alike. Read More: https://lnkd.in/gFMuPUhE

We agree with Adrienne Watson from PeaceHealth! Initiatives like Economic Security for All and the Community Reinvestment Project are vital to helping individuals achieve economic mobility and supporting employers in building a strong, skilled workforce. This is workforce development in action. Read more from The Columbian: https://lnkd.in/gzQEYkvF #waleg #localworkforceworks #CommunityReinvestmentFunds #CommunityReinvestmentProject

We love seeing stories of resilience! Benton-Franklin Workforce Development Council has been doing incredible work supporting businesses through the Community Reinvestment Project (CRP)—just ask Josue at U Payless Auto Glass in Pasco. With CRP support, Josue invested in a state-of-the-art radar calibration system, keeping his business competitive and creating new training opportunities for his team. It’s proof that with the right resources and determination, businesses can not only survive but thrive!

The Benton-Franklin Workforce Development Council is creating opportunities for career growth through partnerships that make a real impact. Meet Jay Felix, owner of Legacy Barbershop & Academy, who is dedicated to training the next generation of barbers. With support from the Community Reinvestment Program (CRP) Business Navigators, Jay is now an approved ITA training provider, helping aspiring barbers gain the skills they need. Through CRP and Economic Security for All (EcSA), a participant is receiving funded training and a paid internship at Legacy, building a strong foundation for their future career.

Washington State Local Workforce Boards will cohost three free webinars in March, April, and May for federal workers living and working in Washington state. The first webinar takes place on March 20 from 10 a.m. to noon. See registration details below. Partners: Employment Security Department, Washington State Worksource, Health Plan Finder Washington State, Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, and Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO.

WorkForce Central is Supporting Local Businesses! Meet Tacoma artist Dionne Bonner, owner of Dionne Bonner Art and Design, offering public art, murals, workshops, graphic design, and more. With a Small Business Grant from WorkForce Central, funded by the Washington State Department of Commerce Community Reinvestment Fund, she’s expanding her work and impact in the community. We are committed to building a stronger local workforce and supporting small businesses.