Contact: John Barnes
206-937-9691
jbarnes@washingtonpolicy.org
SEATTLE – Washington Policy Center (WPC), a non-partisan, independent public policy think tank with offices in Seattle, Olympia, Spokane, and Tri-Cities, has hired Erin Shannon to direct its Center for Small Business. Erin comes to WPC with an extensive background in small-business issues and public affairs.
Before joining WPC, Erin was the Public Relations Director of Washington state's largest pro-small business trade association. She has also served as Legislative Correspondent for a member of Congress, and spokesperson for several statewide pro-small business initiative campaigns.
“Erin’s background in small business issues and her experience articulating them in the public square make her an invaluable member of our policy team,” said WPC President Dann Mead Smith. “We’re thrilled to have her on staff and know she’ll help us continue advancing solutions to improve our state’s small business climate.”
WPC’s Center for Small Business improves Washington’s small-business climate by working closely with business owners and policymakers to promote effective solutions. Every year the center holds regional issue forums or a
statewide conference to convene business owners, policymakers, and citizens who suggest and vote on recommendations for reform. In 2010 and 2011, the legislature passed and the governor signed into law ideas that came from the center’s Small Business Conference.
Erin is promoting WPC’s new report 7 Steps on the Road to Economic Recovery, which features the top recommendations offered by small business owners at WPC’s most recent Statewide Small Business Conference.
Erin can be reached at WPC’s Olympia office: eshannon@washingtonpolicy.org and 360-705-6543.