HOUSE BILL REPORT

SSB 6290

BYSenate Committee on Economic Development & Labor (originally sponsored by Senators Lee, Warnke, Bluechel, Anderson, Fleming, Conner, Smitherman, West, Johnson, Gaspard and von Reichbauer; by request of Department of Trade and Economic Development)

Broadening and extending the Washington ambassador program.

House Committe on Trade & Economic Development

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (18)

      Signed by Representatives Vekich, Chair; Wineberry, Vice Chair; Amondson, Beck, Cantwell, Doty, Fox, Grant, Hargrove, Heavey, Holm, Kremen, McLean, Moyer, Rasmussen, Schoon, B. Williams and J. Williams.

House Staff:Stephen Hodes (786-7092)

AS PASSED HOUSE MARCH 4, 1988

BACKGROUND:

The Washington Ambassador Program was first created in 1984 as the honorary commercial attache program and was established by the Legislature under its present name in 1985.  The program was placed in the Department of Trade and Economic Development with the intention of promoting Washington products in international markets and encouraging foreign investment in the state.  The Ambassador Program utilizes the skills of individuals who are familiar with Washington products and investment opportunities.  Ambassadors are appointed by the Governor with the consent of the President of the Senate from recommendations submitted by the director of the Department of Trade and Economic Development.  Ambassadors receive no compensation for participation in the program and are prohibited from promoting their own business interests while acting in an official capacity.

SUMMARY:

The Washington Ambassador Program is extended through June 30, 1992.  The Ambassador Program is permitted to operate in other states as well as internationally, and to promote business assistance as well as international investment, trade and tourism.  The program is directed to be operated in conjunction with state-wide private sector efforts consistent with and supportive of the state's economic development program.  Local economic development organizations are added to the list of groups to provide referrals to the Department of Trade and Economic Development for proposed ambassadors.  The level of the background research and reference evaluation of proposed ambassadors by the Department of Trade and Economic Development is reduced.  The term of service of ambassadors is set at two years and is to be automatically renewable unless revoked by the Department of Trade and Economic Development.

Fiscal Note:      Requested February 16, 1988.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Dennis Matson, Department of Trade and Economic Development; Don White, Washington Public Port Association.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    The program has provided useful services at a very small price.  There are currently 200 ambassadors.  The program has been extremely successful.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.