Pacific Mountain Business Resources

The WorkSource Pacific Mountain Business Resources Newsletter is a routine email that consolidates and highlights opportunities to support businesses across the Pacific Mountain Region: Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties. This email contains information on business resources, and best business practices around recruitment, retention, and training staff.

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There’s still time to fill Timberland Regional Library’s Request for Proposal (RFP) for the construction of the new Mountain View Library project located in Randle, Washington. The Timberland Regional Library is seeking competitive bids from responsible contractors for this public works project, and we are only a few weeks out from the deadlines!

The project includes construction, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, structural steel installation, and rebar installation for the development of a new public library building and a 1-acre site consisting of approximately 3,400 sq ft single-story wood frame construction, and site work development with vehicle circulation, parking, pedestrian circulation, utilities, and areas of new landscape and other undisturbed landscape site areas.

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As the workforce continues to evolve, it's critical to broaden our perspectives and recognize the value of justice-impacted people. Unfortunately, societal stigma and systemic barriers often prevent many individuals from accessing opportunities to showcase their unique skills, experiences, and perspectives.

However, for businesses willing to offer a second chance, these untapped reservoirs can be a goldmine of potential. By looking beyond traditional talent pools, you can unlock the immense value that these individuals can bring to the table.

By offering a second chance to this population, you can unlock immense potential for your business. Join the 2024 Reentry Resource Fair by signing up using the form below:

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You can now access up to $20,000 per producer to help find, train, and pay for new employees. This program is designed to nurture talent in the Ag sector by subsidizing worker wages and expanding career pathways.

Eligibility includes:

• Agricultural employers directly engaged in crop production, livestock production, shellfish, and animal slaughter and processing
• Business located in Thurston County
• Licensed WA State businesses that were established prior to 02/2020

There also additional funds available for classes, conferences, and training programs to level up skills, both in person and online. Take part in the program and propel your business to success.

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WA Paid Family & Medical Leave Premiums Are Changing- Here is what Employers need to Know:

Starting Jan. 1, 2024:

• The total premium rate will decrease to 0.74%.
• Employers will pay 28.57% of the total premium and employees will pay 71.43%.
• Businesses classified by the Employment Security Department as having fewer than 50 employees for the 2024 calendar year are not required to pay the employer portion of the premium. However, you must still collect the employee premium or pay employees’ premiums on their behalf.

What are an Employer's next steps?

1. Employee Notification: Notify employees that the new rate collection begins on Jan. 1, 2024. Updated employer toolkit, mandatory poster, and paycheck insert available at Paid Leave Help Center.

2. New Premium Rate Collection: Starting Jan. 1, 2024, collect the new premium rate from employees’ total gross wages (excluding tips) each pay period. Stop collecting premiums once an employee reaches the Social Security cap of $168,600 for 2024 but continue reporting their wages.

3. First Quarter Premiums: The first quarter premiums using the new rate are due by the end of April 2024. Note that retroactive withholding of premiums from employees is not allowed.

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Discover the perfect candidate to bring your team to new heights.

November 8th from 10am to 2pm.

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This effort is funded by the Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council serving Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties.

WorkSource is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. WA Relay 711

WorkSource is here to serve you by phone, email, or video conference between 9 and 5, Monday thru Friday. Please call 360-704-3600 to talk with our staff or schedule an appointment. Our offices are closed for walk-in customers by state order and will reopen when we are granted permission to do so.