Tagged: Business

OLYMPIA, Wash. – In the world of state legislatures, there’s a powerful breed of players who normally shun the spotlight. They prefer to work behind the scenes to influence policy outcomes. We’re talking about business lobbyists. Inside this often hidden world, you’ll meet two of the most successful corporate contract lobbyists in the Washington state capitol. And learn some of their tricks of the trade.

So far, Washington and Colorado are the first states to legalize recreational marijuana. Two states is a pretty limited market if you’re getting into the cannabis business. But many so-called “potrepreneurs” are counting on the eventual repeal of marijuana prohibition nationally. Correspondent Austin Jenkins reports.

Improvisational theater isn’t just for aspiring comedians and performers anymore. Improv classes and workshops are popping up in Seattle, Portland, Boise, Spokane and Eugene. Companies and business schools are taking notice. Reporter Julia Flucht is in one of these classes and reports on how the improv mindset can produce creative results beyond the stage.

As we continue to expand our regional news coverage here on Northwest Public Radio, we are pleased to offer a new segment. In conversations with editors, reporters and others covering the news, we’ll be taking a closer look at the people, issues and events shaping lives across the Pacific Northwest. We call it Front Page. Here’s our news director John Paxson with this week’s featured publication, the Moscow-Pullman Daily News.