Driven by Tech, Washington State Outpaces Nation in GDP Growth

Puget Sound Business Journal | Ashley Stewart | July 28

“Bolstered by a growing technology industry, Washington’s gross domestic product growth outpaced the rest of the nation, according to a U.S. Department of Commerce report released Wednesday. Washington’s GDP – an important measure of all the goods and services the state produces – grew 3.9 percent during the first quarter of 2016 to nearly $456 billion, up from $433 billion the same time last year. The rest of the nation’s GDP growth rate was 1.2 percent…The state tied with Oregon and Arkansas for the highest growth rate during the first quarter.” Read more.

Why 20 Top Entrepreneurs from South Africa Traveled to Seattle this Week

GeekWire | Taylor Soper | July 27

“A group of 20 top entrepreneurs from South Africa are getting a taste of the Seattle tech scene. En-novate, an organization that takes groups of South African entrepreneurs on business exposure trips abroad, is on its first-ever Seattle tour this week…“The point is to expose South Africans to the U.S. market, but also expose American investors and business people to what South Africans are doing,” said Natan Pollack, director at En-novate. “We’re trying to create a pathway for business to flow both ways.”” Read more.

Light Rail’s Angle Lake Station in SeaTac nears the Finish Line

Seattle Times | Mike Lindblom | July 27

“The whoosh of passing trains has begun south of the airport, as Sound Transit prepares to open Angle Lake Station sometime in September. The elevated station, next to International Boulevard South and South 200th Street in SeaTac, features 1,120 park-and-ride spaces. It will serve as light rail’s south terminus for at least seven years. The station is expected to add 5,400 passengers to the system — half departing, half arriving.” Read more.

Iris and Fingerprint Scanning Coming to Sea-Tac Airport Security as New Option This Week

GeekWire | Nat Levy | July 25

“It may sound like something straight out of Minority Report, but starting this week, travelers will have the option to get through part of security at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport via iris and fingerprint scans. Biometrics company Clear anticipates launching its screening terminals at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport sometime this week. There will be two terminals at each of the airport’s three security checkpoints. Construction delays pushed back the launch, and Clear was hesitant to give a definitive opening day as a result.” Read more.

Statewide Minimum Wage Measure Qualifies for November Ballot

Puget Sound Business Journal | Ashley Stewart | July 22

“Washington voters in November will decide whether to raise the minimum wage and require businesses to guarantee paid sick leave for many employees. The Washington Secretary of State’s office on Friday announced supporters gathered enough valid signatures for the measure to make the Nov. 8 ballot. Initiative 1433 would raise the statewide minimum wage to $13.50-an-hour. The wage would be bumped up to this level over four years. The current statewide hourly minimum is $9.47. In addition, employers would have to provide one hour of paid sick leave for each 40 hours an employee works.” Read more.