Washington Receives National Honor for Business Resource Web Site

For Immediate Release: October 11, 2007

OLYMPIA � Governor Chris Gregoire today announced Washington�s �Doing Business in Washington� web site has been recognized as an �outstanding achievement in the field of information technology in state government.� The designation was awarded to 11 entries chosen from among 107 submissions by 30 states. The web site was selected as the nation's top �Government to Business� digital government initiative.

�I am proud that Washington continues to receive national recognition as a state that is open to business,� said Governor Gregoire. �This is another example of how we are making Washington an easy place to do business � by improving customer service, increasing efficiency and saving businesses time and effort.�

The Washington Department of Information Services (DIS) is responsible for the technology supporting the award-winning web site and DIS Director Gary Robinson accepted the award on October 2 at the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) Annual Conference. DIS worked with the Governor's Office of Regulatory Assistance to develop the web site and brought together other state agencies and local governments that work with businesses.

The NASCIO award highlights how, under the direction of Governor Chris Gregoire, Washington is streamlining and simplifying government-required processes for businesses. In July, Forbes magazine ranked Washington as number five among the top states for business.

The �Doing Business in Washington� web site now includes:

• Detailed information on starting or growing a business;
  
• Step by step instructions for many licenses and permits;
  
• Online reporting for changes in business information;
  
• Online application for state business licenses, and simultaneous city business license applications for several Washington cities;
  
• Licensing and tax regulation information for all cities in Washington;
  
• Comprehensive resources for those seeking to do business with the state, including a more complete list of bidding opportunities;
  
• A section on resources directs current and prospective business owners to laws and rules, training and counseling, and trade associations; and
  
• A section devoted to growing a business - people can read about getting grants and loans, find market information, and learn about how to take advantage of tax incentives.

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