Seattle & Northwest + Retail | December 9, 2020

Washington Gov. Inslee Unveils New Economic Supports, Extends Restrictions

Washington Governor Jay Inslee on Tuesday announced additional economic supports for workers and businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Gov. Inslee also announced a three-week extension of the state’s current restrictions, which will now be in place until January 4, 2021.

The three-week extension of statewide restrictions come as the state’s healthcare system nears dangerous occupancy levels. State officials indicate the extension will give the state’s medical system much needed time to increase Intensive Care Unit (ICU) capacity before it’s overwhelmed, and allow them to get a better handle on infection and hospital numbers following the Thanksgiving holiday.

Inslee said, “What we do between now — when COVID activity is still at crisis levels — and the time when vaccines are widely available, is literally a matter of life and death.”

The state also announced an additional $50 million in funding for small businesses in Washington, doubling the number that could receive aid. Industries recently shut down, such as restaurants and fitness centers, as well as businesses that have been devastatingly impacted throughout the pandemic, like music and event venues, have been prioritized.

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About Dennis Kaiser

Dennis Kaiser is Vice President of Content and Public Relations for Connect Commercial Real Estate. Dennis is a communications leader with more than 30 years of experience including as a journalist and in corporate and agency marketing communications roles. He is responsible for Connect’s client content operations and is involved in a range of initiatives ranging from content strategy, message development, copywriting, media relations, social media and content marketing services. In his most recent corporate communications roles, he led a regional public relations effort across Southern California for CBRE, played a key marketing role on JLL’s national retail team, and was responsible for directing the global public relations effort at ValleyCrest, the nation’s largest commercial landscape services company. In addition to his vast commercial real estate experience, Dennis has worked on communications and launch strategies for a number of residential projects such as Disney’s Celebration in Florida, Ritter Ranch in Palmdale California (7,200 homes, 22,000 acres), WaterColor in Florida and PremierGarage in Phoenix. Dennis’s agency background included firms such as Idea Hall and Macy + Associates. He has earned an outstanding reputation with organization leaders as a trusted advisor, strategic program implementer, consensus builder and exceptional collaborator. Dennis has developed and managed national communications programs for Fortune 500 companies to start-ups, both public and private. He’s successfully worked with journalists across the globe representing clients involved in major-breaking news stories, product launches, media tours, and company news announcements. Dennis has been involved in a host of charitable and community organizations including the American Cancer Society, Easter Seals, BoyScouts, Chrysalis Foundation, Freedom For Life, HOLA, L.A.’s BEST, Reach Out and Read, Super Bowl Host Committee, and Thunderbirds Charities.

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