The Washington Retail Association (WR) Board of Directors, alongside President and CEO Renée Sunde, convened for its final meeting of the year on December 4 at Lincoln Square in Bellevue, Washington. This comprehensive, day-long session provided an opportunity to reflect on the progress made in 2024 and to strategically align WR’s legislative priorities for 2025.
The 19-member WR Board is composed of a diverse group of leaders representing both Washington-based and multi-state retailers, collectively contributing to a significant employment impact across the state. As the Board prepares for 2025, leadership transitions were confirmed. Opio Dupree, Vice President of Government and Public Affairs at Macy’s, will step into the role of Chair, succeeding Alesha Shemwell, Director of Retail at Bellevue Collection/Kemper Development Company, who will continue serving as Past Chairwoman. Krista Beck, CEO of Jerry’s Auto Supply/Piston Service of Wenatchee, Inc., will assume the position of Vice Chairwoman.
Key Highlights of the Meeting
Guest Speaker: Senator Manka Dhingra
Senator Manka Dhingra, Senate Majority Leader, addressed the Board as a guest speaker, providing insights into her caucus’s legislative priorities for the upcoming year. She emphasized the importance of addressing public safety and organized retail crime, outlining potential areas for collaboration between the legislature and WR to ensure shared goals are effectively achieved.
Industry Insights from RILA CEO Brian Dodge
Brian Dodge, CEO of the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), delivered an update on the King County Vibrant Communities Initiative (VCI) Pilot Project. He highlighted key outcomes and discussed the potential for a partnership transition in King County with WR, aimed at sustaining and expanding the initiative’s early successes. Dodge emphasized the importance of fostering local collaboration to address challenges impacting retailers and their communities.
Panel Discussion: Collaborative Approaches to Public Safety
The WR Board also engaged in a compelling joint panel discussion featuring Seattle City Attorney Ann Davison and King County Prosecutor Leesa Manion. The panel offered valuable insights into the collaborative efforts between their offices to address high-impact offenders who continue to pose challenges to King County and its surrounding communities. Their perspectives provided critical context for shaping WR’s strategies to mitigate these issues effectively, reinforcing the importance of coordinated efforts to enhance public safety and support the retail sector.
Looking Ahead to 2025
The meeting laid the groundwork for a productive year ahead, focusing on collaboration, strategic planning, and alignment of WR’s priorities to meet the evolving challenges and opportunities in Washington’s retail landscape. The Board is committed to advancing legislative efforts, strengthening partnerships, and driving impactful initiatives that support the retail sector’s growth and resilience.
This forward-thinking session reaffirmed the Board’s dedication to fostering a thriving retail environment while addressing critical issues such as public safety, organized retail crime, and economic development.
