WR is pleased to welcome Robert B. Haase (Bob) as a new member of the team. Robert will be serving as Director of Communications for the Washington Retail Association and Retail Association Services Inc. (subsidiary).

Robert’s roots in retail and sales run deep, going back to the age of 16. His initial retail experience led to Robert’s first position as sales manager of a $10 mil company at the young age of 23. In the years since, he has been a business consultant specializing in marketing, advertising, communications, and business development, working with various companies and representing diverse industries. In addition, Robert has traveled nationally as a seminar presenter, motivational speaker, and business coach.

After working in sales, advertising, and marketing positions for several companies in the greater Seattle area, Bob returned to Thurston County, where he and his family have lifelong roots in Olympia. His three daughters graduated from Olympia High School, as did his sisters, parents, and maternal grandfather.

Robert’s longstanding ties to the state capital include a broad network of connections with local businesses, non-profits, and public leaders, developing relationships with chambers of commerce, area business owners, and volunteering. He spent six years serving on the Board of Directors for the Washington Center for the Performing Arts and board president for the last two years of his tenure.

Robert is experienced with state and national associations, knows the importance of building strategic partnerships, and is well-versed in communicating on social platforms, as evidenced by his 80,000 followers. For the past 15 years, Robert has been presenting continuing education courses to professionals, which included topics on business growth and development. He is an experienced business coach, consultant, marketing content developer, author, publisher, business event planner, graphic artist, and content producer.

Robert received his Bachelor of Arts degree in business communications from Western Washington University.

“With Bob’s deep experience, broad skill set, networking connections, and knowledge of the work of state and national associations, I am confident that he will be a strong addition to our team,” Renee Sunde, President & CEO.