Erin McCallum of Enterprise Washington op-ed in Seattle Times

Erin McCallum, President of Enterprise Washington, wrote an op-ed published in The Seattle Times today concering The Washington State Redistricting Commission needing to set aside political partisanship and meet the January 1 deadline. The State of Washington has not been redistricted since 2001, and since these lines were drawn, the state's population has grown by 1 million, meaning not all men, women and children are being fairly represented in the current political process. The Washington State Redistricting Commission is negotiating in Olympia, and must reach a decision by January 1, 2012. As each day passes, concern is increasing that the commission will not meet the deadline because of political manueuvering.

To read more about what a delay in redistricting means for the state of Washington and to read the article in its entirety, visit The Seattle Times.

Erin McCallum, President of Enterprise Washington

Enterprise Washington teams up with The 2012 Project

Enterprise Washington announced yesterday, Nov. 9, it is partnering with The 2012 Project to inspire women with experience in the private sector to run for the Washington State Legislature.   

“We are extremely excited to partner with The 2012 Project to help professional women who are interested in running for public office succeed,” said Erin McCallum, president of Enterprise Washington.

 The 2012 Project is a national, nonpartisan campaign sponsored by the Center for American Women and Politics to identify and engage accomplished women aged 45 and up from industries that are currently underrepresented in state legislatures and in Congress. Enterprise Washington is actively recruiting candidates in over 25 legislative districts in Washington state, connecting professional women who are interested in taking the next steps toward a potential candidacy with training and leadership programs, fundraising networks and political support organizations that can help them succeed.

Nationally, The 2012 Project aims to take advantage of new and open seats that will be created as a result of redistricting. Women now only comprise 17 percent of Congress and 23 percent of state legislatures. This underrepresentation of women in public office does not accurately represent a nation whose population is more than half female.

 With this new partnership, Enterprise Washington will continue to help companies and employees better understand how elected officials establish public policy, and how to become more involved in the political process.

 “There is so much talent out there in our state,” said Cathy Allen, one of Washington state’s top political strategists. “If business leaders encourage their female colleagues to run, they have a great chance of winning.”

Check out this video for more information about The 2012 Project.

Erin McCallum of Enterprise Washington travels to Port Angeles to discuss politics and business with local groups

Erin McCallum, president and CEO of Enterprise Washington, recently traveled to Port Angeles where she discussed the importance of a healthy business community and private sector in a achieving a well-balanced political climate.

Port Angeles' Legislative District scored 42 out of a possible 100 for voters’ propensity to support business-minded lawmakers. Business leaders in the area were reminded by McCallum of the importance of community engagment in the local and legislative elections.

Check out these publications for further details: