Small business owners and policymakers from around the state will gather in SeaTac next week to discuss the state's business climate and ideas for how policymakers can make Washington more supportive of businesses and job growth.

Washington Policy Center's biennial Small Business Conference comes as Boeing announced its decision to build a 2nd 787 line in South Carolina, a move which shows the state faces serious competitiveness challenges from other states.

A legislative update panel will feature new state Commerce Department Director Rogers Weed and two legislators who are themselves small business operators. Rep. Reuven Carlyle (D-Seattle), and Rep. Kevin Parker (R-Spokane) will be on the panel.

The conference will also feature interactive breakout sessions on health care reform, unemployment insurance reform, environmental regulations, technology policy (privacy and digital goods taxation), workers' comp. reform, regulatory reform, business tax issues, and competitiveness issues.

Registration information is here for the Tuesday session scheduled for 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.