TechNet Appointed to Advisory Committee to Study Independent Workers

Olympia, WA — TechNet, the national, bipartisan network of innovation economy CEOs and senior executives, today announced that Jo Deutsch, TechNet’s Executive Director for Washington and the Northwest, has been appointed to serve as a technology industry representative on the advisory committee for the Department of Commerce study on independent contractor employment.

The study will explore the needs of independent contractors, their sources and levels of income, and the benefits provided to them. The committee will hold its first meeting in July.

“Washingtonians are increasingly trading in their traditional jobs for more flexible opportunities, just as companies of all sizes are tapping into the independent workforce to find specialized talent more quickly,” said Jo Deutsch, TechNet’s Northwest Executive Director. “In fact, 40 percent of our nation’s workers are projected to be employed as freelancers, independent contractors, or consultants by 2020, which means it is critical to continue exploring this growing segment of the economy.

“I am honored by the opportunity to serve on Washington’s new Independent Contractor Study Advisory Committee. I look forward to representing TechNet and Washington’s broader tech ecosystem as lawmakers and regulators work to gain a better understanding of our state’s independent workforce.”