Last month, Washington Filmworks introduced Cody Arledge as the newest member of our lobbying team.  Cody joined Board Chair Becky Bogard and lobbyist Jim Hedrick.  All three are in Olympia working for the renewal of the Motion Picture Competitiveness Program.

We wanted to take a moment to acknowledge Jim Hedrick, who has been with the program since its inception.  Getting legislation passed takes more than just a compelling message, it requires relationships on both sides of the aisle.  Where Cody has strong ties with House Democrats, Jim will focus his efforts on meeting with House and Senate Republicans.

Thank you for your continued dedication, Jim!

Jim Hedrick began his public service career as a staff analyst for the House of Representatives, right out of the University of Washington in 1989. Jim served as a Republican staffer and was given many different assignments  including taxation, education, business issues and a stint on the 1990 redistricting staff.  He left the House in 1996 and began his career in legislative affairs (that’s a fancy way to say lobbying).  Jim worked for the Washington State Department of Revenue for 2 years, followed by 6 years with the Office of Financial Management. He played a key role for several years in Governor Locke’s administration, both as a budget and policy advisor and a stint as Locke’s Acting Legislative Director. In 2006 Jim left state service and started his own lobbying practice serving private and public sector clients including King County, the Washington State Hospital Association, and the Spokane Chamber of Commerce.  He eventually joined forces with the film production industry to develop legislation that would create a competitive incentive, develop jobs, and maintain Washington’s film industry.  Jim, along with many in film and Labor, successfully advocated for the legislation that became the Motion Picture Competitiveness Program.

When he is not lobbying he has his hands full with his wife Kathryn (also a lobbyist) and their two children Dawson (5) Charlotte (20 months) and one more due in mid-February.  They reside in the small urban town of Ruston adjacent to Point Defiance Park in Tacoma.