AWB Committees and Councils

A broad cross-section of AWB members serve on the issue councils, committees and task force groups that guide AWB and set policy goals. Over the years, AWB’s membership — representing businesses large and small, urban and rural, and from both sides of the Cascades — has become one of the most effective and respected grassroots political and economic forces in the state.

AWB Board of Directors

The board of directors represents AWB’s membership in the conduct and operation of the association in accordance with the organization’s bylaws. The board also establishes, reviews and communicates AWB’s policies, positions and general procedures to its members. The board’s actions are guided by AWB’s bylaws, mission statement, goals and objectives, as well as ongoing assessments of member needs and desires.

The board also monitors and maintains AWB’s financial well-being to ensure that its resources are utilized appropriately in accordance with the organization’s mission and budget. Finally, the board ensures that AWB’s staff accomplishes the goals and objectives established by the mission statement.

Governmental Affairs

AWB relies on member input to formulate policy objectives. All members are welcome and encouraged to contact AWB to find out how to participate in any of the following committees: 

• Governmental Affairs Council - The Governmental Affairs Council reviews current and proposed legislation to determine its impact on AWB members. In addition, the GAC reviews recommendations from all AWB committees and councils on proposed policies and legislative objectives and forwards their recommendations to AWB’s executive committee and board of directors.

• Small Business Policy Council - Chaired by the vice chair of AWB’s board of directors, this council provides a small-business perspective on state agency activities and AWB’s overall legislative agenda. Council members also serve as grassroots contacts on legislative and regulatory issues.

• Education and Training Committee - The Education and Training Committee makes recommendations on current and proposed legislation concerning K-12 and higher education issues. Its focus is to make policy recommendations to ensure that Washington has a well-educated and technically competent workforce. This committee identifies workforce training programs needed in high-demand job markets and develops proposals to address employment gaps raised by an aging workforce. It also develops programs to prepare workers to meet the challenge of a job market in which technology, math and science skills are increasingly essential.

• Transportation Committee - This committee reviews and makes recommendations concerning the transportation system in our state. It also monitors state government activities in this area, particularly the Washington State Department of Transportation.
  

• Energy Committee - This committee focuses on ensuring an abundant energy supply at a reasonable cost to help foster a positive business climate for Washington. The committee is composed of utilities, direct-service industries, commercial and retail businesses, as well as large industrial users.

Environmental Issues:

• Environmental Affairs Council - This council serves as an umbrella group for AWB’s environmental committees. It recommends policy objectives and reviews proposed legislative objectives developed by these committees.

• Air Quality Committee - This committee serves as a forum for information about operating permits, the state implementation plan for the federal Clean Air Act and air quality laws and regulations. It is primarily a technical committee, but also considers legislative strategy. The Air Quality Committee is composed of technical experts from major manufacturing facilities, as well as their consultants and attorneys.

• Land Use Committee - This committee focuses on growth management, shoreline management, and SEPA-related legislation and regulations. It actively monitors the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development and the Washington State Department of Ecology. Participants include development, agriculture, and timber interests, as well as rural land owners and attorneys advising these members.

• Water Quality Committee - This committee deals with legislation and regulations affecting water quality in streams, rivers, and the Puget Sound and with wastewater discharge permits. It also focuses on water quality and habitat available for salmon. The committee is composed primarily of members involved in manufacturing, although seafood companies and agricultural interests are also involved.

• Water Resources Committee - This committee focuses on the water quantity policies of the Washington State Department of Ecology, working to ensure that water policies provide an appropriate balance for the use of this scarce resource. The committee is composed of industry, agriculture and development interests.

Tax and Fiscal Policy Issues:

• Tax and Fiscal Policy Council- This council reviews existing and proposed revenue and fiscal legislation and regulations to determine their impact on AWB members. It also reviews legislative objectives submitted by committees within its jurisdiction. The council also proposes legislation to achieve AWB's legislative goals and formulates positions on current or proposed tax and fiscal matters.

Human Resources Issues:

• Human Resources Council - This council serves as an umbrella group for AWB’s human resources committees. It recommends policy objectives and reviews proposed legislative objectives developed by these committees.

• Employment Law Committee - This special committee for employment law attorneys make recommendations on issues ranging from discrimination law to wage and hour law and monitors the performance of the Washington state Human Rights Commission and the state Department of Larbor and Industries' Employment Standards Division.

• Health Care Committee - This committee reviews and makes recommendations on current and proposed health care legislation and monitors regulatory activity. Members include small business owners and other purchasers of health care benefits for their employees and representatives of insurers, providers, and manufacturers of health care products.

• Workers’ Compensation Committee - This committee recommends positions on workers' compensation issues and monitors the performance of the Department of Labor and Industries' Insurance Services Division.

• Unemployment Insurance Committee - This committee recommends postitions on unemployment insurance issues and monitors the performance of the state Employment Security Department.

• Workplace Safety Committee - This committee reviews and makes recommendations on proposed Labor and Industries workplace safety rules and policies. Additionally, subcommittees are often formed to address issues such as violence, ergonomics, and first aid. Members include safety and health professionals, industrial hygienists, consultants, business owners, and managers.