And the Answer Is? Yes on Initiative 841! 
Is a “Yes Vote” on Initiative 841 AWB’s position? Yes, it is! A “Yes Vote” means L&I’s rules are repealed. Vote Nov. 4. Encourage family, friends and colleagues to vote as well. This will be a close election. With the unions’ “Labor-Neighbor” voter turnout program, I-841 opponents believe they have a 15 percent voter turnout advantage. Let’s take that 15 point spread away by turning out more pro-I-841 voters. Wave a sign, pass out fliers, talk to voters or drive people to outreach events. To sign-up, call (800) 228-4229. Visit www.yes841.com. Contact AWB’s Cody Benson at (360) 943-1600 or CodyB@awb.org.

 

Tort Reform Fails U.S. Senate by ONE Vote – Keep Pressure on Murray and Cantwell!
The Class Action Lawsuit Reform Act of 2003 (S. 1751) failed by only ONE vote (Senators Murray and Cantwell opposed it), but keep pushing for tort reform. E-mail Murray (www.murray.senate.gov/email/index.cfm) and Cantwell (www.cantwell.senate.gov/contact/index.html). A similar bill could come for a vote this week, so urge them to support a bill that contains the basic provisions of S. 1751. Contact AWB’s Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.

 

Homeland Security Concerns? Talk to General Lowenberg!  Not Too Late to Register for Olympia Session!
AWB is meeting with Maj. Gen. Timothy Lowenberg, Northwest Homeland Security chief (Oct. 27, Spokane; Oct. 28, Olympia). You can attend too. Contact AWB’s Bonnie Millikan at (360) 943-1600 or BonnieM@awb.org.

 

UI Rates Going Up Too - Taxes are Squeezing Employers!
Washington's unemployment insurance tax rates will rise by an average of 12 percent next year on top of a 19 percent rate increase for workers' comp. Businesses are also paying 25 to 30 percent more for health care and liability insurance. Contact AWB’s Tom Dooley at (360) 943-1600 or TomD@awb.org.

 

Contact Senators Murray and Cantwell - Support Healthy Forests Restoration!
In letters to Senators Murray and Cantwell, AWB President Don Brunell asked them to support H.R. 1904, the Healthy Forests Restoration Act, which passed the House by a 256-170 vote, and to reject amendments that would gut the bill. The bill would help prevent catastrophic wildfires through thinning and underbrush removal in national forests. Contact Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.

 

Cholinesterase Monitoring Rules – Send Your Comments to CodyB@awb.org!

 

Workers’ Comp Hearings – Starting Today!
Workers’ comp rates will rise by 19.4 percent in 2004. Statewide hearings will be held Oct. 27-Nov. 7. We need a large member turnout at the hearings. See www.lni.wa.gov/news/2003/pr030903a.htm. Contact Cody Benson at (360) 943-1600 or CodyB@awb.org.

 

Ergonomics Workshop - Register Today!
Get answers to your ergonomics questions on Nov. 20, at AWB headquarters. Cost: $350/person. Register online at www.awb.org/calendar/ergoworkshop.htm. Contact AWB’s Jennifer Davis at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferD@awb.org.

 

Thanks to Dams Many Western Washington Communities Spared - Flood Control is Still Important!
With Oct. 20’s record rains, dams spared many communities from disastrous flooding. The Upper Baker and Ross dams cut six feet off the highest potential peak flood, sparing Mt. Vernon and Concrete by absorbing massive fronts of water. 

 

Free Freight Seminar - Don’t Miss It!
Attend a FREE seminar, “Business Without Borders,” (Nov. 12, Tukwila) on growing your business between the US and Canada. To find out how to receive big discounts on freight services through AWB’s Freight Savings Program, visit www.awb.org/memberservices.html.Contact AWB’s Kandice Jackson at (360) 943-1600 or KandiceJ@awb.org.

 

Better Workplace Awards - Send in Your Nominations!
These awards are for members who create better workplaces. See www.awb.org/programs/betterworkplaceawards.htm. Entry deadline: Nov. 17. Contact Jennifer Davis at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferD@awb.org.

 

AWB’s Manufacturers Retro Program Just Returned $2.4 Million – You Can Receive Refunds Too!
Enroll in AWB CompWise. Rreceive refunds on premiums you pay to L&I. Visit www.awb.org/benefits/compwise.htm. The enrollment deadline is approaching, so act now! Contact Kandice Jackson at (360) 943-1600 or KandiceJ@awb.org.

 

Washington Tree Farmer Wins National Competition - Congratulations to the Falkners!
Bob and Lynette Falkner were named National Tree Farmers of the Year. This is only the second time that Washington tree farmers have won the award. The Falkners own the 700 acre Custer Creek Tree Farm near Raymond.