Get the Word Out on I-841 - Payroll Stuffers and Yard Signs Available!
Initiative 841 yard signs and payroll stuffers are available. Payroll stuffers are an excellent way for employers to educate employees on the ergonomics issue and build grassroots support for I-841. See www.yes841.com. Contact AWB’s Cody Benson at (360) 943-1600 or CodyB@awb.org.

 

Ergo Study - Consultant Stands by His Conclusions!
Steven Moss, M.Cubed consultant who performed the ergonomics impact study for AWB, has issued a statement defending the study’s integrity. “I stand fully behind the Economic Analysis,” Moss said. “At no time during the development of the study was I influenced by the Association of Washington Business or any other entity or individual to ‘bias’ the study’s findings.” Contact AWB’s Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.

 

Class Action Lawsuit Reform - Murray and Cantwell Need to Hear From You—Immediately!
The Class Action Fairness Act of 2003 (S. 274) is nearing a vote in the U.S. Senate. Information coming back from our members contacting Senators Murray and Cantwell indicate Murray is solidly opposed to any tort reforms and Cantwell is leaning toward supporting an amendment by Sen. John Breaux (D-LA), which would virtually gut S. 274. The trial attorneys have stepped up their opposition to Class Action Reform and are apparently having an impact. We need one final blitz from you! Remember we need 60 votes in the Senate to prevent a filibuster. Our best count today shows 58.  E-mail Senators Patty Murray (www.murray.senate.gov/email/index.cfm) and Maria Cantwell (www.cantwell.senate.gov/contact/index.html) and urge them to support this important legislation. Contact Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.

 

19.4 Percent Workers’ Comp Increase - Give L&I a Piece of Your Mind!
L&I is raising its workers’ comp rates by 19.4 percent in 2004. Don’t miss the statewide hearings, October 27-November 7, where you can tell L&I how the increase will affect your business. See www.lni.wa.gov/news/2003/pr030903a.htm. Contact Cody Benson at (360) 943-1600 or CodyB@awb.org.

 

Contact Senators Murray and Cantwell to Support Healthy Forests Restoration
In letters to Washington Democrat Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, AWB President Don Brunell asked them to support H.R. 1904, the Healthy Forests Restoration Act. The legislation already passed the House by a 256-170 vote.  Brunell urged them to support compromise language offered by a number of Senators including Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and to reject amendments by Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) which would gut the bill. If passed, the legislation would help prevent catastrophic wildfires by allowing thinning and underbrush removal in National Forests. Contact Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.

 

Homeland Security Concerns? Talk to General Lowenberg!
Questions about Homeland Security? AWB is meeting with Maj. Gen. Timothy Lowenberg, Northwest Homeland Security chief (October 27, Spokane; October 28, Olympia). If you’re interested in attending, contact Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.

 

Real Ergonomics Solutions - Register Today!
Have your ergonomics challenges solved by one of the nation’s foremost experts on Thursday, November 20, at AWB headquarters in Olympia. This one-of-a-kind workshop format allows you to take advantage of consulting services for a fraction of what it would cost to personally hire a consultant. Attendees are encouraged to bring their ergonomics problems (photos, video, drawings, or actual tool/workstation) to this hands-on workshop and present it to workshop leaders for effective solution development. Cost is $350/person (includes continental breakfast & lunch). Space is very limited. Register online at www.awb.org/calendar/ergoworkshop.htm. Contact AWB’s Jennifer Davis at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferD@awb.org.

 

Freight Seminar - Free for AWB Members!
AWB’s freight benefit provider, AES Logistics, has partnered with A&A Contract Customs Brokerage to help provide your company easy to follow instructions to growing your business between the US and Canada. The seminar, "Business Without Borders," will take place on November 12, in Tukwila, and is free to AWB members. Contact AWB’s Kandice Jackson at (360) 943-1600 or KandiceJ@awb.org.