Governor Told Policy Summit Crowd to Stay with POG, K-12 Reforms and Invest in Higher Ed!
At the Policy Summit, Gov. Gary Locke urged the state to stay the course with Priorities of Government (POG) and reiterated his support for the WASL test. He also wants to invest more in higher education to deal with increasing enrollments. Policy Summit proceedings will be posted at www.awb.org.

 

Governor to Policy Summit - More Workers’ Comp Reforms Needed!
Gov. Locke believes the workers’ comp system needs reform. AWB is asking Gov. Locke to support changes to time-loss payments. Contact AWB’s Cody Benson at (360) 943-1600 or CodyB@awb.org.

 

Competitiveness Report Modified by Summit Attendees - Your Turn Next!
Policy Summit attendees assigned priorities and issues based on AWB member interviews and polling. AWB, the Washington Roundtable and the Washington Research Council which form the Washington Alliance for a Competitive Economy (WashACE) are compiling that input. The report will go around the state in the months ahead to get your input. Contact AWB’s Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.

 

Mark Your Calendars - 2004 Policy Summit is Sept. 22-24 - It’s the Political Debates Summit
Next year’s Policy Summit at the Inn at Semi-ah-moo will feature a candidates’ reception and debates between candidates for major statewide offices, including the Democrat and Republican candidates for governor. 

 

Ergonomics Initiative 841 Campaign Heats Up  – Your Help is Needed!
Help I-841 win in November! Oct. 10 is the last day you can make contributions over $5,000, so please hurry. For more information, see www.yes841.com. Contact Cody Benson at (360) 943-1600 or CodyB@awb.org.

 

Gov. Locke Names New Chief of Staff – It’s Tom Fitzsimmons!
Department of Ecology director Tom Fitzsimmons will be Gov. Locke’s new chief of staff effective Oct. 1. "I chose Tom for this job because he is a great leader, a great team player, and a great guy," Locke said. 

 

Will P.O.G. Become State Law?  AWB Wants to Make it Happen in ’04!
2003 saw no new business taxes thanks to Priorities of Government (P.O.G.) budgeting. Moves are now afoot to mandate P.O.G. in state budgets through legislation. Contact AWB’s Tom Dooley at (360) 943-1600 or TomD@awb.org. 

 

Tort Reform Top Priority for AWB Members – 2004 Agenda Announced!
AWB members rated class action lawsuit reform the #1 issue facing business in a poll. Among AWB’s goals is reducing tort rates to market rates. Contact AWB’s Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org.

 

L&I to Re-Write Rule on Confined Spaces – Send Us Your Thoughts!
L&I will re-write its confined spaces rule. See www.lni.wa.gov/rules/Rulesunderdevelopment/default.htm. Contact Cody Benson at (360) 943-1600 or CodyB@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 (Oct. 27, Spokane; Oct. 28, Olympia). Contact Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.   

 

Record Keeping and Reporting Rule – We Need to Hear Your Comments! 
Big changes are planned for L&I’s musculoskeletal disorder record keeping and reporting rule. See www.lni.wa.gov/rules/Rulesunderdevelopment/default.htm. Contact Cody Benson at (360) 943-1600 or CodyB@awb.org.

 

Municipal Tax Meeting – Make Your Voice Heard!
A meeting on municipal tax rules will be held Sept. 30. Contact Tom Dooley at (360) 943-1600 or TomD@awb.org.

 

2004 WashACE Redbook on Sale---It has All of the Facts and Comparisons
The 2004 WashACE Redbook is on sale. It contains facts, figures and comparisons on competitiveness issues around the country. Contact AWB’s Lex Nepomuceno at (360) 943-1600 or AlexisN@awb.org.

 

Want to Advertise in November’s Washington Business Magazine? Hurry Up!
The deadline for advertising in November’s Washington Business Magazine is Friday. To place an ad, contact Deb Haydon at DebAQP@awb.net.

 

Coming in December – Lowenberg to Speak at AWB Board Meeting!
AWB’s Executive Board Meeting will be held on Dec. 10 (Renaissance, Seattle). Maj. Gen. Timothy Lowenberg will speak. Contact AWB’s Jennifer Davis at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferD@awb.org.