Legislative Session Soon In High Speed—Gear Up, You’ll Need to Contact YOUR Legislators
The 2003 Legislative Session will be one for the history books. Gov. Gary Locke has introduced and implemented his “Priorities of Government” (P.O.G.) budgeting plan to span a budget deficit gap $2.3 billion wide. Drastic cuts are being made to state-funded activities. Rates for workers’ compensation, health care, unemployment insurance and liability coverage are skyrocketing. AWB members can have a say in the future of Washington business. Contact AWB’s Gary Chandler at (360) 943-1600 or GaryC@awb.org to ask how you can get involved today! Go to www.awb.org to keep up with what’s going on in your state capitol.
 

Building Dedicated on Jan. 10 –Still Time to Add YOUR Name to AWB’s Giving Tree
AWB’s new building was dedicated on Friday. There is also still time to contribute to AWB’s building project and to get your name or your company’s name on the “Giving Tree” to help offset the costs for the new building and equipment. Contact AWB’s Jody Waldum at 360-943-1600 or JodyW@awb.org.

 

Parking Still a Problem—Please Be Patient
Parking is still a problem at AWB. So if you can car pool, it would help. Phase II of the building program will be to add parking, but that will take time for the permitting and for us to gather the funds. That’s why your contribution will help. Contact AWB’s Jody Waldum at 360-943-1600 or JodyW@awb.org to help. Thanks!

 

AWB OUTREACH Starting---Contact Us to Schedule a Presentation
With the legislative session in full swing, AWB is starting its session OUTREACH program. To schedule a presentation about the issues important to business in your community, with your chamber or with your association, contact AWB’s Shannon Garland at 360-943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org.

 

AWB Legislative Reception Almost Here – Become a Sponsor
The annual AWB Legislative Reception is scheduled for Feb. 12 at the WestCoast Hotel in Olympia. For more information on becoming a sponsor or to register, contact AWB’s Alisha Boggs at (360) 943-1600 or AlishaB@awb.org.

 

Regulatory Reform Specialist Joins AWB Team
AWB is pleased to announce the addition of Cody Benson to the AWB staff. She will serve as the regulatory coordinator for the Association. Cody comes to AWB from the Washington Association of Realtors, where she was the Assistant Director of Political Affairs. To find out how Cody will be helping your business, contact her at (360) 943-1600 or CodyB@awb.org.
 

New L&I Director Named
Gov. Gary Locke appointed Paul Trause as the Dept. of Labor and Industries’ (L&I) new director Jan. 8, replacing former Director Gary Moore, who moves on to serve as the state's first Director of Labor Relations in the Office of Financial Management. Trause comes to L&I from his job as the deputy commissioner of the Employment Security Dept. According to a release from Gov. Locke’s office, Trause, 54, will oversee the agency that provides services to 163,000 employers and 2 million workers, including ensuring workplace safety, providing workers' compensation benefits, and setting workers' compensation rates.

 

Lobby Lunches Starting Soon – Reserve Your Seat Today!
AWB will be holding its Lobby Lunches every Thursday during the legislative session in the large conference room. The first of 13 Lobby Lunches will be held Jan. 23. Lobby lunches are $10 each. If you purchase all thirteen lobby lunches in advance, rates are $9.00 each ($117.00 total). To reserve your place at the Lobby Lunches, contact AWB’s Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org.

 

Minimum Wage Raised – New Posters, Info Available
With Washington state’s minimum wage raise this month, employers will have to update their bulletin boards with required posters. To update, contact AWB’s Alisha Boggs at (360) 943-1600 or AlishaB@awb.org.