Support Tort Reform – Reject Breaux Amendment!
Urge Senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray to vote for S. 274, the Class Action Fairness Act and reject an alternative offered by Sen. John Breaux (D-LA) to weaken the bill and end a possible filibuster. E-mail Murray at www.murray.senate.gov/email/index.cfm and Cantwell at www.cantwell.senate.gov/contact. Contact AWB’s Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.

 

Help Educate Your Employees About Ergonomics – I-841 Payroll Stuffers Now Available!
I-841 payroll stuffers are now available to be sent with paychecks. Deadline for contributions over $5,000: Oct. 10. See www.yes841.com. Contact AWB’s Cody Benson at (360) 943-1600 or CodyB@awb.org.

 

AWB Foundation Awarded Grant – Employers & Job Seekers Win!
AWB’s Institute for Workforce Development & Economic Sustainability will be awarded $100,000 from Workforce Innovation Networks (WINs). The grant’s purpose is to help make state workforce systems more effective at meeting the needs of employers, employees and job seekers. Contact AWB’s Mike Hudson at (360) 943-1600 or MikeH@awb.org.

 

AWB Files Brief in Prison Labor Case – State Supreme Court to Reconsider Unfair Ruling!
AWB has filed a brief to the state Supreme Court in support of member businesses’ challenge to state prison labor contracting. In January, the court issued an unfavorable decision allowing the program, which contracts prisoners out to private companies that then compete unfairly with legitimate businesses. However, the court will reconsider the case later this month. Contact AWB’s Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org.

 

Bill Clarke Appointed to Pollution Control Hearings Board – Great News for AWB!
AWB member and business and environmental policy advocate Bill Clarke has been appointed to the PCHB. He will be a welcome addition to the PCHB. Contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

 

 

News Flash - Interim Dept. of Ecology Director Appointed!
Gov. Locke has announced the appointment of Linda Hoffman as Interim DOE director. Hoffman replaces former DOE head Tom Fitzsimmons is Gov. Locke’s new chief-of-staff.
L&I’s Confined Spaces Rule to be Rewritten – Send Comments to CodyB@awb.org!
 

Competitive Contracting Rules – AWB Needs Your Input!
What do you think of the new rules to allow private contractors to do work formerly restricted to public employees?  See www.washingtonworks.wa.gov/competitive.htm. Contact Cody Benson at (360) 943-1600 or CodyB@awb.org.

 

 

19.4 Percent Workers’ Comp Increase -How Will it Affect Your Business?
L&I’ 19.4 percent workers’ comp rate increase for 2004 will be discussed at statewide public hearings, Oct. 27-Nov. 7. Contact Cody Benson at (360) 943-1600 or CodyB@awb.org.
 

 

Contact Murray and Cantwell – Urge Them to Support Asbestos Lawsuit Reform
Asbestos Litigation Reform (S. 1125) is being considered in the U.S. Senate. Tell Senators Cantwell (www.cantwell.senate.gov/contact/) and Murray (www.murray.senate.gov/email/index.cfm) to support this common sense tort reform. Contact Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.

 

It’s Not Too Early to Reserve a Room at 2004 Policy Summit – Contact JenniferD@awb.org !  

 

Debra Brown Promoted to Senior Vice President for Member Services – Congratulations!
Debra Brown is now AWB’s Senior Vice President for Member Services. “Deb is responsible for the excellence of our Policy Summit, Legislative Reception, marketing materials and member service programs,” AWB President Don Brunell said. Congratulations, Deb!

 

Receive Big Savings on Premier Shipping Services – Sign Up Today!
AWB Freight Savings Program gives small and mid-sized companies the same opportunities to save money on shipping as larger companies. Participants receive a 62 percent discount on all less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments between 200 to 20,000 pounds in the U.S. and Canada. Members also receive the opportunity to attend free, educational freight seminars. Contact AWB’s Kandice Jackson at (360) 943-1600 or KandiceJ@awb.org.