Legislative Endorsement Interviews in Progress – Be There When We’re in Your Region!
AWB’s legislative candidate endorsement interviews are still in progress. Be there when we come to your region. The schedule is: August 24 (Gig Harbor – 23rd, 26th and 35th districts); August 30 (Mount Vernon – 10th, 40th and 42nd districts); September 1 (Spokane - 3rd, 6th and 7th districts); and September 2 (Bellevue – 41st, 45th and 48th districts). We want your input. Plan to attend! Contact AWB’s Kristen Sawin at (360) 943-1600 or KristenS@awb.org.

Preliminary Projections Show Workers’ Comp Rates May Increase by 5% in 2005—More to Come!
In a letter to AWB’s Amber Carter, Department of Labor and Industries Director Paul Trause indicates workers’ comp rates may increase an average of 5% in 2005. These findings are preliminary and were presented to the Workers’ Comp Advisory Committee. Contact AWB’s Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.

CompWise Delivers – $1.5 Million Refund for Service/Retail/Wholesale Group!
Last week CompWise received its refund check from L&I for our service/retail/wholesale group. We are happy to announce that CompWise is returning $1,540,458 to members in the group! One hundred percent of this refund is going back to members. Yet another example of why it pays to be a member of AWB! Contact AWB’s Deb Brown at (360) 943-1600 or DebB@awb.org.

Property Tax Initiative 892 – We Need Your Comments!
AWB is currently studying property tax Initiative 892, which would also allow slot machines in non-tribal venues. We need members’ feedback as we determine our response to this important initiative. Please send comments to AWB’s Tom McBride at (360) 943-1600 or TomM@awb.org.

Washington Voters Like Laura Bush and John Kerry….Moore Poll Findings Released
The most recent Moore Information poll shows Laura Bush is the preferred First Lady over Teresa Heinz Kerry 45 percent to 38 percent. Looking at Presidential race, President Bush trails John Kerry by 44 percent to 50 percent. For additional information, contact Bob Moore at Moore@moore-info.com.

Economist Poll Shows Kerry also Leading President Bush Heading Into GOP Convention
With President Bush getting set to head to the Republican convention in New York City, The Economist’s YouGov poll shows President Bush slipped from a 44-43 percent lead just after July 4 to a 41-48 percent deficit last week. The national sampling was 1,799 of which 1,549 are registered voters and 1,417 saying they will definitely vote. Go to: www.economist.com/media/pdf/YouGovG.pdf.

Don’t Miss Out on Your Chance to Have a Say – Voting Registration Deadline August 30!
Time is running out to register to vote in the September 14 primary election. Nominees for high-profile races, including the U.S. Senate and governor, will be chosen. It's too late to register by mail, but eligible voters may register in person at county election offices until August 30. To register, you must be a U.S. citizen, a legal resident of Washington, and at least 18 years old by election day.

Governmental Affairs Council – Meeting August 31!
AWB’s Governmental Affairs Council will meet in Olympia on Tuesday, August 31, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. At this meeting we will make recommendations on the initiatives that are on the ballot this fall. The recognitions will go to the Board of Directors at Policy Summit. We are also approving legislative objectives for the upcoming year. Contact AWB’s Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org.

New Federal Overtime Rules Go Into Effect Tomorrow – Be Prepared!
The new federal rules relating to white collar (professional, executive, administrative) employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act go into effect tomorrow. Most Washington employers will see little or no change, but certain elements of the new rules will impact Washington. Now is a good time for employers to review exempt employees’ status to ensure compliance with state and federal law. AWB has worked with the Department of Labor & Industries on a FAQ sheet comparing Washington law with the new rules. See www.lni.wa.gov/workplacerights/wages/overtime/default.asp. Contact Kris Tefft (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org.

Workforce Web site Recognized - Receives Credit on National CD Presentation!
www.WorkforceCollege.com, a Web site developed for Washington’s State Board of Community and Technical Colleges by the Institute for Workforce Development and Economic Sustainability (IWDES), an affiliate of AWB, has been selected for inclusion on the CD, Working Together: Creating Market Responsive Workforce Solutions. The CD may be viewed at www.awb.org. “The site allows small and medium sized companies to work directly with community or technical colleges anywhere in the state to help them develop customized training programs for their employees,” said IWDES Executive Director Mike Hudson. See www.awb.org/cgi-bin/absolutenm/templates/?a=687&z=2. Contact AWB’s Mike Hudson at (360) 943-1600 or MikeH@awb.org.

Environmental Excellence Awards – Nominations Due September 10!
AWB’s Environmental Excellence Awards will be presented October 19 at our annual Environmental Conference (October 19-20, Washington State Convention & Trade Center, Seattle). The purpose is to honor members who go the extra mile in environmental protection. Deadline for nominations: September 10. Nomination forms are available at www.awb.org. Contact AWB’s Amy Johnson at (360) 943-1600 or AmyJ@awb.org.

Policy Summit Less Than a Month Away – Time to Register!
Mark September 22-24 on your calendars. AWB’s Policy Summit will be at the Semiahmoo Resort. Great policy discussions, the only scheduled gubernatorial debate after the primary, beautiful scenery, and excellent golfing await. Register at www.awb.org/events/policysummit/index.asp.  Contact Amy Johnson at (360) 943-1600 or AmyJ@awb.org.

Want to Be Published in Washington Business Magazine? Write Us a Letter!
Washington Business Magazine needs letters to the editor. Don’t be shy. Express yourself and your viewpoint to our growing readership. Deadline: Friday, August 27. Send all submissions to AWB’s Alexis Nepomuceno at AlexisN@awb.org.