Bill to Extend Rural Economic Development Tax Incentives
The Senate Ways and Means Committee gave its approval to SSB 6240, which extends a number of tax incentives geared toward rural counties. The bill reconstitutes a sales tax exemption on construction materials for manufacturing facilities that was set to expire in July, as well as B&O tax credits for computer help desk activities and computer software job creation. AWB continues to work for the passage of this important rural economic development tool. In addition, AWB is pushing for the inclusion of another expired B&O tax credit for rural area job creation in this bill on the senate floor. For more information, contact AWB’s Tom Dooley at (360) 943-1600 or TomD@awb.org.

Call Your Legislator Today – Stop Washington’s Skyrocketing Minimum Wage!
Washington state has the highest minimum wage rate and the third highest unemployment rate in the nation. Minimum wage has risen 39 percent in just 5 years. At $7.16 an hour, Washington’s minimum wage is $2.01 above the federal rate and $1.68 above the average state rate. Take action! Tell your legislators to support SB 5697, which would tie any indexing of the minimum wage to the state’s unemployment rate. For bill information, contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at GrantN@AWB.org. For information on how your company or association can get involved, contact AWB’s Cody Benson at (360) 943-1600 or CodyB@awb.org.

High Tech R&D Bill Clears Hurdle
This week, the Senate Ways and Means Committee recommended to the full senate, the continuation of both the high technology B&O tax credit and the sales and use tax deferral on research and development purchases. SSB 6239 survived a heated debate. Labor groups and social service advocates denounced the extension of these important measures, which have provided much needed growth in biotechnology and high technology sectors in our state. The bill is expected to move to the senate floor next week. For more information, contact AWB’s Tom Dooley at (360) 943-1600 or TomD@awb.org.

Contact Your Legislator to Request Comprehensive Tort Reform!
This week, the state senate needs your encouragement to move to the floor comprehensive liability reform, including a limitation on non-economic damages. For more information on how to get involved in our grassroots effort, call AWB’s Cody Benson at (360) 943-1600 or CodyB@awb.org today! To learn more about the details of the tort reform proposal before the legislature, contact AWB’s Kris Tefft at the same number or KrisT@awb.org.

Gubernatorial Candidate Ron Sims Speaks to AWB Members – View Speech Online!
Gubernatorial hopeful Ron Sims spoke to AWB members Thursday morning during a Candidate Breakfast at AWB Headquarters. “In this governor’s race, I’ll tell you what my issues are going to be – education, transportation, the environment and health care,” Sims said. Christine Gregoire will share her campaign plans with members Jan. 29 at 7 a.m. at AWB in Olympia. Don’t miss out. For more information, contact AWB’s Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org. To watch Sims’ full speech, go to www.awb.org.

Competitive Contracting to Begin July 1, 2005 – Voice Your Comments Today!
The competitive contracting section of the Personnel System Reform Act of 2002, which will allow the private sector to bid on jobs and services currently being provided by state agencies, will become effective July 1, 2005. The Office of General Administration is responsible for adopting rules that ensure bids are submitted and evaluated in a fair and objective manner. They must also write rules for determining if a competitive market for the service exists. The department will be accepting written comments until Feb. 10, 2004. For additional information on competitive contracting, go to: www.ga.wa.gov/competitivecontracting. If you have any questions or would like to submit comments, please contact AWB’s Cody Benson at (360) 943-1600 or CodyB@awb.org.

Workers’ Comp Preview in Washington Business Magazine—Hear from L&I Director on Feb. 10.
Check out the scoop on workers’ comp in this month’s issue of Washington Business Magazine, then plan to attend our Feb. 10 board meeting and Legislative Reception to hear from Paul Trause, director of the Dept. of Labor and Industries, as well as legislators speak about current issues in Olympia. For more information, contact AWB’s Amber Balch Carter at AmberC@awb.org or call 360-943-1600.

7E7 Project Team Members Revealed – Proposal Leaders Chosen!
Last week, Gov. Gary Locke appointed director of the state Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED), Martha Choe to serve as the state coordinator for the Boeing 7E7 project. Robin Pollard, assistant director of economic development at CTED assisted Choe in leading the state’s 7E7 proposal, and will also be assisting Choe on the 7E7 project team. “Martha spearheaded our state’s 7E7 proposal,” said Gov. Locke. “Our state owes her a debt of immense gratitude for securing Boeing commercial airplane production – and thousands of family-wage jobs – in Washington state for decades to come.”

WashACE Team Hits Road---Moses Lake and Spokane are First Stops!
AWB President Don Brunell and Washington Research Council (WRC) President Dick Davis were in Moses Lake and Spokane last week talking about competitiveness and economic development. AWB, WRC and the Washington Roundtable formed the Washington Alliance for a Competitive Economy (WashACE) to promote competitiveness. This week, Brunell will be in Bellevue and Vancouver. For a copy of their power point presentation, “Accelerating Out of the Turn,” contact AWB’s Don Brunell at DonB@awb.org or call 360-943-1600.

Alkire, Fitzsimmons Speak at Lobby Lunch Thursday - Brown on Tap for Next Week!
Bill Alkire and Tom Fitzsimmons of the Governor’s Office were on hand at last week’s Lobby Lunch. The men conveyed Gov. Gary Locke’s goals to tie up loose ends during his last session, most importantly education. Don’t miss AWB’s Lobby Lunches every Thursday during the legislative session in the large conference room. The speaker at this week’s luncheon will be Marty Brown from the Office of Financial Management. To make Lobby Lunch reservations, contact AWB’s Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org.

Time Running Out for Washington Business Magazine Advertisements – Act Now!
The advertising deadline for the March/April issue is Feb 5th. Upcoming issues will focus on 100 years of AWB, tourism policy, economic development, legislative report card, and the 2004 elections, along with more inside-track information from your AWB communications team. For advertising information and the latest 2004 editorial calendar, contact Deborah Haydon (360) 297-4228 or debAQP@awb.net.

Want to Know Why Your UI Rates Are Going Up? See Tom Dooley’s Story in Wash. Bus. Magazine
Your unemployment insurance rates went up in this month. Want to know why? Want to know how the UI reforms last year helped? See Tom Dooley’s story in the latest issue of Washington Business Magazine. It is on page 48. For your copy, contact AWB’s Alexis Nepomuceno at (360) 943-1600 or AlexisN@awb.org.

AWB’s Legislative Reception Two Weeks Away - Sign Up to Sponsor, Register Today!
AWB’s Legislative Reception is coming to Olympia’s Red Lion Hotel on February 10! Registrations are needed as soon as possible. Please pledge your support for this great event. To become a sponsor, see www.awb.org/calendar/legreception.htm. Contact AWB’s Kandice Jackson at (360) 943-1600 or KandiceJ@awb.org.

Washington’s Booming Coffee Industry Featured in Washington Business Magazine
Want to know what’s behind the state’s booming coffee industry? Check out the new issue of Washington Business Magazine. It should be in your mailbox. If not, contact AWB’s Alexis Nepomuceno at (360) 943-1600 or AlexisN@awb.org.