Boeing Launches 7E7 with $6 Billion Order—50 Planes Sold to All Nippon Airways
The Seattle Times reports that Boeing launched its first all-new airplane program in more than a decade today after All Nippon Airways finalized a mammoth order for 50 wide-body 7E7 jetliners worth $6 billion. “That’s great news for Washington and the commercial airplane business in the United States,” AWB President Don Brunell said. “It is one thing to plan, design and offer a product, but getting orders to buy it makes it a reality.”

Blue Ribbon Workers’ Comp Meetings Begin—All Employers Are Encouraged to Participate
Gov. Locke’s Blue Ribbon Commission on workers’ comp convenes tomorrow. AWB has set up an “employers’ caucus” to make sure all employer concerns are covered. More than likely, there will be work groups dealing with specific issues in which all employers are encouraged to participate. Amber Balch Carter is coordinating the employers’ caucus. She also developed the issues the employer members will present tomorrow. Contact Amber at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.

BIAW Announces Workers’ Comp Initiative
On Friday, the Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW) announced it is drafting an initiative to overhaul the state’s workers’ comp system. As its base, BIAW is using the legislation employers’ workers’ comp reforms, which died in 2004. For more information, contact BIAW’s Erin Shannon at (800) 228-4229.

Murray & Cantwell Say “No” to Asbestos Lawsuit Reform – Let Them Know This is Wrong!
Last week, Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell voted against a motion to stop a filibuster—effectively killing the formally asbestos lawsuit reform legislation. “We are deeply disappointed because there is a compelling case for them to vote for the bill, but if they won’t vote to stop a filibuster, there is no hope,” said AWB President Don Brunell. Please contact them and express your disappointment. See our website: www.awb.org for details.

Class Action Lawsuit Reform Gearing Up for Late May Vote
With Senators Murray and Cantwell voting against medical malpractice (Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Act) and asbestos reforms, the battle shifts to Class Action Lawsuit Reform. Basically, those supporting reforms want major class action lawsuits filed in federal court to end the forum shopping by trial lawyers for favorable state courts. Last October, the vote to end a filibuster failed by one, and both Cantwell and Murray voted to allow a filibuster—thus killing the bill. For more information, contact AWB's Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.

Public Disclosure Commission Dismisses McDaniel Complaint
No wrongdoing was found on behalf of AWB after a complaint was filed by Diane McDaniel in October of 2003. The complaint claimed AWB had made in-kind contributions to a statewide initiative committee and failed to report them. The allegations proved to be false.

Voice Your Opinion During Public Comment Period on Stormwater Permit Fee Rule!
The Dept. of Ecology (Ecology) is accepting comments until May 26 on its proposed changes to stormwater and wastewater permit fees. Members are encouraged to review and comment on the proposed rule, which is available online at www.ecy.wa.gov and from AWB. Public workshops and hearings on the rule will be held around the state in May. Ecology staff will also attend AWB's Water Quality Committee meeting on May 6 to discuss the rule and other changes to stormwater permits as the result of legislation passed last session. Contact AWB's Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

Nominations for the Board Due—Contact Dick Walter
If you want to be considered for a three-year term on AWB’s Board of Directors, please contact AWB’s Dick Walter at (360) 943-1600 or DickW@awb.org. AWB’s nominating committee will meet on May 18 in Spokane to consider a slate of board members and officers.

AWB Exec. Committee Met Last Week – Read on for Discussions and Outcome!
AWB’s Executive Committee met last week in the Tri-Cities to discuss whether or not to endorse in statewide races. The Executive Committee is recommending to the Board that AWB endorse in the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, and public lands and insurance commissioner races. The committee also is recommending that AWB endorse in the attorney general primary race. The Board will decide on May 19 whether or not to endorse. Meanwhile, a copy of the recommendations from the Executive Committee will be available this week. To learn more, contact AWB’s Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.

AWB Meeting With South Carolina Delegation on POG
On Friday, AWB, the Washington Roundtable and the Washington Research Council will meet with a delegation from the Governor’s Office from South Carolina to discuss the merits of the Priorities/Price of Government.

Chamber Presentations Continue on Competitiveness
The Washington Alliance for a Competitive Economy (WashACE) presentations on competitiveness continue this week at the Three Rivers Chamber (Kelso-Longview) today and Mt. Vernon Chamber on Wednesday. For more information, contact AWB’s Bonnie Millikan at (360) 943-1600 or BonnieM@awb.org.

Governmental Affairs Committee Retreat Planned for Lake Chelan– Reserve Your Seat Today!
AWB’s Annual Governmental Affairs Retreat is scheduled for May 10-12 at Campbell’s Resort in Lake Chelan. AWB has put together a panel of local government officials to speak to attendees and will also have speakers on initiatives that may be on the fall ballot. Additionally, the 2004 voting record will be finalized and discussions to determine candidate endorsements will be held. For more information, contact AWB’s Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org. Reservations can be made by calling the Campbell’s Resort directly at (800) 553-8225.

Make Plans to Attend AWB’s Spring Board Meeting – Call Today!
AWB’s Spring Board Meeting is scheduled for May 18-19 at the WestCoast Ridpath Hotel in Spokane. The meeting will begin with a dinner on Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. The dinner keynote speaker will be Sandy Kress, senior advisor to President Bush on education with respect to the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. AWB’s Community Service Awards will also be presented during the dinner. A Gubernatorial forum will kick off Wednesday’s activities at 7:30 a.m. For more information, contact AWB’s Kandice Jackson at (360) 943-1600 or KandiceJ@awb.org.

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. For additional information, contact AWB’s Kandice Jackson at (360) 943-1600 or KandiceJ@awb.org.

Washington Business Magazine Coming to Western Washington News Stands in July
Starting in July, Washington Business Magazine will be on news stands in grocery stores, like AWB members Fred Meyer and Safeway.

Look for Congressional Voting Record in Next Issue of Washington Business Magazine
In the upcoming issue of Washington Business Magazine, look for AWB’s congressional voting record. You should receive the magazine in mid-May.

What a Difference Arnold Has Made in California - See this week’s President’s Perspective at www.awb.org.