Keep Heat on Murray on Class Action Lawsuit Reform - She Needs to Hear From You as Well!
While Sen. Maria Cantwell is supporting S. 2062, the Class Action Lawsuit Fairness legislation, Sen. Patty Murray has not indicated she will support the bill. When our members contact her, she has sends e-mails saying that with the volume of e-mails she is getting she’ll respond later. Contact her at (202) 224-2621, fax (202) 224-0238 or e-mail at senator_murray@murray.senate.gov.

Update - Municipal Tax Fairness Act Negotiations Continue!
Under last year’s long awaited Municipal Tax Fairness Act, model city ordinances to implement the act must be agreed upon with input from businesses. Currently, negotiations between cities and businesses are underway. Cities must adopt the model ordinances by December 31, 2004. Contact AWB’s Tom McBride at (360) 943-1600 or TomM@awb.org.

Steve Mullin Promoted to New Roundtable President
The Washington Roundtable, a public policy organization comprised of CEOs from Washington’s 40 major employers, today named Stephen F. Mullin as president of the organization. Mullin previously served as the Roundtable’s vice president for eight years. Mullin replaces Phil Bussey who left the job to become vice president of Puget Sound Energy, Bellevue.

Want to Know What is Happening in the Asparagus Industry? Watch for New Wash Biz
Watch for the July-August issue of Washington Business Magazine. It has the details about what is happening to the state’s asparagus industry. For a preview, click here.

AWB Offices Closed on Monday, July 5, for Independence Day
AWB will observe the July 4 Holiday on Monday, July 5. Our offices will be closed that day.

Carol Hudson Celebration of Life Scheduled for Thursday
Last week, we sadly learned that former AWB Vice President Glen Hudson’s wife, Carol, died from pancreatic cancer. Carol 's life will be celebrated Thursday, July 1 at 3:00 p.m., Tyee Conference Center, 5725 Littlerock Rd SW, Tumwater (across the street from Costco). Contributions to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) may be made in Carol's name through their website at www.pancan.org. Send condolences and remembrances to: Glen Hudson, 2823 Briarwood Ct SE, Olympia, WA 98501

AWB Scores Big in Magazine Competition - Washington Business Honored!
Washington Business Magazine received its second consecutive Award of Merit from the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) in the 2003 communications competition. In addition, Publications Management awarded AWB a Magnum Opus Award honorable mention for 2003. The Magnum Opus competition includes all business publications. AWB competed against companies like Verizon and Disney. The prestigious Missouri School of Journalism provides the Magnum Opus judging.

COWBO Recognized by Chamber Executives
ACCE also presented the Coalition of Washington Business Organizations (COWBO) with an Award of Excellence for coalition building. In 2002, ACCE recognized the Washington Alliance for a Competitive Economy (WashACE) with an Award of Merit. COWBO is a coalition of 24 business organizations in Washington and WashACE is the partnership AWB developed with the Washington Roundtable and the Washington Research Council to promote the state’s competitiveness.

AWB Website Honored by ACCE
AWB’s website (www.awb.org) also received an ACCE honorable mention. “That is quite good considering the vast number of entries in that field,” AWB President Don Brunell said.

Not Too Early to Register for Policy Summit – It’s Sept. 23-25 at Semiahmoo!
Go to our website and register for this year’s Policy Summit. Take advantage of the early bird special. Contact AWB’s Amy Johnson at AmyJ@awb.org or (360) 943-1600.

Education Initiative 884 – Learn More!
Looking for a fair, balanced and in depth analysis of an important state ballot measure? The Washington Research Council has just published a special report on education Initiative 884. Click here for the report.

Rep. Veloria Leaving Legislature - Will Join Husband in Cambodia!
Rep. Velma Veloria, a well-known Seattle Democrat, is leaving office after 12 years in the Legislature to join her husband in Cambodia. Her district represents parts of South Seattle, Burien, Tukwila, SeaTac and Renton.

AWB Building Materials Recycled from Demolition of AWB Duplex
With the demolition of AWB’s duplex to make room for the parking lot expansion, contractors are recycling concrete and other salvageable materials. The expansion is will be completed this summer.