Gubernatorial Hand Recount Begins – Supreme Court Ruling on Ballots Tomorrow!
Dino Rossi maintained his slim lead over Christine Gregoire and gained 136 votes in the 18 counties where ballots have been recounted by hand since last Wednesday. Twenty-one counties, including King, remain to be counted.  The Washington State Supreme Court will issue a ruling on the Democrats’ request that discarded and disqualified ballots be counted. It is anyone’s guess if we will know who will move into the Governor’s Mansion before Christmas.

Former AWB President Dave Gordon Dies – Scholarship Will Be Established in His Name!
We are sorry to report that AWB has lost one of its true legends. C. Dave Gordon, who served as president of AWB for all but two years between 1955 and 1979, died on Dec. 5. Serving longer than any other AWB president, Dave built this association into what it is today. AWB honored Dave with the title “Honorary Lifetime President.” In September, AWB inaugurated the C. David Gordon Award for outstanding public service. Dave was one of the first recipients of the award. Now we are establishing a scholarship fund at Business Week.  Business Week started under Dave’s leadership at AWB, and it is appropriate that we honor him this way. AWB will provide $1,000 in seed money to start the fund. If you wish to contribute, please send your contribution. If you wish to send a card to the family, please send them to AWB President Don Brunell, and he will forward them. Our mailing address is:  AWB, P.O. Box 658, Olympia, WA 98507.   

Better Workplace Awards Presented at Board Meeting – 17 Companies Honored!
One of the highlights of AWB’s Dec. 6 board meeting was the presentation of the Better Workplace Awards.  Seventeen companies, including Tim’s Cascade Snacks in Algona; Lydig Construction, Inc. of Spokane; Pacific Seafood Co. in Mukilteo; Nucor Steel Seattle, Inc.; Wheelaborator Spokane Inc.; Alcoa Intalco Works of Ferndale; Waste Management of Washington in Seattle; Wright, Runstad & Company of Seattle; State Farm in Dupont; Columbia Vista Corp. of Vancouver; Olson Engineering in Vancouver; Pro-Tech Services, Inc. of Mukilteo; University Mechanical Contractors, Inc. in Mukilteo; Labor Ready, Inc. of Tacoma; Roth Hill Engineering Partners, LLC in Bellevue; and Westport Shipyards Inc. of Westport. The companies were honored for creating excellent workplaces with innovations in such areas as benefits, workplace safety and training. For more details, see www.awb.org/cgi-bin/absolutenm/templates/?a=807&z=2.

AWB 2005 Legislative Objectives – Approved at Board Meeting!
The votes are in, and AWB’s 2005 Legislative Objectives were overwhelmingly approved at the Dec. 8 board meeting.  Details will be posted soon at www.awb.org. For more information, contact AWB’s Gary Chandler at (360) 943-1600 or GaryC@awb.org.

Speaker Chopp at UI Committee Meeting – Will Discuss Legislative Agenda!
AWB’s UI Committee meeting will be held Tuesday, Dec. 21 at 1:00 p.m. at the Rainier Tower, (1301 5th Ave, Seattle) in the Elliott Bay Room. House Speaker Frank Chopp (D-Seattle) will discuss anticipated legislative issues related to unemployment insurance. In particular, Speaker Chopp will comment on potential changes to 2ESB 6097, the unemployment insurance overhaul legislation passed in 2003. ESD rule proposals and ESD budget issues will also be discussed. Contact AWB’s Tom McBride at (360) 943-1600 or TomM@awb.org. 

Tax and Fiscal Policy Council to Meet Jan. 4 – OFM Director Brown Will Speak!
AWB’s Tax and Fiscal Policy Council will meet on Tuesday, Jan. 4 at 1:30 p.m. at AWB in Olympia. OFM Director Marty Brown will attend this meeting to brief the council on the governor’s proposed 2005-2007 budget. Contact Tom McBride at (360) 943-1600 or TomM@awb.org.

Workers’ Comp Committee Meeting Scheduled – Will Preview Legislative Session!
AWB’s Workers’ Comp Committee will meet Jan. 6 at AWB. The upcoming legislative session and how it may affect AWB’s workers’ comp agenda will be previewed. More details to be announced.  Contact AWB’s Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.  

AWB HealthChoice Announces New Health Savings Account (HSA) Plans
Starting January 1, 2005, AWB HealthChoice will offer three new HSA plans providing a lower-cost alternative to traditional health insurance products. HSAs are tax-free savings accounts combined with a high deductible health plan allowing individuals to save for qualified medical expenses on a tax-free basis. Both the employer and employee may contribute to the same account during the same calendar year, and contributions are allowed up to 100% of the health plan deductible. The HSA account is employee-owned and unused funds rollover from year to year, earning interest tax-free. For more information, call AWB HealthChoice Account Manager Helen Siggins at 1-800-681-7177.

New Health Insurance Option for Companies in Clark County
AWB HealthChoice is excited to announce that LifeWise of Washington plans will be available through AWB HealthChoice effective Jan. 1, 2005. For more information, call AWB HealthChoice Account Manager Helen Siggins at 1-800-681-7177.

2005 Legislative Reception – Register Early, Register Online!
AWB’s 2005 Legislative Briefing & Reception will be held Wednesday, Feb. 9 at Olympia’s Red Lion Hotel. This year’s reception is especially important since we will have a new governor and many new legislators.  The election results have presented new challenges and opportunities for business. Your newly-elected senators and representatives will have a lot of pressure from all sides on many issues. Your personal contact is the most successful way to influence legislators to make business issues a priority. An improved business climate is good for all citizens of Washington state as it means more jobs and a healthy economic future. The Legislative Briefing & Reception is one of the best places to meet legislators, state elected officials and agency directors face-to-face to discuss concerns and priorities. Each year, more than 80 percent of the legislators and state officials attend our reception, which draws more than 500 attendees. Don't miss this important event! To register online, go to www.awb.org/events/legreception.asp. Contact AWB’s Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org.

Washington Business Magazine Survey Coming Soon – We Need Your Input!
Soon you will be receiving a survey from Washington Business Magazine.  Please respond promptly. The survey is designed so we can learn more about our readership and serve you better in the future.

AWB 100th Anniversary Blankets – Great Christmas Presents!   
You can still buy your AWB 100th Anniversary and have it shipped in time for Christmas.  They are only $119!  If you buy a similar blanket in the store, you'll pay $150 plus tax and shipping. Contact AWB’s Bonnie Bollig at (360) 943-1600 or BonnieB@awb.org.

Global Math Survey Reveals Disconnect Between U.S. Grades and Performance - See this week’s President’s Perspective at www.awb.org.