Workers’ Comp Committee Meeting – Mark it on Your Calendar!
AWB’s Workers’ Compensation Committee will meet in tomorrow in Seattle, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Recommendations on AWB's legislative agenda for 2005 will be made, and a position on the workers’ comp initiative will be determined. The Governmental Affairs Council will receive these recommendations. Contact AWB’s Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org.

Workplace Safety Committee to Meet – Will Make 2005 Legislative Recommendations!
Tomorrow, from 1:30-3:30 p.m., AWB’s Workplace Safety Committee will meet to make recommendations on AWB's legislative agenda for 2005. WISHA’s ergo program will also be reviewed. Contact Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org.

DOROfficial to Meet With AWB – Tax Incentives on Agenda!
AWB will meet tomorrow with Julie Sexton of the Dept. of Revenue (DOR) at 9:30 a.m. at AWB’s offices to provide comments on DOR’s proposed R&D tax incentive fix legislation. Contact AWB’s Tom McBride at (360) 943-1600 or TomM@awb.org.

Workers’ Comp Risk Manager Joins AWB Staff – Welcome, Jon Teague!
Jon Teague has joined AWB as our workers’ comp risk manager. Jon is a seasoned workers’ comp professional with a successful track record. With Jon on board, AWB can provide the highest level of service to members participating in AWB CompWise.

Register to Vote - Go to www.awb.org. Deadline for Primary is Aug. 14. Turnout Will Decide!
Please see Don Brunell’s column on voter turnout in this issue of Washington Business Magazine. You need to register to vote. Voter turnout will decide who is our President, Governor and U.S. Senator.

Presidential Visits to Washington
In mid-August, President Bush will visit our state. Meanwhile, last week Vice President Cheney was in the Tri-Cities and Yakima. Democrats Kerry and Edwards are anticipated in Washington. This may be the closest presidential race in history, rivaling 2000.

Elway Poll Finds Sims Gaining in Democrat Gubernatorial Race - Rossi Leads the Pack!
The latest Elway Poll says, “Although Christine Gregoire has an 11-point lead over Ron Sims in the race for the Democrat nomination for Governor, her support has not budged since she entered the race (26% of respondents). Ron Sims has gained 10 points to cut her lead in half since December. GOP candidate Dino Rossi, gained 10 points since May to lead the field with 35%, just 6 points under the combined Democrat total. 24% of respondents were undecided.” AWB will decide its gubernatorial endorsement following a televised debate between the Democrat and Republican finalists at the Policy Summit, Sept. 22-24 at the Inn at Semiahmoo. To register for the Summit, contact AWB’s Jennifer Davis at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferD@awb.org, or visit AWB’s Web site: www.awb.org.

Sidran, McKenna Gaining Ground in Attorney General Race
Stu Elway reports, “Democrat Mark Sidran and Republican Rob McKenna have to be pleased to be the only candidates showing upward movement. In July, former insurance commissioner Debra Senn had 16% support from the respondents while her primary opponent Sidran moved from 10% to 14% from January to July. On the Republican side, Mike Vaska stands at 6% while McKenna moved from 8% to 15% over the last six months.” AWB’s Board voted to endorse McKenna and Sidran in the primary. AWB will determine its general election endorsement at the Policy Summit, Sept. 22-24 at the Inn at Semiahmoo.

Charter Schools Has Strong Voter Support - Opposition to I-884 Seems to be Lessening!
According to Elway, voters support charter schools and will oppose the anti-charter schools Referendum 55 by a 47% to 36% margin. Meanwhile, Elway data shows opposition to I-884, the one-cent sales tax increase for education, has diminished by 6 points since January. AWB will also consider positions on initiatives and referendums at the Policy Summit.

Top Two Primary Has Strong Support - Party Line Balloting May End Just as It Starts!
Elway found respondents by a three-to-one margin favor a primary where the top two finishers advance to the general election. Gov. Locke vetoed that option in favor of a system where voters have to choose from a list of party candidates. The Grange qualified I-872, in support of the top two system, for the general election. AWB will consider its position on I-872 at the Policy Summit.

Remember – We Need Your Input!
Later this month we will be conducting our annual membership poll. This survey is designed to help AWB identify issues and find new ways to help you. We also will conduct our annual Washington Business Magazine readership survey. When you receive the survey, please complete it and return it as quickly as possible. Contact AWB’s Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.

Washington Business Magazine Question of the Week—Win a Free AWB Pen!
Correctly identify the five people pictured in the advertisement on page 15 and win an AWB pen. Please e-mail your answers to AWB’s Bonnie Millikan at BonnieM@awb.org. She will send the pens to those who correctly identify the five.