Luke Williams—the Only AWB Board Chair to Head the National Association of Manufacturers
Over the weekend, Luke Williams died peacefully in his sleep in Spokane. He was 80. Luke chaired AWB’s Board from 1967-69 when he and his brother, Chuck, owned and operated American Sign and Indicator Co., in Spokane. He went on to chair the National Association of Manufacturers’ Board in 1982 and during a time when his friend, Ronald Reagan, was President. “Luke wrote the book on grassroots politics,” AWB President Don Brunell said. “He is the legend of all AWB legends!”

Dave Gordon’s Praise for Luke---Arrangements are Pending
On the back cover of Luke Williams’ autobiography, AWB Honorary President for Life, Dave Gordon wrote: “Luke Williams has more than earned the title, ‘Mr. Free Enterprise.’ His qualities of generosity, honesty and an ability to focus his considerable intelligence on whatever problem is before him, have made his life a paradigm for ‘the best of his generation.’ I am proud to count him as a friend.” So are we, Dave. More details on the arrangements later this week.

Voters to Make Decision in Primary – Louisiana Top Two Vetoed!
Gov. Gary Locke vetoed the proposed Louisiana Top Two primary process and approved Senate Bill 6453 April 1, which will model Washington’s system after the Montana primary election system providing voters with the greatest choices in the general election. “I must reiterate my extreme frustration and disappointment with the Republican and Democratic parties for challenging the constitutionality of the blanket primary in the first place,” Locke said. “The blanket primary has served our state well for almost 70 years.”

Sign Up Now for Charter Schools Conference!
Space is filling up fast for the first annual Washington Charter School Conference scheduled for April 16-18 at the Madison Renaissance Seattle Hotel. AWB is a proud sponsor of this year's conference, which is a must-attend event for anyone wanting the latest information on charter public schools or wanting to start a charter school in Washington state. Go to www.wacharterschools.org or contact AWB's Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

Session Reports by Issue are Available - Contact Shannon Garland for Copies
With Gov. Locke wrapping up his action on bills passed by the 2004 Legislature, AWB’s governmental affairs staff has completed its 2004 reports. For copies, contact AWB’s Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org.

Troubles With Health Care? Make Plans to Attend AWB Health Care Conference!
Association of Washington Business and the Washington Policy Center will hold "Health Care 2004: Opportunities for Reform and Innovation" on April 22 from 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., at the Seattle Red Lion Hotel. The special lunch keynote speaker is Grace Marie Turner from the Galen Institute, which has been instrumental in promoting Health Savings Accounts and other consumer-friendly ideas. Contact AWB’s Amber Balch Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.

AWB Ergonomics Workshop Coming to Richland and Spokane – Space is Limited!
Get answers to your ergonomics questions on Thursday, April 22 in Richland and Tuesday, May 18 in Spokane. Take advantage of expert consulting services for a fraction of the normal cost. Bring your ergonomics problem (photos, video, drawings or actual tool/workstation) and present it to workshop leaders. Cost is $350/person (includes continental breakfast & lunch). Space is very limited. To register contact AWB’s Jennifer Davis at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferD@awb.org.

Workers’ Comp Meeting with Gov. Locke on Wednesday to Determine if a Blue Ribbon Commission Will Be Formed
With the legislative session over, Gov. Locke is convening a meeting with AWB President Don Brunell and Washington State Labor Council President Rick Bender to determine if there is a process to resolve workers’ comp issues. The meeting is Wednesday in the governor’s office. If you have suggestions, please contact Don Brunell at DonB@awb.org or Amber Balch Carter at AmberC@awb.org or telephone (360) 943-1600.

AWB Seeking Stories of Regulatory Abuse – Tell us Your Story!
According to a study performed by the California Competitiveness Project, many western states, such as Arizona, Texas and Nevada, are becoming the preferred locations for companies expanding their operations with new factories and design centers due to those states’ considerably lower costs and fewer regulatory burdens. AWB’s Amber Balch Carter is asking members to report regulatory abuses to her to help figure out ways to bring about regulatory reform in Washington. “I think we all want to be on the preferred list of states looking to attract new investments and jobs,” said AWB President Don Brunell. To report a regulatory abuse, contact AWB’s Amber Balch Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.

Outsourcing, Off-shoring Meetings in Washington, D.C., and Detroit
AWB President Don Brunell and Nelson Irrigation President Bart Nelson met with National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) leaders in Detroit and Washington, D.C., last week to talk about the issue of off-shoring and outsourcing. In Detroit, they met with Richard Dauch, founder of American Axle and Manufacturing, a company which is actually in-sourcing jobs in the auto industry. In Washington, D.C., they met with NAM’s China, trade and manufacturing competitiveness experts. A full report will be available this week and the subject will be featured in the May-June issue of Washington Business Magazine. Contact Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.

Asbestos Bill May Come to a Senate Vote on April 19—Contact Senators Murray and Cantwell Today
The U.S. Senate will take up S. 1125 – the Fairness in Asbestos Resolution Act on April 19. The bill reforms the system of compensation for asbestos disease claims by removing the issue from the courts and making it a no-fault system, much like the state workers’ compensation systems. The bill would create a national asbestos victims compensation fund, financed by defendant companies and insurers. It would create a $114 billion fund for this compensation. E-mail or fax Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell today. Ask them to support S. 1125—the Fairness in Asbestos Resolution Act. Go to www.awb.org to contact Cantwell and Murray. Send them the message that you want them to support S. 1125.

Have Your Company’s Contribution to Community Recognized – Nomination Deadline Approaching!
The Association of Washington Business is presenting a series of Community Service Awards to recognize its members’ volunteerism and contributions, which make our communities better places in which to live and work. The Community Service Awards will be presented during a special dinner held in conjunction with the May 18 Association of Washington Business Annual Spring Meeting in Spokane. Recognize your company’s generosity before Monday, April 19, 2004, at http://www.awb.org/programs/awards/csawardsnominations.htm.

Workforce Development Community Looking for Volunteers – Help Prepare the Workforce of Tomorrow!
In 2003, with unemployment more than 7 percent, 55,000 Washington employers had difficulty finding qualified job applicants. The lack of qualified workers affects every business, large and small. If you have ever asked what you can do to improve the state of business in Washington, the Institute for Workforce Development and Economic Sustainability (IWDES) has the answer. The AWB affiliate is developing a database of Washington business people who are willing to serve on one or more of the many workforce related boards, committees and groups. When vacancies become available, the database will provide referrals for the positions. To do your part in training a qualified workforce of tomorrow, contact IWDES’s Mike Hudson at (360) 943-1600 or MikeH@awb.org.