No Fast Facts Next Week - Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Good Cheer!
Our Fast Facts will resume on Jan. 3. Our office will be closed on Dec. 24, 27 and 31.

Rossi Maintains Small Lead in Recount – Democrats Lose Bids to Count Discarded Ballots!
Dino Rossi is still barely ahead in the gubernatorial recount with a 50 vote lead. Only King County is left to report. Meanwhile, Pierce County Judge Stephanie Arend issued a restraining order on Friday to prevent King County from counting 573 previously uncounted absentee ballots that were left out of the original electoral tallies due to problems with verifying signatures. The Democrats are taking this issue to the Washington State Supreme Court. The Court is expected to act later this week. Earlier last week, the Democrats lost in the State Supreme Court when it ruled that King County could not count a series of discarded and disqualified ballots. It is hoped that the recount will be finished and the results will be certified by Thursday, Dec. 23.

AWB Helps With Gubernatorial Transition – Advising Gregoire and Rossi!
While the hand recount and court action continues over the gubernatorial race, Christine Gregoire has sent a formal request asking AWB to provide input during the transition. Meanwhile, AWB has also been working to identify candidates and issues for Dino Rossi. E-mail your suggestions to Don Brunell at DonB@awb.org.

Longview Fibre Asbestos Case Becomes Precedent – Case May Go to State Supreme Court!
Last week the Court of Appeals, Division I, in Seattle, granted Longview Fibre's motion to publish the decision from last month in which the Court threw out an asbestos plaintiff's attempt at going outside workers' comp to sue Longview directly for damages arising from asbestos exposure. Thanks to this decision, the case can now be cited as precedent. This case, however, is far from over. Plaintiff Shellenbarger, who brought the original suit, is asking the Washington Supreme Court to hear the case. AWB will continue to monitor developments. Contact AWB’s Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org.

Puget Sound Killer Whales May Be Listed Under Endangered Species Act – Public Meetings to Be Held!
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) announced last Thursday that it is proposing to list a population of killer whales as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act. These whales, known as the Southern Resident population, spend several months each year in the Puget Sound. The proposed listing will provide ample time for public comment, and NOAA Fisheries will host public meetings to discuss the proposed listing. The listing could become final a year from now. Contact AWB’s Kristen Sawin at (360) 943-1600 or KristenS@awb.org.

Health Care – A Big Issue in 2005!
In 2005, health care is certain to be a major issue for AWB. At the last board meeting, AWB decided to channel more energy and staff resources into that issue in 2005. We believe this issue is so serious that we may be adding a staff person just to address health care. More details later.

AWB Working to Resolve Third Party Electrical Inspections – In Contact With L&I!
Third party electrical inspections are an issue of concern to Washington’s semiconductor manufacturers. Currently, AWB is in contact with L&I Director Paul Trause in an attempt to help resolve this issue. Stay tuned for developments. Contact AWB’s Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.

AWB 2005 Legislative Objectives – Approved at Board Meeting!
AWB’s 2005 Legislative Objectives were overwhelmingly approved at the Dec. 8 board meeting. Details are now posted at www.awb.org/otherissues/lo2005.asp. For more information, contact AWB’s Gary Chandler at (360) 943-1600 or GaryC@awb.org.

UI Committee Meeting Tomorrow - Speaker Chopp to Discuss Legislative Agenda!
House Speaker Frank Chopp (D-Seattle) will discuss anticipated legislative issues related to unemployment insurance at AWB’s UI Committee (Tuesday, Dec. 21, 1:00 p.m. at the Elliot Bay Room in the Rainier Tower, 1301 5th Ave, Seattle). 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.

AWB HealthChoice Announces New Health Savings Account (HSA) Plans
Starting Jan. 1, 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-(866) 448-9577.

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. For more information, call AWB HealthChoice Account Manager Helen Siggins at 1-(866) 448-9577.

Tax and Fiscal Policy Council to Meet Jan. 4 – OFM Director Brown Will Speak!
OFM Director Marty Brown will attend AWB’s Tax and Fiscal Policy Council meeting (Tuesday, Jan. 4, 1:30 p.m. at AWB in Olympia). He will discuss 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 the Association of General Contractors in Tacoma. 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.

Small Board Meetings Launched – Next Meeting Jan. 13!
Last week AWB launched its small Board meetings in South Seattle. Transportation, workers’ comp, unemployment insurance, health care and energy costs are big issues. As we conduct these meetings, we will be compiling the information and setting our priorities. Our next small Board meeting is Jan. 13 in Bellevue. Contact AWB’s Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org.

2005 Legislative Reception – 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.

Governor Engler to Speak at Spring Board Meeting – Register Early!
Former Michigan Governor John Engler, the new president of the National Association of Manufacturers, will be our keynote speaker on May 24 at the AWB Annual Spring Board meeting in Spokane. We will meet at The Davenport Hotel this time. Mark your calendars and make your reservations. Contact AWB’s Amy Johnson at (360) 943-1600 or AmyJ@awb.org.

Want to Be Published? Send a Letter to Washington Business Magazine!
Washington Business Magazine still needs letters to the editor for its January/February issue. Send your submissions to AWB’s Ron Dalby at RonD@awb.org.

AWB 100th Anniversary Blankets – Last Chance for Great Christmas Presents!
You can still buy your AWB 100th Anniversary and have it shipped in time for Christmas. They are $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.

Washington Business Magazine Survey Now Online – We Need Your Input!
Please go to www.awb.org/cgi-bin/SelectSurvey/TakeSurvey.asp?SurveyID=110 and fill out Washington Business Magazine’s latest survey. This survey is designed so we can learn more about our readership and serve you better in the future.