Sad Note to Start the New Year—AGC’s Willy O’Neil Drowns in Hunting Accident
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Willy O'Neil and the folks at Associated General Contractors (AGC). Willy, AGC’s manager for environmental affairs, died in a tragic hunting accident on Sunday. Details are sketchy at this point, but we do know that he was found in the water drowned near Brewster in Eastern Washington. As soon as we learn about funeral arrangements and memorials, we will contact you. Meanwhile, if you’d like to extend your sympathies to Duke Schaub (DSchaub@agcwa.com and Rick Slunaker (RSunaker@agcwa.com), I’m sure they would appreciate hearing from you.

Governor Calls for Aggressive Policy Changes to Protect Beef, Restore Consumer Confidence
Last week, Gov. Gary Locke revealed his plans for protecting the state’s beef supply and restoring the public’s confidence after an Eastern Washington cow tested positive for Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), or “Mad Cow Disease.” Gov. Locke’s plans will augment steps already being taken by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman. “We applaud Gov. Locke for his efforts during this trying time for our state’s cattle farmers,” said AWB President Don Brunell. “This industry provides our national economy with $2 billion annually. We have to ensure its safety.”

AWB to Get More Involved With State Emergency Management
AWB President Don Brunell said during 2004, AWB and some of its members will become more involved with Washington’s State Emergency Council. Brunell, a retired Army National Guard officer, will assume his appointment as the private sector member of the state’s Emergency Management Council on Terrorism. AWB plans to provide assistance, coordination and prototypes for emergency recovery plans to small businesses. Brunell’s appointment was outlined in the Puget Sound Business Journal (http://seattle.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2003/12/29/daily20.html?jst=b_ln_hl).  For more information, go to www.awb.org or contact Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.

AWB Legislative Reception Sponsors Needed - Call Now!
AWB’s Legislative Reception, Washington’s business community event of the year, is coming to Olympia’s Red Lion Hotel on February 10. Sponsors are still needed. Pledge your support for this great event. To become a sponsor, see www.awb.org/calendar/legreception.htm, or contact AWB’s Kandice Jackson at (360) 943-1600 or KandiceJ@awb.org.

AWB HealthChoice - Big Company Benefits for Small Companies!
Washington companies have access to one of today’s most outstanding values available in employee benefits. HealthChoice, brought to you by AWB and Premera Blue Cross, has five different plans open to businesses with two or more employees. For more information, visit http://www.awb.org/services/healthchoice/hcfeatures.asp. To find out more, contact AWB’s Kandice Jackson at (360) 943-1600 or KandiceJ@awb.org.

Lobby Lunches Starting Soon - Reserve Your Seat Today!
AWB will be holding its Lobby Lunches every Thursday during the legislative session in the large conference room. The first of seven Lobby Lunches will be held Jan. 22. Lobby lunches are $12 each. If you purchase all seven lobby lunches in advance, rates are $11.00 each ($77.00 total). To reserve your place at the Lobby Lunches, go to www.awb.org, or contact AWB’s Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org.

AWB Education Task Force to Meet on Thursday - You Are Welcome
Dan Ballbach agreed to be AWB’s Education Task Force chairman. The task force will meet Thursday, Jan. 8, at AWB in Olympia. The meeting starts at 9:30 a.m. and will focus on completing a set of principles for AWB on education. All members are welcome. For more information, contact AWB’s Don Brunell at 360-943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.

Readership Survey Gives Washington Business Magazine High Marks - Next Issue at Printer
During December, AWB conducted a readership survey of Washington Business Magazine. A majority of those surveyed gave the magazine high marks, read it and either pass it on to others or put it in their lobbies. The next issue of the magazine is at the printers. Look for it in your mailbox in the next couple of weeks. Contact AWB’s Alexis Nepomuceno (AlexisN@awb.org) about the magazine.

Session Office Hours Start on Monday, Jan. 12
Starting Monday, Jan. 12, AWB’s office hours will be from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. After the 2004 legislative session adjourns, we will be back to regular office hours.

Receive Big Savings on Premier Shipping Services - Sign Up Today!
AWB Freight Savings Program gives small and mid-sized companies the same opportunities to save money on shipping as larger companies. Participants receive a 62 percent discount on all less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments between 200 to 20,000 pounds in the U.S. and Canada. Members also receive the opportunity to attend free, educational freight seminars. Contact AWB’s Kandice Jackson at (360) 943-1600 or KandiceJ@awb.org.

One Whopper of A Snowstorm Headed Our Way - AWB May Be Shutdown Tomorrow!
According to the weatherman, we may have one whopper of a snowstorm headed our way Monday night and Tuesday. We may be closed Tuesday if we can’t get our staff safely to work. We will attempt to get a skeletal crew here to answer phones and help you.

Curbing Legal System Abuses Can’t Wait Until 2005 -- See this week’s President’s Perspective at www.awb.org.