Across State Lines Competitiveness Report Posted on the Web…Go to www.awb.org and Download
The Washington Alliance for a Competitive Economy (WashACE) border county competitiveness study called “Across State Lines” is now on the Web. This report isn’t “Washington Bashing!” We want to bring employers and jobs to Washington. It is in our self- interest, especially since more employers mean more AWB members. There are positives about Washington, and we will emphasize them, but we cannot ignore the key cost drivers that send employers out of state or offshore. Finally, “Across State Lines” is not a political document. It is intended to suggest ways we can create jobs and career opportunities for families.

Mr. President, Bring Down Those Fees…Washington’s Wine Industry Has Stiff Foreign Competition!
President Bush’s proposed budget calls for large fee increases for our state’s wineries by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. It gives the federal government authority to collect $29 million a year in new user fees for label approvals and permit applications. The fees could cost a winery between $1,000 and $2,000 a year. AWB wants the fees brought down and indicated so in a letter to Treasury Secretary John Snow. In the last legislative session, AWB lobbied to kill a 34 cents tax to a 750 liter bottle of wine which would raise $37 million to balance the 2005-07 general fund budget. It was defeated but may be back in 2006.

L&I to Conduct Ergonomic Site Visits of Hospitals, Nursing Homes
L&I will study nursing homes, hospitals, home care workers and emergency care services to determine barriers for obtaining a “zero-lift” workplace. A business-labor advisory committee will review the process for conducting site visits and make recommendations to the House Commerce and Labor Committee, due Dec. 15. Contact AWB’s Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.

High-Tech Rulemaking Meeting – At Deloitte
AWB will convene a meeting, June 8, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. at Deloitte in Seattle, on DOR’s proposed rule changes related to high-tech tax incentives. Contact AWB’s Tom McBride at (360) 943-1600 or TomM@awb.org.

Manufacturer of the Year Competition – Awards to Be Presented June 8
The Manufacturer of the Year awards will be presented 12 noon, Wednesday, June 8 at the Doubletree Hotel, SeaTac. Contact AWB’s Mike Hudson at (360) 943-1600 or MikeH@awb.org.

Ecology’s E-Waste Advisory Committee Continues Deliberations
The Dept. of Ecology’s Electronic Waste Advisory Committee will meet June 8 to develop recommendations to the Legislature by December on how the state should implement and finance an e-waste collection. AWB anticipates legislation will be introduced in 2006. Contact AWB’s Grant Nelson on (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

Learn the Legal Aspects of Interviewing, Hiring, Managing and Discharging Employees
AWB will hold an Employment Law Seminar at SeaTac’s Doubletree Hotel, Wednesday, June 8. This all day seminar will give employers direction on managing the employment relationship from beginning to end. Register online at www.awb.org/events/seminars/employmentaw.asp. Contact AWB’s Amy Johnson at (360) 943-1600 or AmyJ@awb.org.

California Vehicle Emission Standards Rulemaking Commences
The Dept. of Ecology’s California emissions standards advisory committee will meet June 14. Contact Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

2005 Health Care Conference – Register Now While There is Still Space
Learn about health care solutions at the 2005 Health Care Conference, 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., June 16, Red Lion Hotel, 1415 5th Ave, Seattle. Cost: $65 per person. To register, call (888) WPC-9272 or e-mail WPC@washingtonpolicy.org.

AWB Meeting With Ecology’s Manning and L&I’s Weeks
On June 13, AWB will meet with Ecology Director Jay Manning. Later this summer, we will meet with L&I Director Gary Weeks, who spoke to our Board in Spokane. If you have issues for us to discuss with them, e-mail AWB’s Don Brunell at DonB@awb.org.

GAC Retreat Coming June 28-29 – Mark Your Calendars!
The Governmental Affairs Council retreat will be held June 28–29 at the Alderbrook Resort & Spa. Register now by calling (800) 622-9370 or visiting https://awb.us.com/product.asp?ID=9. Contact AWB’s Alisha Boggs at (360) 943-1600 or AlishaB@awb.org.

Draft Portable Ladder Rule Filed May 24 – Public Hearing on August 1
A public hearing on the portable ladder rule will be held on Aug. 1 at L&I in Tumwater. AWB will be submitting comments before the public hearing. Copies of the draft rule are available. Contact AWB’s Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org.

Environmental Summit – Exhibitors Invited!
Exhibitors are wanted at the 2005 Northwest Environmental Summit in October. For more information, visit www.ecwashington.org or contact Cara Bergeson at (503) 227-6361 or Cara@nebc.org.