Former Michigan Gov. John Engler at Spring Board Meeting - Tells AWB Members That Costs Matter
National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) President John Engler said Congress and states must lower external non-production costs to U.S. business, including taxes, compliance with government regulations, energy, lawsuit abuse, and health care. He cited a NAM study that shows these costs add approximately 22 percent to unit labor costs of U.S. manufacturers relative to their major foreign competitors. You can see Engler’s address on TVW tonight at 5 p.m.
Brunell Meets with China’s Ambassador to United States Who is Concerned About New Wave of Protectionist Legislation
China’s ambassador to the U.S. Zhou Wenzhong met with AWB President Don Brunell yesterday. We are hoping he will be able to speak at the Policy Summit. Zhou said China is concerned about U.S. protectionist legislation and its impact on trade with Washington.
AWB Pleased With Global Competitiveness Council and Wants It to Continue Its Focus on Costs of Doing Business
Gov. Gregoire has asked Boeing’s Alan Mulally to chair the Global Competitiveness Council. AWB wants it to focus on costs of doing business in Washington and ways to lower costs so employers can retain and create jobs.
Agnew, Nelson, Carlson and Lemly Nominated to Lead AWB in 2006
Longtime AWB executive and finance committee member Brad Carlson (Evergreen Memorial Garden, Vancouver) has been nominated to be AWB’s new Secretary-Treasurer. Also nominated were Creigh H. Agnew (Weyerhaeuser Co, Federal Way), chair; Kirk Nelson (Qwest, Seattle), vice chair; and Tom Lemly (Davis Wright Tremaine, Seattle), immediate past chair.
19 Companies Receive Community Service Awards – Bill & Dolores Kyle Receive Briggs Award
At the Spokane meeting, AWB honored 19 companies with Community Service Awards for their great contributions to making our communities better places to live. In addition, Bill and Dolores Kyle received the 2005 Bruce Briggs Award for outstanding service to their community. For more details on the Briggs Award and Community Service Award winners, visit www.awb.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.
AWB Pleased with Reappointment of Tom Fitzsimmons and Juli Wilkerson
AWB President Don Brunell said he is pleased Gov. Gregoire reappointed Tom Fitzsimmons as chief of staff and Juli Wilkerson as Dept. of Community, Trade and Economic Development director. Both are very capable. We look forward to working with them.
Border County Competitiveness Report – Shows Why Washington Can’t Afford More Business Costs
The Washington Research Council’s Border County Competitiveness study shows our state lags behind Oregon and Idaho in investment incentives. Our business costs are slightly higher than Oregon and significantly higher than Idaho. Lowering UI rates and the minimum wage would help us compete with Idaho while Oregon’s lower business tax burden and lack of sales tax helps that state.
Washington Business & AWB 100th Anniversary Video Win Communication Excellence Awards
Washington Business magazine received the American Chamber of Commerce Executives’ Excellence Award. We scored of 92 (out of 100), which is exceptional. This year’s competition drew 250 entries from over 100 chambers throughout the world. The entries were critiqued by over 40 diverse, experienced and professional judges. This is like winning the gold medal in the Olympics and is the highest our magazine has scored. Our 100th Anniversary Video (DVD) also received a Merit Award, equivalent to a silver medal.
High-Tech Rule Making Meeting at Dept. of Revenue
DOR will hold a meeting, June 8, 9:30 a.m.-12 noon at Deloitte in Seattle, on definitions of “R&D” and “environmental technology” and on independent contractors and the staffing industry. Contact AWB’s Tom McBride at (360) 943-1600 or TomM@awb.org.
Stakeholder Forum on US-VISIT Biometric Border Control Program – Opportunity to Learn and Comment
The U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security will hold a stakeholder forum on US-VISIT, a system that fingerprints and photographs foreign visitors, at the San Juan Conference Room, Best Western Lakeway Inn, 714 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham, June 2, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. US-VISIT is operational at many entry ports, including Blaine. US-VISIT exit procedures, involving RFID technology, will be tested this summer at Blaine. See www.dhs.gov/us-visit. Contact Marcos Frommer at (213) 489-8245 or FrommerM@fleishman.com.
Manufacturer of the Year Competition – Awards to Be Presented June 8
AWB has teamed with the Kent Chamber of Commerce and Washington Manufacturing Services to present the Manufacturing of the Year awards during our state’s Manufacturing Appreciation Week. The awards presentation is 12 noon, Tuesday, June 8, at the SeaTac Doubletree Hotel. Contact AWB’s Mike Hudson at (360) 943-1600 or MikeH@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.
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.
Congress Should Approve Free Trade with Central America - See this week’s President’s Perspective at www.awb.org.
