Hurricane Katrina Aftermath – Our Counterparts Need our Help!
While the United States lost a quarter of its oil refining capacity and 40 percent of the natural gas supply, Mississippi and Louisiana lost 1/3rd of their entire economies. The need for assistance is overwhelming and urgent. AWB President Don Brunell has been in contact with his counterparts in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. They are working on plans to help small businesses in particular. Meanwhile, they ask us to please contribute to organizations such as the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. The need is overwhelming and long-term. Contact American Red Cross: Visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-HELP NOW (435-7669); or Salvation Army: Visit www.salvationarmyusa.org or 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769).
L&I Announces Workers’ Compensation Rate Proposal for 2006—AWB Wants Agency to Consider Audit Results
L&I recently announced a 3.8 percent (average) rate increase proposal. AWB will send you an industry specific break down when it is available. This year's rate increase, although relatively small, comes on top of three consecutive years of rate increases. AWB is reviewing the $56 million proposal and will look at it in relationship to the contingency reserve which has a surplus of over $1.1 billion. AWB will ask L&I to consider the results of an independent audit before finalizing the 2006 rate. AWB pushed to pass the audit bill last session (HB 1856). AWB may ask L&I to hold off on any adjustment. You'll get your chance this fall to participate in public hearings around the state. Stay tuned for more information, or contact AWB's Amber Carter at AmberC@awb.org.
AWB Employment Law Committee to Meet Wednesday – L&I To Update!
AWB’s Employment Law Committee will be meeting Wednesday, September 7 at Preston Gates & Ellis in Seattle to hear from the L&I on its legislative and rulemaking activities in Employment Standards and to consider a 2006 Legislative Objective. For more information, contact Kris Tefft at 360-943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org.
AWB Energy Committee Encourages Use of Renewable Energy – Your input is needed
AWB’s Energy Committee discussed compiling a list of potential incentives that might be acceptable to the business community to encourage the use of renewable energy as opposed to mandating it. Please send Mellani McAleenan your ideas no later than Monday, September 12 at (360) 943-1600 or MellaniM@awb.org.
AWB Human Resources Council Meeting -Mark Thursday, September 8 on your calendars
AWB’s Human Resources Council will be meeting Sept. 8 (9:30 a.m.-12 noon) at Dorsey & Whitney, 4th Floor Conference Room, U.S. Bank Centre, 1420 Fifth Avenue, Seattle. Gary Weeks, Director of L&I, has been invited to give an overview of the Labor and Industry issues affecting employers. Reports from the AWB issue committees will also be given during the meeting. Contact AWB’s Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org. For driving directions, contact Alisha Boggs at AlishaB@awb.org.
Remember Federal Deadlines – You Can Be Reimbursed for Prescription Drug Costs
Employers who pay for prescription drug benefits for Medicare-eligible retirees may be partially reimbursed if they enroll before Sept. 30 and send letters to eligible employees/retirees informing them of the benefit by Nov. 15. See www.cms.hhs.gov/medicarereform/CCguidances.asp. Medicare recipients may enroll in the program Nov. 15-May 15. See www.cms.hhs.gov/medicarereform/pdbma/employer.asp. Contact AWB’s Mellani McAleenan at (360) 943-1600 or MellaniM@awb.org.
Brad Tower is the new Chair of AWB’s PBT Workgroup - "THANK YOU!" to outgoing Chair Mel Oleson
AWB is pleased to announce that Brad Tower of Tower LTD is the new Chair of the PBT (Persistent Bioaccumulative Toxins) Workgroup. Brad represents a number of companies who are very interested and potentially affected by PBT policies. Brad and AWB’s Grant Nelson will be scheduling PBT Workgroup meetings focused on the PBT rule, PBDE CAP and E-waste later this month. Contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.
Policy Summit is Coming on Sept. 21-23 – Don’t Miss Out – Register Now!
AWB’s Policy Summit will be held at Semiahmoo, Sept. 21-23. Among its many events will be the Executive Committee meeting, forums on major issues facing Washington’s business community, and D.C.’s great political parodists, the Capitol Steps. Register at www.policysummit.com. To register for the golf tournament or to become a sponsor, please contact AWB’s Amy Johnson at (360) 943-1600 or AmyJ@awb.org.
Receive a Refund on Workers’ Comp - Find Out How!
Enroll in AWB CompWise and receive refunds on the premiums you pay to L&I. Hurry! Deadline is soon. See www.awb.org/programs/workerscompreview.htm. Contact Amy Johnson at (360) 943-1600 or AmyJ@awb.org.
Global Competitiveness Council – Meeting on Wednesday – YOUR INPUT?
AWB President Don Brunell is on Gov. Gregoire’s Global Competitiveness Council. It meets tomorrow. Please e-mail him your suggestions at DonB@awb.org.
Washington Business Magazine Gone to Press…..Should Be in The Mail by the End of Next Week
The international trade issue of Washington Business magazine was sent to the printers today. Look for it in your mailbox around the 20th. Meanwhile, we have extra copies of the 2005 Legislative Session Wrap-up and legislative voting record. Contact Alexis Nepomuceno at AlexisN@awb.org for additional copies.
2006 Redbook at Printers---Ready for Policy Summit
The 2006 edition of the Washington Alliance for a Competitive Economy (WashACE) Redbook is going to the printers. It also is the prototype for the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). NAM puts its cover on the book and distributes it nationally.
Lawmakers Looking in the Wrong Direction - See This Week’s President’s Perspective at www.awb.org.
