AWB is Looking at $30 Car Tab, Death Tax Repeal, Property Rights and Energy Portfolios Initiatives 
AWB is taking a careful look at the initiatives expected to be on the November ballot. The Governmental Affairs Council will consider them at its May 16-17 retreat and make position recommendations to our Board for its May 24 meeting.  The focus is on I-917 ($30 Car Tab), I-920 (Repeal of State Death Tax), I-933 (Property Rights) and I-937 (Energy Portfolios). 

Department of Licensing to Revamp Real Estate Licensing Requirements
The DOL is preparing legislation that would significantly redefine who must have a real estate license and how the real estate licensing process works in Washington state under RCW 18.85. This legislation could have far-reaching impacts on developers, property managers and others involved in real estate transactions. Contact AWB’s Chris McCabe at (360) 943-1600 or ChrisM@awb.org.

 

Washington Business Weekly Now on Tacoma’s KLAY-AM 1180 and Spokane’s KSBN-AM 1230
Washington Business Weekly has expanded its reach and is now on Spokane’s Money Talk KSBN-AM 1230, 5p.m.-6p.m., Thursday, and on Tacoma’s KLAY-AM 1180 at 11a.m.-12 noon, Thursday. You may also listen to the program at www.awb.org. This week will feature the WA Farm Bureau’s Dan Wood, who will discuss I-933 and the property rights initiative, and AWB’s Deb Brown, who will discuss our great CompWise workers’ comp retro program.
 

Ecology Seeking Input on Columbia River Water Management
The Dept. of Ecology is hosting four open houses to get public input on how to implement the Columbia River water management legislation. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wr/cwp/crwmp.html. Contact Chris McCabe at (360) 943-1600 or ChrisM@awb.org.
 

Research Council Releases Report on Governor’s Competitiveness Council
The Research Council has released a brief on the Governor’s Global Competitiveness Council report. Read it at http://researchcouncil.blogs.com/weblog/2006/05/governors_globa.html.
 

Department Of Revenue Seeks Comments on Tax Incentive Rule
The Dept. of Revenue is seeking comments on Rule 155 regarding definitions related to computers and the research and development tax incentives. Formal rulemaking is set for late May or early June. Have comments or want additional information? Contact AWB’s Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.

 

Spring Board Meeting in Spokane on May 23-24
AWB’s annual Spring Board Meeting will be held at Spokane’s Davenport Hotel, May 23-24.  To register for the May 23 dinner, contact AWB’s Alisha Boggs at (360) 943-1600 or AlishaB@awb.org.

 

Know Someone Who Should Be on AWB’s Board? Let Us Know by May 19!
At the Board meeting, a slate of nominees will be approved by the Board and submitted to the membership, who will make the final choice. Know someone who should be on AWB’s Board? Send us that person’s name and contact information by May 19. Contact AWB’s Dick Walter at (360) 943-1600 or DickW@awb.org.

 

Chevron Conservation Awards Nominations for 52nd Annual Conservation Awards
Nominations for Chevron Conservation Awards are due May 31. Contact AWB’s Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org. 

 

Washington Policy Center Health Care Conference – White House Health Care Advisor to Speak
Co-sponsored by AWB, the Health Care Conference will feature Roy Ramthun, White House health care advisor. The conference will be held June 6, 7:30a.m.-1:30p.m., Doubletree Hotel, SeaTac. For more info, visit www.washingtonpolicy.org or call (206) 937-9691.

 

Take Your Business Global – Improve Your Importing and Exporting Skills
Learn everything you need to know for your business to take advantage of this great international market at the Taking Your Business Global seminar, June 15-17, Pier 69, Seattle. Fee: $395 (Includes lunches and materials). To register, visit www.learningconnections.org/takingyourbusinessglobal. Contact Jan Palmer at (206) 870-5912 or JPalmer@highline.edu. 

 

OSHA 10-Hour Certification Course – Mark Your Calendars for June 22
Everything you need to know about OSHA is on the agenda at the OSHA 10-hour certification course, June 22, Red Lion Hotel, Seattle, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Registration begins at 6:30 p.m. Standard fee is $149, but AWB members get a discounted fee of $119. Register online at www.awb.org/events/seminars/osha10hrcert.asp. Contact AWB’s Alisha Boggs at (360) 943-1600 or AlishaB@awb.org.

 

Business Week Now Offers College Credit and Accounting Careers Pathway
Edmonds Community College will issue two credits (Cost: $50) in Management 255 for successfully completing Business Week. In addition, Business Week is now offering an Accounting Careers Pathway, Aug. 6-12, at Western Washington Univ.  Space is limited to 50 students.  For more information, call (253) 815-6900 or visit www.wbw.org.

 

Jim Whitaker to Keynote AWB Environmental Summit – Sponsorship Opportunities Available 
Famed mountain climber, Jim Whitaker, will keynote AWB’s Annual Environmental Summit and Trade Show scheduled for Oct. 18-19 at the Tacoma Convention Center.  At the event, we will also present our annual Environmental Excellence Awards.  To sponsor, contact AWB’s Jennifer Davis at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferD@awb.org.

 

"SayWA" Controversy Focuses Spotlight on Washington's Anemic Tourism Program- See This Week’s President’s Perspective at www.awb.org.