AWB is Working Hard to End State Death Tax – We Need YOUR Help!
Initiative 920, which would repeal the state death tax, has been certified by the Secretary of State for the November elections. AWB believes it is wrong for death to be a taxable event and that I-920 will protect small family-owned businesses and keep jobs in Washington. If your business has not taken a position and is interested in knowing more please let us know how we can be of assistance. We can provide you background information, a sample resolution, or speak to your group on the importance of supporting this initiative to repeal the state death tax. AWB has endorsed I-920 and is working to ensure a successful outcome. If your business has already taken a position in favor of I-920, we have prepared an endorsement form and ask that you fill it out and return it immediately to AWB. Thank you for your consideration of this request. For information and for the endorsement form, contact AWB’s Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.

AWB Working on Energy Costs and Power Supply
AWB President Don Brunell was among a small group appearing before The Seattle Times editorial board to talk about energy costs and power supply adequacy as they relate to I-937.  AWB opposes I-937 because we believe it will drive electricity costs up for industry, business and residential ratepayers and will not supply the power we need in the future.  AWB has consistently worked to support and promote alternative energy, such as wind power, and has made progress in recent legislative sessions toward that goal.  For information on I-937, contact AWB’s Chris McCabe at (360) 943-1600 or ChrisM@awb.org. 

Climate Change Subcommittee Meeting Aug. 24 – Possible Legislation to Be Discussed
AWB’s Energy and Air Quality Committees have jointly formed a subcommittee on climate change which will review current policies and possible legislation related to climate change. The subcommittee will meet on Aug. 24. Contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

2006 Northwest Environmental Summit– A Great Event Not to Be Missed!
AWB, the Northwest Environmental Business Council (NEBC) and the Washington Dept. of Ecology will bring our state’s most comprehensive environmental conference to the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center on Oct. 18-19. Famed mountaineer Jim Whitaker will be the keynote speaker. Register at www.envsummit.com. Contact AWB’s Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferC@awb.org.

Environmental Excellence Awards Coming in October – Deadline for Nominations: Sept. 9
AWB’s Environmental Excellence Awards will be presented Oct. 19. Deadline for nominations: Sept. 9. For nomination forms, visit www.envsummit.com. Contact Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferC@awb.org.

Rob McKenna on Next Washington Business Weekly – On the Air and Online at www.awb.org
We’ll repeat some of most popular interviews with guests Attorney General Rob McKenna, L&I’s small business liaison, and AWB Membership Manager Sean Heiner on the next Washington Business Weekly, Thursday on Tacoma’s KLAY-AM 1180, 11 a.m.-12 noon and Spokane’s KSBN-AM 1230, 5-6 p.m. If you have any comments on our programs or suggestions for future topics or guests, please post your feedback at http://awborg.libsyn.com. We appreciate your input!

Candidate Interviews Coming in August and September – Members are Welcome to Participate
Candidate interviews have been scheduled for the following areas:  Tri-Cities (Districts 8, 9 & 16) on September 13 from 11:30-2:30pm (lunch will be provided), Yakima (Districts 12, 13, 14 & 15) on September 13 from 4:00-6:00pm, Olympia (Districts 19, 20,  24 & 22) on September 14 from 9:00-11:00am, and Puyallup (Districts 2, 25, 31 & 47) on September 14 from 1:00-3:00pm. To register, contact AWB’s Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org.

Reduce Your Risk of Costly Fines and Penalties of Non-Compliance!
Learn all you need to know about OSHA at the OSHA 10-hour certification course, Sept. 13-14, Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Standard fee is $149, but AWB CompWise members get a discounted fee of $119. Register online at www.awb.org/events/seminars/osha10hrcert.asp. Contact Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferC@awb.org.

Free Small Business Training at Sept. 9 Biz Fair in Renton
The 10th annual Washington Small Business Fair (Sept. 9, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Renton Technical College) is a free, one-stop shopping event for new and existing business owners. See www.bizfair.org. Contact Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

Sauce for the Goose- See This Week’s President’s Perspective at www.awb.org

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