Be Sure to Vote!!
Many of you are already voting by mail. Every vote counts. Remember the closeness of our last gubernatorial election. Before you vote, consider AWB’s candidate endorsements and our 2006 legislative voting records.  These useful guides are at www.awb.org.

“Yes on I-920” and “No on I-937” Campaigns Need Your Help in Getting Out the Vote
It’s time to help pass I-920 and end Washington’s death tax. Contact AWB’s Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org. Learn more at www.yeson920.com/takeaction.asp. Same goes for I-937, the government energy mandate. The “No on I-937” campaign needs your support. Contact AWB’s Chris McCabe at (360) 943-1600 or ChrisM@awb.org. Learn more at www.nooni937.com. Ads are running on both issues to sway undecided voters. Your financial support can still help in the final stretch of the campaigns.

Christmas Tree? Holiday Tree?  It is the Same and is Coming to the Capitol in December
Call it the State Christmas Tree, the Capitol Holiday Kids’ Tree, a Holiday Kids’ Tree, or just a beautifully decorated, stately 30-foot noble fir in the rotunda of our State Capitol. To donate, contact AWB’s Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org. In the last 15 years, AWB members have raised over $200,000 for rural fire departments through the Holiday Tree.

Who Controls Congress Counts  
Washington’s three Republicans earned the NAM Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence based on NAM’s voting record for the 109th Congress. Here is how Washington’s delegation voted: 100 percent: McMorris and Hastings; 87 percent: Reichert; 38 percent: Larsen; 29 percent: Baird and Smith; 26 percent: Murray, Cantwell, and Dicks; 17 percent: Inslee; and 4 percent: McDermott.

Call Jim McDemott “Mr. Chairman?” 
From The Seattle Times:  “Rep. Jim McDermott, Washington's most liberal congressman, is called courageous by his fans and an embarrassment bordering on irrelevant by his detractors. Next month, both camps may be calling him Mr. Chairman. If Democrats win control of the House, McDermott could become an important politician. He'd get a subcommittee chairmanship on the House Ways and Means Committee, a platform he says he'd use to push for universal health-care coverage and alternative energy.”  What about Norm Dicks, Jay Inslee, Brian Baird and Adam Smith?  Read more at http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/PrintStory.pl?document_id=2003328907&slug=whatif29m&date=20061029.

AWB Files Brief In Support of I-601 Spending Limits
AWB filed a brief with the Washington Supreme Court in Farm Bureau v. State, which challenges the 2005 tax increases, arguing that they violate I-601 spending and taxing limits.  Surprisingly, AG Rob McKenna replied with an argument that, in part, I-601 is unconstitutional. Contact AWB’s Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org.

AWB’s Education Committee Meeting Nov. 29 – “Washington Learns” Report to Be Discussed
The Education Committee will meet Nov. 29, 1 p.m. at Pacific Public Affairs, 1403 3rd Ave, Ste. 300, Seattle. Contact AWB’s Mellani McAleenan at (360) 943-1600 or MellaniM@awb.org. 

Special Korea and Taiwan Report in the Works
AWB President Don Brunell is putting together a special report on the governor’s trade mission to Korea and Taiwan which will give you useful tips on how to do business in those two countries.  It is delayed because he is now on jury duty. 

Creating an Employee Handbook - What You Need To Know to Keep You Compliant
The Creating an Employee Handbook Seminar will be on Nov. 7 at the Renaissance Seattle Hotel, 515 Madison Street, Seattle. Registration: 8-8:30 a.m.  Seminar: 8:30 a.m.-12 noon. Register at www.awb.org/events/seminars/employeehandbook.asp. Contact AWB’s Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferC@awb.org.

Washington Business Going to Press Next Week
Washington Business magazine goes to press in a next week. It is a special edition devoted to workforce issues.  It should be in your mail box mid-November.

WashACE Redbook Spreading Across Country
The 2007 WashACE Redbook is available. We also sell a national edition through NAM. For additional copies, contact AWB’s Lex Nepomuceno at (360) 943-1600 or AlexisN@awb.org. 

AWB Tourism Publication
Last spring, we received many good comments on the Washington Business tourism issue. In 2007, we are publishing a special edition which goes deeper into tourism. It should be ready for distribution in early spring. 

2006 Salary & Benefits Info Available – Call (800) 300-9570 or visit www.compdatasurveys.com   

Dealing with the Asian Tiger Time, Patience and Perseverance – See This Week’s President’s Perspective at www.awb.org   

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