Cantwell Torpedoes ANWR Oil Exploration in U.S. Senate
Oil exploration in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) died in the U.S. Senate under a filibuster threat from Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash. ANWR exploration, which would have brought many jobs to Washington state in addition to providing the U.S. with a greater degree of energy independence, had been approved by the U.S. House of Representatives as part of a defense authorization bill. The ANWR language was removed to prevent a filibuster led by Cantwell.

Mike McGavick to Discuss His U.S. Senate Candidacy on Next Washington Business Weekly
Mike McGavick, former Safeco CEO, will discuss his candidacy for the U.S. Senate. Faith Lumsden will also talk about the Office of Regulatory Assistance. The program airs 11 a.m.-12 noon, Thursday, on Tacoma’s KLAY 1180 AM. You may also listen at www.awb.org. If you have ideas for guests or topics, please let us know. Contact AWB’s Lex Nepomuceno at (360) 943-1600 or AlexisN@awb.org.

We Need Better Workplace Award Nominations – Send by Jan. 6
AWB’s Better Workplace Awards honor companies that provide great work environments. Submit nominations by Jan. 6 to www.awb.org/services/awards/bwa/index.asp. Contact AWB’s Alisha Boggs at (360) 943-1600 or AlishaB@awb.org.

Doug MacDonald to Talk About Transportation to AWB Members on Feb. 8
Dept. of Transportation Director Doug MacDonald will address AWB members on Feb. 8 as part of our Legislative Reception day program.  MacDonald will address transportation priorities in light of the failure of I-912, the initiative repealing the state’s gas tax increase. To register for the reception contact Alisha Boggs at AlishaB@awb.org. 

Two Versions of E-Waste Bill to Be Presented at Jan. 12 Meeting
The PBT Workgroup’s electronic waste legislation meeting, originally scheduled earlier this month, has been rescheduled to Jan. 12, 1:30-3 p.m. at AWB. Two different e-waste recycling bills will be presented. The PBT Workgroup will recommend a position that AWB should take on the legislation, which will be forwarded to the Governmental Affairs Council for a final decision. Contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

Washington Chamber of Commerce Executives/AWB Chamber Day at the Capitol
You are invited to attend Chamber Day at the Capitol, sponsored by AWB and the Washington Chamber of Commerce Executives. This great event will be held Feb. 1, 9 a.m. on the third floor at the Capitol in Olympia. Contact AWB’s Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org.

OSHA 10-Hour Voluntary Compliance Course – Seating is Limited, So Register Now!
Sponsored by AWB CompWise Program, this voluntary compliance course will be held on Feb. 1 at AWB. Register now at www.awb.org/events/oshacompliance.asp. Contact Alisha Boggs at (360) 943-1600 or AlishaB@awb.org.

American Justice Partnership President Dan Pero to Address Board on Feb. 8 
Dan Pero, president of the American Justice Partnership, will meet with AWB’s Board on Feb. 8 in Olympia to talk about legal reform. His presentation is part of the Legislative Reception day activities at the Red Lion in Olympia.  AJP is a nationwide coalition seeking to curb lawsuit abuse. AWB is founding member of AJP. Prior to the Board meeting, Gov. Gregoire will speak at the Legislative Luncheon. Contact Alisha Boggs at (360) 943-1600 or AlishaB@awb.org.

AWB's Legislative Reception - Sign Up to Sponsor, Register Today!
AWB's Legislative Reception is coming to Olympia on Feb. 8. Please pledge your support for this great event. To register or to become a sponsor, see www.awb.org/events/legreception.asp. Contact AWB’s Alisha Boggs at (360) 943-1600 or AlishaB@awb.org