Death Tax Repeal, $30 License Tab, Energy Portfolio Mandate Initiatives are Headed for November Ballot
Initiative 920, which would repeal the state’s death tax, has delivered well over the minimum number of signatures required to put it on the November ballot.  AWB will work hard to get I-920 passed in November. Unfortunately, it is also expected that two initiatives opposed by AWB–I-917, the $30 car tab initiative, and I-937, which would place mandates on utilities to use “renewable” energy sources–will also qualify for the ballot. Stay tuned…

AWB’s Energy Committee Will Meet July 12
The Energy Committee will meet Wednesday, July 12, 2006, 10 a.m.-12 noon at AWB. We will finalize AWB’s Energy Legislative Objectives for the 2007 session and discuss potential climate change legislation. Contact AWB’s Chris McCabe at (360) 943-1600 or ChrisM@awb.org.

Environmental Affairs Council – Meeting July 17
The Environmental Affairs Council will meet July 17 to approve AWB’s Environmental Legislative Objectives and discuss the on-going work of the Puget Sound Partnership (PSP). The EAC will also discuss potential upcoming legislation for the 2007. Contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

Can We Afford Their Retirement?
The Washington Alliance for a Competitive Economy has released a brief on the state’s retirement systems, which face nearly $5 billion in unfunded pension liabilities and a large, though yet to be quantified, health care liability. Read the full brief at http://researchcouncil.blogs.com/weblog/files/public_retirement_benefits_cb_03_2006.pdf.

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 Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center on Oct. 18-19. Register at www.envsummit.com. Contact AWB’s Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferC@awb.org.

Responder Training Course – July 17-18 & July 19-20
An exciting and timely new course – Terrorism Awareness: Protecting Soft Targets (Train-the-Trainer) – will be held on July 17-18, 2006 and again on July 19-20, in Tacoma. There is no fee, the course is OGT approved and overtime/backfill reimbursement may be available through your HLS Regional Office. Contact Adrian Damon at (253) 512-7046 or A.Damon@emd.wa.gov. 

Environmental Excellence Awards Coming in October – Deadline for Nominations: Sept. 9
AWB’s Environmental Excellence Awards, which recognize companies with great environmental records, 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.

2006 Economic and Workforce Development Awards – Now Accepting Nominations
Nominations for the state’s Economic and Workforce Development Awards are being accepted until 4 p.m., July 17. For more information, visit www.awb.org/Econ_Workforce_Dev_Awards2006.pdf. Send nominations to MauryF@cted.wa.gov.

Energy Star Becomes AWB’s Partner on NW Environmental Summit
EPA’s Energy Star has joined the sponsors of this year’s NW Environmental Summit. Energy Star is a voluntary program that helps businesses and individual home owners cut energy costs by analyzing current energy consumption and recommending products and electricity management improvements. A number of AWB members are already participating in the program, which can reduce costs as much as 30 percent. Learn more at www.energystar.gov. Contact Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

Learn About the State’s New Law on Sexual Orientation and How it Will Affect Your Business
The Washington State Human Rights Commission will host a public forum about the state’s new sexual orientation law. A panel of legal experts will discuss the new law and answer questions. The date is Thursday, July 27, 7-9 p.m., Silverdale Community Center, Evergreen Room, Lower Level, 9729 Silverdale Way NW, Silverdale. Contact Tanya Calahan at (360) 753-4876 or (800) 233-3247. 

Candidate Interviews Coming in August and September – Members are Welcome to Participate 
In August and September, AWB will conduct candidate interviews around the state. Members are encouraged to participate. Contact AWB’s Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org, or Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.
Spotlight on “Best Available Science” on Next Washington Business Weekly
We’ll talk about problems with “Best Available Science” and how it could affect on your business on the next Washington Business Weekly, Thursday on Tacoma’s KLAY-AM 1180, 11 a.m.-12 noon; Spokane’s KSBN-AM 1230, 5-6 p.m.; and at www.awb.org.

AWB Policy Summit Sponsors Needed - Call Now!
AWB’s Policy Summit will happen Sept. 20–22 at Semiahmoo. As a sponsor, your company receives acknowledgement before, during and following the event in marketing materials, signage and in Washington Business. Display opportunities are also available. Contact Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferC@awb.org.

Semiahmoo Resort Almost Sold Out!  Make Policy Summit Room Reservations Now at (800) 770-7992

Gates and Buffett Apply Business Principles to Charitable Giving - See This Week’s President’s Perspective at www.awb.org

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