Federal Court Rules Washington’s Top Two Primary Unconstitutional
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled against Washington's top-two primary. The top-two primary, approved by voters in 2005, would have allowed voters to vote for candidates of either party in primaries. The state has 90 days to decide whether to appeal.

Employers Workers’ Comp Coalition Meeting Aug. 29, 10 a.m. –noon, Tacoma, Contact AWB’s Kris Tefft at KrisT@awb.org 

Business Leaders Suggest Washington Should Prepare Now for Inevitable Economic Slowdown
According to the Washington Alliance for a Competitive Economy, Washington business leaders suggest that it is time for the state to prepare for the inevitable slowdown. Read more at  http://researchcouncil.blogs.com/weblog/files/washace_cb_0604.pdf.

Judicial Information Web site Now Online – Visit www.votingforjudges.org 

Human Resources Council Meeting – Focus on Legislative Objectives
AWB’s Human Resources Council will meet August 30, 1-3 p.m., (Davis Wright Tremaine 1501 4th Ave, Ste 2600, Large Conference Room, 26th Flr, Seattle). Legislative objectives for health care, employment law, workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance, and workplace safety will be approved. Contact Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org

Tax and Fiscal Policy Council Meeting Aug. 30, 9:30 a.m.-noon, Seattle – Contact AWB’s Amber Carter at AmberC@awb.org

Candidate Interviews Launched Last Week–Continue This Week.  You Need to Participate.
AWB is interviewing candidates who either did not have a voting record of 80 percent or better or who are challengers. The Government Affairs Council will take your input and make recommendations to the Board on Sept. 22 on a list of candidates AWB should endorse. Contact AWB’s Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org. 

Dept. of Ecology Proposes E-Waste Fees for Manufacturers
To pay for its new electronics recycling program, Ecology has proposed a tiered fee schedule. Public comment is until Sept. 7. See www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/swfa/eproductrecycle. Contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@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. In addition, you’ll attend a special reception for keynote speaker Weekly Standard editor William Kristol. Contact Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferC@awb.org.

2006 Northwest Environmental Summit – Register Now!
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. 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.

Small Business Regional Issue Forums – Coming September and October
The Washington Policy Center’s Fall 2006 Small Business Regional Issue Forums (Wenatchee – Sept. 21; Yakima – Oct. 11; Tri-Cities  – Oct. 12 ; Everett – Oct. 17; Vancouver - Oct. 19; and Spokane - Oct. 26) are designed to educate small business owners about public policy. Contact Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org. 

A Look at Environmental Technology and WISHA Inspections on Next Washington Business Weekly
We’ll talk about environmental technology and passing WISHA inspections 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 online at www.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 AWB’s Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferC@awb.org.

Elections Issue of Washington Business Magazine Coming in Early September
We are putting the final touches on the elections issue of Washington Business magazine. It goes to the printers within the next week.  There is still time to advertise. Contact AWB’s Lex Nepomuceno at (360) 943-1600 or AlexisN@awb.org.

2006 Salary & Benefits Information for Washington Employers Now Available!                                
Compdata Surveys has the answers to your pay and benefit questions. Each survey is packed with more information than any other single resource. For more information, call (800) 300-9570 or visit www.compdatasurveys.com.

Spanish-American War Telephone Tax Finally Killed - See This Week’s President’s Perspective at www.awb.org

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