Former Senate Majority Leader Finkbeiner Won't Seek Re-election – Nixon Will Run for His Seat
Sen. Bill Finkbeiner, R-Kirkland, has announced that he will not seek re-election to his seat from the 45th Legislative District. 45th District Rep. Toby Nixon, R-Kirkland, has announced his bid to replace Finkbeiner, who was Senate majority leader during 2004. Kirkland Democrat Eric Oelmig has also announced he will run for Finkerbeiner’s open seat, and 45th District Rep. Larry Springer, D-Kirkland, may run for it, too. No candidate has yet announced a bid to run for Nixon’s seat. Stay tuned.

Department Of Revenue Seeks Comments on Tax Incentive Rule
The Dept. of Revenue is seeking comments on Rule 155 regarding definitions related to computers and the research and development tax incentives. Formal rule-making is set for late May or early June. Have comments or want additional information? Contact AWB’s Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.

Focus on Math and Wineries on Next Washington Business Weekly
John House of the State Board of Colleges will discuss the Transitional Mathematics Project and Jean Leonard will SB 6537’s effects on wineries on the next Washington Business Weekly, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Thursday on Tacoma’s KLAY 1180 AM and at www.awb.org.

The First Order of Business – Math!
In response to business’s need for a workforce with real competence in math, Washington’s Transition Mathematics Project’s new College Readiness Math Standards are now in place. Interested in learning more about this initiative? Visit www.transitionmathproject.org. Contact John House at JHouse@highline.edu.

Get the Facts on Pandemic Flu from www.awb.org 
Pandemic flu could be serious business, and your best protection is to be knowledgeable and prepared. With that in mind, AWB has provided links to the most up-to-date information and best sources on pandemic flu at www.awb.org/biz/pandemicflu.asp.

Spring Board Meeting in Spokane on May 23-24 – Board Nominations Being Accepted
AWB’s annual Spring Board Meeting will be held at Spokane’s Davenport Hotel, May 23-24.  This is an event you don’t want to miss. At the dinner on May 23, the Bruce Briggs and C. David Gordon awards will be presented. At the May 24 Board meeting, Washington Health Authority Executive Director Steve Hill will speak about the governor’s health care initiatives. To register for the dinner, contact AWB’s Alisha Boggs at (360) 943-1600 or AlishaB@awb.org.

Know Someone Who Should Be on AWB’s Board? Let Us Know by May 19!
At the Board meeting, a slate of nominees will be approved by the Board and submitted to the membership, who will make the final choice. Know someone who should be on AWB’s Board? Send us that person’s name and contact information by May 19. Contact AWB’s Dick Walter at (360) 943-1600 or DickW@awb.org.

Judicial Scorecard Printed - Copy in Washington Business Magazine
Our 2006 Judicial Scorecard has been printed and will be inserted in the May-June issue of Washington Business magazine. Contact AWB’s Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org.

Washington Business Magazine’s Tourism Issue Headed to Press
The May-June issue of Washington Business focuses on tourism.  It also includes features on Belfair, Buse Timber & Sales, Inc., Holland America and Lewis and Clark. Read about Alaska Airlines with CEO William Ayer.  Look for the magazine in your mail next week.

Chevron Conservation Awards Nominations for 52nd Annual Conservation Awards
Nominations for Chevron Conservation Awards due May 31. Contact AWB’s Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.