Incumbent Sen. Pat Thibaudeau Pulls Out of 43rd District Primary – Rep. Ed Murray Now Assured of Senate Seat
Sen. Pat Thibaudeau, D-Seattle, has announced she will not seek re-election in Seattle's 43rd Legislative District. That clears the way for her challenger and chair of the House Transportation Committee Rep. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, who recently announced his bid to replace Thibaudeau, to win a Senate seat in this heavily Democratic district.

 

AWB’s Governmental Affairs Council Will be Looking at Initiatives
The initiatives expected to be on the November ballot are making their way through AWB’s process. The Governmental Affairs Council will consider them on May 16-17 at its retreat.  The council will make position recommendations to our Board for its May 24 meeting. The focus is on I-917 ($30 car tabs), I-920 (repeal of state death tax), I-933 (property rights) and I-937 (energy portfolios).  For more information on the initiative campaigns, see: http://159.54.227.3/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060511/NEWS01/60511009.

 

Tourism & Judicial Scorecard Issue Has Been Mailed
This issue of Washington Business magazine focuses on tourism. It includes the 2006 Judicial Scorecard. Need additional copies? Contact AWB’s Lex Nepomuceno at (360) 943-1600 or AlexisN@awb.org.

 

Washington Business Weekly Now on Tacoma’s KLAY-AM 1180 and Spokane’s KSBN-AM 1230
Phil Noble from Politicsonline.com will be on the next Washington Business Weekly on Thursday at Tacoma’s KLAY-AM 1180, 11 a.m.-12 noon; Spokane’s KSBN-AM 1230, 5-6 p.m.; and at www.awb.org.

 

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 rulemaking 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.

 

Spring Board Meeting in Spokane on May 23-24
AWB’s Annual Spring Board meeting will be held at Spokane’s Davenport Hotel, May 23-24.  To register for the May 23 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.

 

Business Web Site Roundtable Needs Your Input
Washington’s Commission on Trade and Economic Development is holding a roundtable discussion in Vancouver, Wash.  The state has established Doing Business at Access Washington to provide a single, online gateway to government services for the business community at www.access.wa.gov/business/index.aspx. The state needs to hear from you to make sure it is providing usable tools and useful information. Please join the Business Web Site Roundtable on May 19, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Fries Auditorium, Washington State School for the Blind, 2214 E 13th St, Vancouver. Contact Sheryl Little to RSVP at (360) 902-3564 or SherylL@dis.wa.gov.

 

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. 

 

Washington Policy Center Health Care Conference – White House Health Care Adviser to Speak
Co-sponsored by AWB, the Health Care Conference will feature Roy Ramthun, White House health care adviser. The conference, which has also received both CE credit from the Insurance Commissioner’s office and CLE credit from the Bar Association include such topics as: Update on Consumer Driven Health Care from the Employer and Physician Perspective, Prescription Drugs and Latest Innovations in Medical Treatment, and Health IT, featuring a speaker from GE Healthcare. A legislative panel at lunch will feature Sen. Karen Keiser, D-Seattle; Rep. Bill Hinkle, R-Cle Elum; and Christina Hulet from the governor's office. The conference will be held June 6, 7:30 am-1:30 pm, Doubletree Hotel, SeaTac. For more info, visit www.washingtonpolicy.org or call (206) 937-9691.

 

Take Your Business Global – Improve Your Importing and Exporting Skills
Learn everything you need to know for your business to take advantage of this great international market at the Taking Your Business Global seminar, June 15-17, Pier 69, Seattle. Fee: $395 (Includes lunches and materials). To register, visit www.learningconnections.org/takingyourbusinessglobal. Contact Jan Palmer at (206) 870-5912 or JPalmer@highline.edu. 

 

OSHA 10 Hour Certification Course – Mark Your Calendars for June 22
All you need to know about OSHA is on the agenda at the OSHA 10 hour certification course, June 22, Red Lion Hotel, Seattle, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Registration begins at 6:30 p.m. Standard fee is $149, but AWB CompWise members get a discount fee of $119. Register online at www.awb.org/events/seminars/osha10hrcert.asp. Contact AWB’s Alisha Boggs at (360) 943-1600 or AlishaB@awb.org.

 

Northwest Environmental Summit Sponsorship Opportunities Available! Call Now!
The Northwest Environmental Summit is scheduled for Oct. 18-19 at the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center. Visit www.envsummit.com. Contact AWB’s Jennifer Davis at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferD@awb.org.