Senate Democrats Block Important Tax Relief Bill - Cantwell and Murray Oppose Estate Tax Provisions
Washington lost big time last week when Senate Democrats blocked important tax legislation which passed the House. This tax bill, supported in the House by Rep. Dave Reichert, R-Auburn; Rep. Doc Hastings, R-Pasco; and Rep. Cathy McMorris, R-Colville, permanently solved the federal estate tax, lessened the burden on families, farms and small businesses; extended Washington state sales tax deductibility; provided tax relief for Washington’s timber industry; and extended the research and development tax credit.

AWB President on Washington Voters Pamphlet on Key Initiatives
AWB President Don Brunell has been asked to sign on to the Washington Voters Pamphlet supporting I-920 (repeal of state estate tax) and opposing I-937 (adequacy and price energy supply for industry, business and families) and I-917 ($30 car tabs), if it qualifies.

AWB CompWise Retail/Wholesale/Service Retro Group Receives more than $3 Million Refund
Members of AWB’s retail/wholesale/service retro group will receive more than $3 million for their efforts in maintaining a safe workplace and reducing workers’ comp. costs. Refund checks will be available in September. Learn more at www.awb.org/programs/workerscompreview.htm. Contact Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferC@awb.org.

BP Shuts Down Pipeline Supplying Washington Refineries - Safety Precautions
BP announced yesterday it will shut down the 800-mile pipeline carrying crude oil from Alaska’s North Slope to Valdez.  Alaska's Prudhoe Bay oil field accounts for about 8 percent of daily U.S. production. Washington refineries depend upon Alaska crude.  BP found corrosion in a dozen locations and took the precautionary steps of shutting down the pipeline for repairs.

Climate Change Subcommittee Meeting Aug. 24 – Possible Legislation to Be Discussed
AWB’s Energy and Air Quality Committees have jointly formed a subcommittee on climate change which will review current policies and possible legislation related to climate change. The subcommittee will meet on Aug. 24. Contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

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 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.

AWB Elections Issue of Washington Business is Going to Press—Still Time to Advertise
AWB’s elections issue of the award-winning Washington Business magazine is going to press.  There is still time to advertise. This one will be read. It is a bargain. Contact AWB’s Lex Nepomuceno at (360) 943-1600 or AlexisN@awb.org.

Energy Letters to Gov. Gregoire Available
AWB President Don Brunell has sent Gov. Gregoire two letters regarding the importance of competitively priced, reliable power. If you want copies of the letters, please contact Don Brunell at DonB@awb.org. 

Focus on AWB’s Judicial Endorsements on Next Washington Business Weekly – On the Air and Online at www.awb.org  
We’ll talk with AWB’s Kris Tefft about AWB’s judicial endorsements, discuss EPA’s Energy Star program, and observe Washington Wine Month with Robin Pollard of the Washington Wine Commission on the next Washington Business Weekly, Thursday on Tacoma’s KLAY-AM 1180, 11 a.m.-12 noon and Spokane’s KSBN-AM 1230, 5-6 p.m.

Register for the Regional Board Meetings in Early September—Give Us Your Two-Cents Worth on our Legislative Positions
AWB’s Regional Board meetings are being held in September so we can gather your input on issues before our Board meets on Sept. 22 at the Policy Summit to finalize them. Meetings are at Everett & SeaTac (Sept. 6); Vancouver (Sept. 7); Spokane (Sept. 11); Moses Lake (Sept. 12); and Tri-Cities (Sept. 13). To register, contact AWB’s Bonnie Millikan at (360) 943-1600 or BonnieM@awb.org. 

Candidate Interviews Coming in August and September – Members are Welcome to Participate
Candidate interviews will be held at SeaTac (Sept. 6, 4:30–6:30 p.m.), Vancouver (Sept. 7, 1–3 p.m.), Bellevue (Sept. 8, 9–11 a.m.), and Spokane (Sept. 11, 3-5 p.m.). To register, contact AWB’s Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@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 Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferC@awb.org.

Great Values With AWB’s Freight Program - SAVE 67 Percent or More On Your Next Freight Bill
You may now rollover your current discounts with some of the nation's best service freight carriers in the AWB freight program and receive a minimum 67 percent discount directly off these carriers' base rates for all LTL shipments. See www.awb.org/services/freightsavings.asp. Contact Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferC@awb.org.

An Imminent Showdown on Eminent Domain - See This Week’s President’s Perspective at www.awb.org

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