West Fork Timber, Co., of Mineral, has delivered a 30-foot noble fir for the rotunda of our state capital in Olympia as part of the Holiday Kids’ Tree Project. The lighting ceremony is set for Dec. 1 with a choir and a special appearance by Santa and his elves. To donate to the Holiday Kids’ Tree Project, contact AWB’s Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org. Over the last 17 years, AWB members raised over a quarter million dollars for rural fire departments to provide gifts and food for needy families. So far this year, we have over $15,000 in the bank.

 

L&I is expected to makes its 2007 workers’ comp rate adjustment announcement on Friday. We expect L&I to incorporate many of the concerns AWB raised with them during our review of the proposal. The proposal will go to public hearing in December.

 

Ecology Amending Air Quality Rules for New Sources – Learn More Dec. 4 at AWB
The Dept. of Ecology is in the initial stages of amending its regulations on new sources of toxic pollutants, found in Chapter 173-460 WAC. The regulation establishes requirements addressing best available control technology for toxics, toxic air pollutant emissions quantification, and human health and safety protection. Staff from Ecology will present this information to AWB’s Air Quality Committee on Dec. 4, 11 a.m., regarding the draft rule. Contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

 

AWB’s manufacturing retro program will return $4.3 million in refunds to our participating members. Remember, under AWB’s retro program, your workers’ comp dollars go back to you. We do not withhold your refunds.

 

Climate Change Subcommittee Meeting – Dec. 4
AWB’s Climate Change Subcommittee will meet Dec. 4, 1:30-3:30 p.m. at AWB. We will review and discuss our recent meetings with the governor’s office, CTED and Ecology. Contact AWB’s Chris McCabe at (360) 943-1600 or ChrisM@awb.org, or contact Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

 

 On Dec. 7, AWB President Don Brunell will be meeting with his western counterparts to talk about politics, energy and common issues. On Dec. 8, he will address the state convention and tourism bureaus in Vancouver to talk about promoting tourism.

 

Governor Gregoire to Meet with AWB’s Executive Committee
Gov. Gregoire will discuss the 2007 session and the state’s competitiveness with the Executive Committee on Dec. 13 at AWB.

 

L&I Offering Workshops for Business
L&I is offering 90-minute workshops on accident prevention for Small Business and Workers’ Compensation 101 in November and December. The workshops are free. Learn more at www.lni.wa.gov/Safety/TrainTools/Workshops/Available/default.asp.

 

 

AWB’s Environmental Affairs Council will meet Dec. 14, 9 a.m. – noon to discuss with the Dept. of Ecology its request legislation for next session, its capital and operating budgets and the final Puget Sound Partnership recommendations. Visit www.ecy.wa.gov/services/fs/07-09budget.htm. Contact Grant Nelson at GrantN@awb.org or (360) 943-1600)

 

L&I Meeting With Business Community – Dec. 15
Judy Schurke, interim L&I director, will meet with the business community on Dec. 15, 1-2:30 p.m. at L&I headquarters in Tumwater. For directions, visit http://lni.wa.gov/Main/ContactInfo/OfficeLocations/default.asp.

 

Better Workplace Awards – Send Nominations by Jan. 5
AWB’s Better Workplace Awards honor companies with exemplary records in workplace safety, job training and advancement programs, and innovative benefit/compensation programs. Submit nominations by Jan. 5 to www.awb.org/services/awards/bwa/index.asp. Contact AWB’s Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferC@awb.org

 

2007 Northwest Environmental Summit – Planning Starts in January
Help plan the Northwest’s premier summit on environmental issues! Committee meetings begin in January. Interested in serving on the steering committee? Contact AWB’s Jennifer Davis at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferD@awb.org.

 

Talking Taxes and How to Get a Business Loan on Washington Business Weekly
We will discuss how to get business loans and talk about AWB’s tax and fiscal objectives for the 2007 session on Washington Business Weekly on Tacoma’s KLAY-AM 1180, 11a.m.-12 noon, and on Spokane’s KSBN-AM 1230, 5-6 p.m.

 

Emergency Planning & Disaster Management – Is Your Business Prepared?
How your organization responds to emergencies can determine whether the occurrence is an incident or a full-blown disaster. Attend this one-day seminar and learn to prepare and apply a survival plan for any type of disaster. For more information, please visit www.awb.org/events/seminars/emergencyplanning.asp. Contact Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferC@awb.org.