Washington Supreme Court Accepts Two Tax Appeals Backed by AWB
Our state Supreme Court has announced it will review appeals in two tax cases regarding the right standard to apply in an excise tax refund action, and regarding the ability of a business to pass along and itemize the state B&O tax as an item of overhead in a sale.  AWB successfully supported both appeals with “friend of the court” briefs urging the Supreme Court to accept them. Oral arguments should take place this fall with a decision in mid-late 2007. Contact AWB’s Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org. 

Washington Business Magazine Wins Gold at Magnum Opus Awards
AWB’s Washington Business magazine’s Ulcer Gulch column has won gold in the category of Best Regularly Featured Department, Section or Column from the Magnum Opus Awards. In addition, the magazine also won one silver, two bronze and three honorable mentions. The Magnum Opus Awards, presented by faculty members from the University of Missouri-Columbia’s prestigious School of Journalism, are the gold standard of excellence for specialty and corporate publications.          

Promote Your Company To Other AWB Members!
Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity! AWB’s annual Policy Summit is scheduled for Sept. 20-22 at Semiahmoo Resort in Blaine. Every year we provide goodie bags to all of our attendees. Give your organization a chance to stand out and make a statement by being a contributing sponsor to the goodie bags. Contact AWB’s Jennifer Davis at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferD@awb.org.

DOT Audits on Agenda at Next AWB Transportation Committee Meeting – July 25
The next AWB Transportation Committee meeting will be on July 25, 10 a.m.-12 noon at the AWB office in Olympia. Chris Cortines from the State Auditors Office will describe the upcoming audit of how DOT relieves highway congestion. In addition, AWB’s transportation legislative objective will be reviewed. Contact AWB’s Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@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 at. Register at www.envsummit.com. Contact AWB’s Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferC@awb.org.

Employers Needed to Fill Positions on Commute Trip Reduction Board
Employers are needed on the state’s Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) Board. The board will help WSDOT create the new rules for the CTR program, review and approve local and regional CTR plans, and act as a forum for employers, transit agencies, local governments and others to discuss policy issues. Apply soon if interested. The board’s first meeting is on July 28. Contact AWB’s Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.

$30 License Tab Initiative May Not Make November Ballot
The Secretary of State’s office has finished the initial signature count on I-917, Tim Eyman’s $30 car tab initiative. Eyman turned in 266,008 signatures. Out of this, 225,000 valid signatures are needed to qualify. To qualify for November’s ballot, I-917 will need to have one of the lowest invalid rates in state history. Thus we may not know if I-917 will be on the ballot before August.

Responder Training Course – July 19-20
Terrorism Awareness: Protecting Soft Targets will be held July 19-20, in Tacoma. It is free and OGT approved. Reimbursement may be available through your HLS Regional Office. Contact Adrian Damon at (253) 512-7046 or A.Damon@emd.wa.gov. 

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.

Learn About the State’s New Law on Sexual Orientation and How it Will Affect Your Business
The Washington State Human Rights Commission will host a forum about the state’s new sexual orientation law, July 27, 7-9 p.m., at Silverdale Community Center. Contact Tanya Calahan at (360) 753-4876 or (800) 233-3247.