Washington Supreme Court Decides Important Ergonomics Case
The Washington Supreme Court released its decision in Supervalu, Inc. v. L&I. The Supreme Court held that L&I has general duty clause authority over ergonomics in the workplace, despite the 2003 passage of AWB-backed I-841, which repealed L&I's ergonomics regulation. AWB will be watching the effects of this decision. Contact AWB’s Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org.

Yes on I-920 and No on I-937 Campaigns Need Your Help 
Now is the time to contribute to help pass I-920 and end the state death tax. Visit www.yeson920.com/takeaction.asp or contact AWB’s Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org. Same goes for I-937, the government energy mandate. Visit www.nooni937.com or contact AWB’s Chris McCabe at (360) 943-1600 or ChrisM@awb.org.

Northwest Environmental Summit a huge success!
The 2006 Northwest Environmental Summit was a tremendous success with participation and attendance from over 300 environmental professionals from industry, state and local government and the consulting sector. Thank you to all who participated. Please keep checking www.envsummit.com as plans for the 2007 Environmental Summit are under way. 

L&I Changes Experience Rating Calculations for Workers' Comp Premiums
L&I is in the process of changing the formula it uses to calculate employers' experience rating that determine the workers' compensation premium it pays.  AWB will be monitoring this new formula to ensure it does not unduly burden our members' bottom line.  For more information, see www.lni.wa.gov/ClaimsIns/Insurance/RatesRisk/How/ExpFactor/ExpRateFaq.asp.     

Deadline for In-Person Registration to Vote in November Election – Tomorrow, Oct. 24 

Former House Minority Whip Curtis Prout Smith Dies at Age 90
We are saddened to report the passing of Rep. Curtis Prout Smith who served in the state Legislature from 1978 to 1990 representing the 13th Legislative District. AWB President Don Brunell commented, "Rep. Curt Smith was one of the finest, most honest and decent men anyone could meet. He was salt of the earth - a quiet man, but one with strong conviction and courage."

Research Council Releases Policy Brief on Estate Taxes and Their Negative Economic Impact
Estate taxes drive away wealthy citizens, according to a new policy brief the Research Council has posted on Initiative 920, which would repeal Washington State's estate tax. Read the brief at http://researchcouncil.blogs.com/weblog/files/i920_brief_final.pdf.

Multiyear PBT Chemical Action Plan Proposed
Under a proposed rule by Ecology, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and perfluorooctane sulfonates will be selected for state action during the next three years. AWB’s PBT Workgroup will meet Oct. 17 to discuss the proposed rule and development of comments due Nov. 20. See the rule at www.ecy.wa.gov/biblio/0607025.html. Contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

Puget Sound Partnership Makes Final Recommendations
The Puget Sound Partnership has made its final recommendations available at www.pugetsoundpartnership.org. Comments on the draft are due Oct. 26. Contact Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

Creating an Employee Handbook - What You Need To Know to Keep You Compliant
The Creating an Employee Handbook Seminar (Nov. 7, Renaissance Seattle Hotel, 515 Madison Street, Seattle, Registration: 8-8:30 a.m., Seminar: 8:30 a.m.-12 noon) will help maximize your communication with your employees and minimize your liability. Register at www.awb.org/events/seminars/employeehandbook.asp. Contact AWB’s Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferC@awb.org.

South Korea/Taiwan Trade Mission Notes
AWB President Don Brunell just returned from Gov. Gregoire’s trade mission to Korea and Taiwan. He is assembling notes to assist AWB members with trading, partnering and doing business with those two important countries. It was a successful trade mission with over 80 people from education, agriculture and business participating. Contact AWB’s Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.

AWB, NAM and State Partners Role Out “Dream It – Do It” Campaign at KING 5
AWB and the National Association of Manufacturers, Washington Manufacturing Services, Shoreline Community College and the Seattle/King County Workforce Development Council are rolling out the “Dream It – Do It” campaign at breakfast on Oct. 24 at KING 5’s audience lobby in Seattle. “Dream It – Do It” will help manufacturers find skilled workers, recruit young adults and keep jobs in Washington state. Contact AWB’s Mike Hudson at (360) 943-1600 or MikeH@awb.org.

Small Business Regional Issue Forum Coming to Spokane
The Washington Policy Center’s Fall 2006 Small Business Regional Issue Forums (Spokane, Oct. 26) is designed to educate small business owners about public policy. Contact AWB’s Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org.

Initiatives on Next Washington Business Weekly Online at www.awb.org 
We will give you the scoop on the November ballot initiatives on the next Washington Business Weekly, Thursday on Tacoma’s KLAY-AM 1180, 11 a.m.-12 noon and on Spokane’s KSBN-AM 1230, 5-6 p.m.  

2006 Salary & Benefits Info Available – Call (800) 300-9570 or Visit www.compdatasurveys.com   

Spending Limits May Be The Next Idea Migrating North from Oregon – See This Week’s President’s Perspective at www.awb.org   

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