AWB builds bridges with major trading partner
AWB President Don Brunell represented the private sector last week at a luncheon hosted by Gov. Chris Gregoire for Qin Yuqin, president of the Sichuan Provincial Committee. The state of Washington and the Sichuan Province of China celebrate 25 years of official relations this year. Sichuan is one of China’s most important agricultural production centers. It is also rich in mineral resources. Located in south-central China, Sichuan Province has a population of more than 87 million in a geographic area four times larger than Washington. President Qin issued an invitation for a Washington delegation to come to Sichuan to strengthen ties and explore economic opportunities. For more information, visit www.olympiabusinesswatch.com/2007/09/sichuan-wants-m.html.
Strategy 2013 takes off
AWB is launching a new strategic planning process called Strategy 2013. Fred Stabbert, former CEO of West Coast Paper Co., agreed to lead the planning effort. Stabbert chaired AWB’s Board of Directors in 2002. AWB’s goal is to unveil Strategy 2013 at the annual Spring Board meeting in Spokane on May 21. If you have suggestions, please let us know. Contact Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.
Year-end figures look good for AWB
AWB’s fiscal year 2008 begins today. We’re finishing fiscal 2007 on a positive note with 6,500 members and $5.6 million in income. Both are stretch goals. Thanks for your support and encouragement.
Nonprofits must register corporate officers, but less detail needed
The Washington State Department of Employment Security has just provided the following information on its Web site in response to this question: “We are a nonprofit corporation. Do we still have to register? Do we have to register our individual corporate officers?” Answer: “Yes, nonprofit corporations have to register. The new law applies to all corporations, including nonprofit corporations. However, the department is developing rules which make it clear that we do not need detailed information (names, Social Security numbers, addresses, etc.) for volunteer corporate officers who receive no compensation from the nonprofit corporation. This is a change from how the department initially interpreted the requirements of the law. If the nonprofit corporation is structured so that any of its corporate officers are not volunteers or if they receive compensation, then the corporation must still register those individuals. Your corporation's officers include everyone you have designated as such, and may include board members. If you're not sure who your officers are, please check the registration form you submit to the Secretary of State's office each year.” For more information, please see: http://fortress.wa.gov/esd/portal/unemployment/taxes/corpoffcr.
Be sure to check out AWB-TV
AWB is now broadcasting original videos on YouTube. These programs provide background on AWB and offer insight on legislation and issues that matter to Washington’s businesses. In the most recent video, Richard Davis talks with AWB Board Chairs Brad Carlson and Kirk Nelson about a variety of issues of interest to the business community. Watch it at www.youtube.com/user/AWBorg.
AWB well-represented at national chambers meeting
AWB President Don Brunell and VP of Operations Dick Walter are attending a joint conference of the Council of State Chambers and the Association of State Chamber Professionals in West Virginia this week. Don chairs COSC and Dick is on the ASCP’s Executive Committee. The conference is an opportunity for chambers of commerce to discuss various approaches to issues and explore ways to better serve their members. We’ll have more details soon.
Don’t miss Olympia Business Watch
Olympia Business Watch is AWB’s blog reviewing the news and events shaping business and politics. Recent posts by AWB’s Communications and Government Affairs staff include: California Paid Family Leave Expansion Proposed; Labor’s Card-Check Bill Extremely Unpopular; SCHIP, Yes! SCHIP Expansion, No!; Paid Leave Task Force: Cost a Major Concern; Sichuan Wants More Business; and Romney Takes on Hillary Care 2.0. To read all this and more, check out Olympia Business Watch at http://www.olympiabusinesswatch.com/.
Who owns Big Oil?
From Red Cavaney, president of the American Petroleum Institute: “If you’re wondering who owns ‘Big Oil,’ chances are the answer is ‘you.’ If you have a mutual fund account—and 55 million U.S. households do—there’s a good chance it invests in oil and natural gas company stocks. If you have an IRA or personal retirement account—and 45 million U.S. households do—it’s likely to invest in oil and natural gas companies as well … made clear by a new study by Robert J. Shapiro, undersecretary of commerce for economic affairs under President Clinton, and economist Nam Pham.” View the study at: http://energytomorrow.org/media_center/Shapiro_Pham_Study.pdf.
Sales tax workshops scheduled around state
On July 1, 2008, local sales tax laws will change for retailers who deliver goods to customers in Washington. The Department of Revenue is holding free two-hour workshops around the state to help you learn about destination-based sales taxes how they will affect your business. Topics covered include information on the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement and how it will change the way you do business, who is affected by the change, and business assistance available to help you make the change. Go to https://fortress.wa.gov/dor/elf/secureforms/Content/WorkshopsAndEducation/AttendAWorkshop/SSTWorkshops.aspxto register for these workshops and to find one in your area.
AWB co-sponsoring workers’ comp conference
Meeting of the Minds, the 2007 Workers’ Compensation Conference, is coming Oct. 3-4 in Wenatchee. AWB is co-sponsoring the conference in cooperation with the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries and the Washington State Labor Council. Business owners who need accurate and complete information about workers’ compensation issues should make plans to attend. The program will include workers’ comp basics, what’s going on in the next two years in policy, claims assistance resources, and updates on vocational rehabilitation. Download the conference agenda and registration form at www.wslc.org/photos/temp/07%20WC%20Conference.pdf. Contact AWB’s Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org.
Advertise in Washington Business magazine
Washington Business magazine, published by AWB, is one of the best ways to communicate with business and political leaders in Washington. Support AWB and make your message heard by advertising in Washington Business magazine. Contact Chad Taylor at (360) 736-8065 or Chad@silveragency.com.
Don’t miss the 2007 Northwest Environmental Summit
AWB, the Northwest Environmental Business Council, and the Washington State Department of Ecology will bring the state’s most comprehensive environmental conference to Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center on Oct. 17 and 18. Nominations are under consideration for company projects that benefit the environment. Download the awards nomination form and register at www.envsummit.com. Contact AWB’s J-Anne Nepomuceno at (360) 943-1600 or JAnneN@awb.org.
Referendum 67 is all about money - See This Week’s President’s Perspective atwww.awb.org
