AWB leading effort on regional economic coordination
Last week, AWB President Don Brunell, along with Alberta’s Clint Dunford, a longtime member of the province’s legislative assembly, led a discussion with chamber presidents from Oregon, Alaska and Alberta, to develop an action plan to coordinate energy, climate change, workforce, homeland security, trade and other competitive issues. A follow-up meeting is planned for November and is part of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWR) organization. “The future success of the Pacific Northwest is a cooperative and coordinated strategy with legislators and business.” For more information, please contact Don Brunell at DonB@awb.org.
Cornerstone Awards
AWB will honor 45 state legislators with AWB’s 2007 Cornerstone Award for their efforts in support of the business community in Washington. AWB presents this award to legislators who vote for business-friendly legislation and against legislation that might erode the state’s competitiveness. “With the Cornerstone Award we show our respect and appreciation to those lawmakers who stand with business to improve our state’s competitiveness, economic growth and job creation,” said Don Brunell, AWB’s president. To receive the award, legislators must have a pro-business voting record of at least 80 percent. For a full list of award winners, please see http://www.awb.org/cgi-bin/absolutenm/templates/?a=1507&z=2.
DOR to publish final refund ruling on July 31, 2007
The Washington State Department of Revenue intends to publish their final ruling relating to refunds or credits for overpayment of taxes and penalties or interest on July 31, 2007. This ruling has been stakeholdered with the business community by DOR for the last two years and has significantly improved since its first draft. While DOR did not embrace all of AWB’s suggestions, they did adopt a number of key revisions, making the final rule more acceptable. AWB really appreciates the help of all of our members over the last two years in reviewing various drafts and providing input. For a copy of the ruling and DOR’s response to AWB's comments, please contact Amber Carter at AmberC@awb.org.
Rep. Bill Grant selected for Matson Award
AWB’s Government Affairs Council (GAC) chose Rep. Bill Grant, D-Walla Walla, as the recipient of its prestigious 2007 Matson Award. This award recognizes the state legislator who supports issues important to Washington’s employers and the state’s competitiveness. It is the highest honor a legislator can receive from AWB. AWB established this award to honor the late Sen. Jim Matson, R-Selah, who was a veteran state legislator and an AWB Executive Committee member. Presentation of the award will occur on Sept. 20, 2007, during AWB’s annual Policy Summit meeting at Semiahmoo Resort near Blaine, Wash. For more information, please see http://www.awb.org.
Beware of fraudulent 800-number phone calls
According to the Washington State Department of Revenue Web site “…taxpayers have received automated phone messages from a party that identifies itself as the Department of Revenue. The phone message directs businesses to call a 1-800 number and have their tax numbers ready. When the call is made, a recording says the number has changed and directs the caller to call an international number beginning with the digits 101 for which charges apply. DOR will never ask taxpayers to call an international number, nor will it impose fees for calling.” For more information and instructions on how to handle these fraudulent calls,
click here
AWB's Kris Tefft appointed to Vocational Rehabilitation Council
Gov. Gregoire appointed AWB General Counsel Kris Tefft to represent the interests of the employer community as part of the state's Vocational Rehabilitation Council. The governor established the council in October 1993 in response to the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1992. This twenty-one member council focuses on options for individuals with disabilities to be part of the labor market and, according to the DSHS Web site “…includes members with broad geographic representation, gender, ethnic, and cultural diversity.” Tefft brings experience in employment-related disability law to the council. For more information on the council, see:
http://www1.dshs.wa.gov/dvr/aboutdvr/rehab-council.htm.
AWB regional board meetingsTake advantage of the chance to let AWB know what we can do for you. The regional board meetings are your chance to participate in the formation of AWB’s 2008 legislative agenda. Be sure to mark your region’s meeting on your calendar: Sept. 5 (Everett and Tacoma), Sept. 6 (Bellevue), Sept. 7 (Vancouver), Sept. 11 (Spokane and Moses Lake), and Sept. 12 (Kennewick). Contact AWB’s Bonnie Millikan at (360) 943-1600 or
BonnieM@awb.org.
New hotline launched to improve government efficiency and accountabilityOn July 23, 2007, the Washington State Auditor’s Office launched a new toll-free hotline to improve government efficiency and accountability. The hotline is open to all citizens and government employees who would like to recommend ways to improve efficiency; remove waste, fraud and abuse; report outstanding achievement and efficiency in government. All reports and assertions can pertain to state and local governments, employees and contractors. The hotline has three points of contact: A toll-free phone number, 1-866-902-3900; the State Auditor’s Web site:
www.sao.wa.gov, where hotline users can submit a Web form electronically to the office; and via snail mail to: Washington State Auditor’s Office, ATTN: Hotline, P.O. Box 40031, Olympia, WA 98504-0031. For more information, please see the Web site listed above.
Summary of the Spring 2007 Small Business Roundtable Series now available online
Throughout May, the governor's Office of Regulatory Assistance facilitated roundtable discussions with small-business owners and representatives from Washington State. Since attending the four meetings–which took place in Bellevue, Spokane, Kennewick and Vancouver–agency leaders have reviewed the comments and suggestions shared by business owners and business association representatives. Action plans are underway to address some of the issues raised. Please take a few moments to review the statewide report at http://www.ora.wa.gov/roundtables/default.asp.
AWB to host meeting on Paid Family Leave
Members are invited to a meeting on Monday, August 13 from 10:00 a.m. to noon at AWB in Olympia to discuss principles and priorities related to the implementation of the 2007 Paid Family Leave mandate, as the Joint Legislative Task Force created, to determine funding and administration commences. Business appointees to the task force, Susan Fagan and Judy Coovert, will be on hand. For more information, contact Kris Tefft at KrisT@awb.org.
Unemployment Insurance Committee
There will be an Unemployment Insurance Committee meeting from 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm on August 13th at AWB. If you would like to join via conference call, please contact Shannon at ShannonG@awb.org.
Workers' Comp Coalition to meet with director
Workers' compensation issues heat up for the fall as the employers’ Workers’ Comp Coalition holds its quarterly meeting with L&I Director Judy Schurke on Wednesday, August 1 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at L&I headquarters in Tumwater. The coalition itself will then be meeting on August 15th from 9:00 a.m. to noon at AWB in Olympia, with guest speakers to be announced. For more information, contact Kris Tefft at KrisT@awb.org.
AWB Water Resource Committee meeting
There will be a Water Resource Committee meeting on August 1 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at AWB. This conference will address impairment issues, permitting, funding, and liability concerning the reclaimed water rulemaking advisory group. It will also cover the lawsuit regarding municipal water law, as well as other items. If you would like to join via conference call, please contact Shannon Garland at ShannonG@awb.org.
Conversation on energy
ConocoPhillips is hosting a series of town hall meetings across the country to share ideas on America’s energy future. Washington’s town hall meeting will be held in Spokane on August 9 at the Red Lion Hotel at the Park in Spokane. In addition to speakers from ConocoPhillips, panelists from organizations active in renewable energy and energy efficiency, business and industry, the environment and conservation will be present. Brian L. Pitcher, chancellor of Washington State University will moderate the discussion. For more information or to register, call (888) 877-5917 or go to www.conocophillips.com/energy.
OSHA 10-hour certification course
Bring yourself up to date on the latest in safety training and OSHA standards. The course will be held August 27-28, in Bellevue, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration is at 8:30 a.m. Register at www.awb.org/events/seminars/osha10hrcert.asp. Contact Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferC@awb.org.
Don’t miss the 2007 Northwest Environmental Summit
AWB, the Northwest Environmental Business Council, and the Washington 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 Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferC@awb.org.
Public and private sectors should play by the same rules - See This Week's President's Perspective at www.awb.org
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