AWB’s annual Policy Summit kicks off Wednesday
Policy Summit, AWB’s premier event of the year, is coming to Semiahmoo Resort Sept. 19-21. There’s still time to register, so don’t miss out on this exciting and informative annual event. Daily panels featuring expert speakers will focus on the direction of the economy and what’s on the radar for 2008. Headlining this exciting three-day event are musician and political pundit Mark Russell, internationally recognized pollster John Zogby and Gov. Chris Gregoire. For a full agenda and registration information, go to http://www.policysummit.com or contact AWB’s Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferC@awb.org.
Corporations must register officers with ESD
A new law, passed by the Legislature earlier this year, requires all corporations to register their officers with the Washington State Employment Security Department by Sept. 30. The purpose of the new law, according to ESD’s Web site, is to ensure that business owners and corporate officers, who generally are not eligible for unemployment benefits, do not receive these benefits. Also, corporate officers are personally liable in cases of unemployment tax evasion, and are required to register with the state under the new law. For more information on the law, please see http://fortress.wa.gov/esd/portal/unemployment/taxes/corpoffcr or contact AWB’s Mellani McAleenan at MellaniM@awb.org or (360) 943-1600.
Opportunity Grants program expanded
The Opportunity Grants program that helps low-income students attend college has expanded to include all community and technical colleges in Washington. This means that low-income students now have 34 additional institutions at which they can pursue an education. AWB supported the legislation and helped to ensure its passage during the 2007 session. “These Opportunity Grants help low-income students pursue an education that qualifies them for high-demand jobs,” said Gov. Chris Gregoire. “Now, even more Washingtonians—and the state’s economy—will benefit from the expanded program.” For more information, see http://www.governor.wa.gov/news/news-view.asp?pressRelease=638&newsType=1 or contact AWB’s Amber Carter at AmberC@awb.org or (360) 943-1600.
L&I announces rate increase for Workers’ Comp
The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries announced a workers’ compensation premium increase averaging 3.2 percent in 2008. The new rates reflect a 4.5-percent reduction in the Accident Fund, a 10.5-percent increase in the Medical Aid Fund, and a 17.1-percent increase in the Supplemental Pension Fund. Together, these make up the State Fund from which the overall rate is calculated. For industry-specific 2008 rates, see http://www.lni.wa.gov/claimsins/files/rates/2008ratesbybustypeclasscode.pdf. For more coverage and AWB’s perspective on the increase, see the Olympia Business Watch Blog at http://www.olympiabusinesswatch.com/2007/09/li-to-announce-.html or contact Kris Tefft at KrisT@awb.org or (360) 943-1600.
Supreme Court rules on Swinomish case
In an 8-1 decision, the Washington State Supreme Court made it clear last week that Washington’s Growth Management Act doesn’t require local governments to “enhance” critical areas as part of their comprehensive plans. The Washington Environmental Council and the Swinomish Tribal Council argued that the requirement to protect implies an obligation to “enhance,” that is, restore the areas to some earlier, presumably pristine, condition. In rejecting that interpretation, the Court affirmed that the GMA obligation is simply to protect the critical areas. For more information on the case, see Olympia Business Watch Blog at http://www.olympiabusinesswatch.com/2007/09/court-rules-for.html or contact AWB’s Chris McCabe at ChrisM@awb.org or (360) 943-1600.
Comments invited on new mixing zones report
Seattle-based environmental organization People for Puget Sound has issued a draft report on toxic chemicals and mixing zones. Interested parties have until Oct. 12 to make comments. AWB is reviewing the report and will be submitting comments. For more information, contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.
Now accepting applications for Brunell Scholarship
AWB members with children or grandchildren are encouraged to apply for the 2007-2008 Don Brunell Scholarship for Future Business Leaders. AWB’s Board developed the scholarship, which awards up to $2,000, to assist and inspire Washington’s future business leaders. The scholarship is available to undergraduate, graduate or career and vocational students currently pursuing, or intending to pursue, a course of education that will lead to a degree or certification in business from any public or private university, community or technical college, or private career school. For complete details on eligibility and instructions, please see http://www.awb.org/Application_Packet.doc. If you or your business would like to make a tax-deductible donation to the Don Brunell Scholarship Fund, please contact Mike Hudson at MikeH@awb.org or (360) 943-1600.
Coming in Washington Business magazine
Look for the September/October 2007 issue of Washington Business magazine in your mail box later this week. In this issue, “Water: Washington’s Lifeblood,” we examine the importance of rivers, water storage and irrigation to Washington’s economy.
Members have their say at AWB’s Regional Board meetings
Last Friday, AWB concluded the final of seven Regional Board meetings held throughout the state. “They were well attended, and members from all over the state gave us valuable input on our 2008 legislative positions and the ballot measures before the voters in November,” said AWB President Don Brunell. “It’s all about mobilizing our grassroots and involving our members in our decisions. Too often, our members are frustrated because the decisions impacting them are made in Olympia, said Brunell. “We’ve made every effort to make sure our 6,500 members make those decisions.” This is the third year AWB has conducted the regional meetings, held this year in Everett, Tacoma, Bellevue, Vancouver, Moses Lake, Spokane and the Tri-Cities. Input from the meetings was presented to AWB’s Governmental Affairs Council. During the annual Policy Summit meeting on Friday, AWB’s Board of Directors will vote on the final positions. For additional information, contact Don Brunell at DonB@awb.org or (360) 943-1600.
AWB’s Institute to lead Work Readiness Credential effort
AWB’s non-profit affiliate, the Institute for Workforce Development and Economic Sustainability, has received a contract from the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board to educate Washington employers about the benefits of using the Work Readiness Credential in their recruiting and hiring process. “The Work Readiness Credential solves one of the biggest problems employers tell us they have—hiring qualified entry-level employees,” said Mike Hudson, IWDES executive director. With the credential, employers can confidently hire entry-level workers who can complete work accurately, on time and to a high standard of quality. “The credential has been going through final testing for the past year, and we are nearly ready to launch it statewide,” said Hudson. For more information on how the credential will benefit your business, contact Mike Hudson at MikeH@awb.org.
Department of Ecology to develop new toxics strategy for water quality
The Washington State Department of Ecology is holding a special meeting Sept. 26 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in Lacey to begin developing a toxics strategy for water quality. Agenda items include two presentations and a discussion about current Department of Ecology efforts and possible future actions. For more information, contact Grant Nelson (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.
Workplace safety workshop coming Oct. 2
Don’t miss this opportunity to increase your safety knowledge and effectiveness in developing and administering safety programs within your company. The AWB Retro Program is offering a four-part safety seminar in conjunction with the Certified Safety Coordinator Program. For more information, please go to http://www.awb.org/events/compretro.asp or contact AWB’s Jennifer Costello at JenniferC@awb.org or (360) 943-1600.
AWB co-sponsoring workers’ comp conference
AWB is pleased to announce Meeting of the Minds, the 2007 Workers’ Compensation Conference on Oct. 3 and 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 http://www.wslc.org/photos/temp/07%20WC%20Conference.pdf. For more information, contact Kris Tefft at KrisT@AWB.org or (360) 943-1600.
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 the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center on Oct. 17 and 18. For more information go to www.envsummit.com, or contact AWB’s Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferC@awb.org.
AWB-TV showing new and informative videos
AWB is now broadcasting original videos on YouTube! These new and informative videos cover the Kittitas Wind Power Project; the Paid Family Leave Task Force; Referendum 67; Streamlined Sales Tax; AWB’s First 100 Years; as well as 2007 Legislative Review and 2008 Legislative Preview. Watch them at www.youtube.com/user/AWBorg.
Don’t miss Olympia Business Watch
Olympia Business Watch is AWB’s blog reviewing the news and events shaping business and politics. Some of the recent posts by AWB’s Communications and Government Affairs staff are: AWBTV: Legislative Review and Preview; Revenue Forecast Up $282 Million; Court Rules for Washington Landowners; R-67: Consumers in the Middle. To see these and other posts, check out Olympia Business Watch at http://www.olympiabusinesswatch.com.
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.
See This Week’s President’s Perspective at www.awb.org—Washington’s congressional delegation should approve South Korea trade pact
