AWB Spring Board Dinner and Awards Presentation Now on TVW
Did you miss AWB’s Spring Board Meeting in Spokane? You can see U.S. Chamber President Tom Donohue’s dinner keynote address and the awards presentation tonight at 7 p.m. or tomorrow at 11 a.m. on TVW, or view the video online at www.tvw.org/MediaPlayer/Archived/WME.cfm?EVNum=2007050126&TYPE=V.

Six-dollar Round-Trip Tolls for New 520 Bridge?
According to the Regional Transportation Investment District, $6 round-trip tolls on a new SR-520 bridge could be a reality within 11 years if voters approve a transportation package that rebuilds the bridge and allocates $23 billion to expand Sound Transit’s bus and rail system. Tolls, which financed the old bridge from 1963 to 1979, could make up the largest portion of financing for the new bridge, estimated to cost as much as $4.4 billion.

L&I to Develop Crane Safety Rules
The Department of Labor and Industries will develop crane safety rules that require Washington certification for cranes and crane operators as required by legislation passed during the 2007 session. For more information, contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

Education Committee Meeting June 12
AWB’s education committee will meet June 12, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at the Conference Center (Building K) at Madison Cooke, 1150 114th Ave. SE in Bellevue. For more information, contact AWB’s Mellani McAleenan at (360) 943-1600 or MellaniM@awb.org.

Members Needed as Department of Ecology Develops Chemical Action Plan for Lead Waste
As part of the Department of Ecology’s multi-year schedule adopted earlier this year, the agency has selected targeted lead waste for the department’s next chemical action plan. Ecology intends to begin developing the plan in late June and issue the draft for public comment in December. The department will focus on sources and products containing lead and develop recommendations for reducing health risks. If you are interested in participating on the advisory committee, please contact Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

L&I Issues Regional Directive for Emergency Outdoor Heat Stress Rule
The Department of Labor and Industries’ heat stress rule will go into effect on June 5, according to a WISHA Regional Directive. A copy of the WRD—along with the draft emergency rule, training workshops schedule, a sample heat stress prevention program and other information—is available at www.lni.wa.gov/Safety/Topics/AtoZ/HeatStress. Contact Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

Climate Advisory Team Meeting Scheduled for June 5
The Climate Advisory Team, formed by Ecology and CTED to implement the governor’s executive order on climate change, holds its next meeting June 5, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., at the Spokane Red Lion Hotel. Numerous AWB members are on the CAT and technical working groups. All meetings are open to the public. Check www.ecy.wa.gov/climatechange for the agenda. For more information, contact Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

Tax and Fiscal Policy Committee Meeting—June 27, Seattle, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
For more information, contact AWB’s Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.

Train-the-Trainer Workshop on Forklift Safety to be Held on June 6
This seminar will teach licensed forklift operators how to conduct proper safety training for their employees. To register, visit www.awb.org/events/forkliftsafety.asp. Contact AWB’s Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferC@awb.org.

HR Essentials—A Briefing on New Legislation from the 2007 Washington Legislative Session
Don’t miss HR Essentials—a briefing no employer should miss—where you’ll learn about the latest laws and regulations on employment, workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance. The briefings will be held in Yakima (June 12), Kennewick (June 12), Spokane (June 13), Moses Lake (June 13), Everett (June 26), Bellevue (June 26) and Vancouver (June 27). Contact AWB’s Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org.

2007 Policy Summit Coming Sept. 19-21 at Semiahmoo—Register Early!
Register now for AWB’s Policy Summit (Semiahmoo Resort, Blaine, Sept. 19-21). The theme is “Getting Ready for a Wide-Open 2008,” featuring pollster John Zogby, political satirist Mark Russell and Gov. Chris Gregoire. To register or sponsor, see www.policysummit.com. Contact AWB’s Jennifer Davis at (800) 521-9325 or JenniferD@awb.org.

Northwest Environmental Summit Sponsorship Opportunities Available
The Northwest Environmental Summit (Oct. 17-18, Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center) is a great opportunity for your company to gain visibility in front of environmental professionals, managers, agency heads and policy-makers. To become a sponsor, visit www.envsummit.com or contact Jennifer Davis at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferD@awb.org.

Governmental Affairs Council Retreat June 20 and 21
Mark your calendars for June 20 and 21 for the Governmental Affairs Council Retreat at the Alderbrook Resort. Register online at www.awb.org/events/gac.asp. Call (800) 622-9370 to reserve rooms; blocks of rooms for the event have been set aside under AWB’s name. Contact Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org.

Overwhelmed by Shipping Costs? Start Saving Today!
The AWB Freight savings program gives small and mid-sized companies the same opportunities to save money on shipping as larger companies. Participants will receive a 74- to 78-percent discount off the carrier’s base rates! For more information, visit www.awb.org/services/freightsavings.asp.

Teaching Responsibility and Good Manners Starts at Home - See This Week's President's Perspective at www.awb.org  

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