AWB workforce training panel
AWB President Don Brunell joined a discussion on the future of worker training programs at the Conference of State Manufacturers Association annual meeting in Coeur d’Alene today. Jack Stewart, president of the California Manufacturers and Technology Association, and Jay Moon, president of the Mississippi Manufacturing Association, also participated. The group is concerned about the shortage of skilled and professional workers, high school dropout rates, spending limited government training funds in the best possible way, and meeting employer needs. COSMA is stepping up its activities to provide the necessary skilled and professional workers for a competitive economy. AWB coordinates its worker training programs through AWB’s Institute for Workforce Development and Economic Sustainability. IWDES is headed by AWB’s Mike Hudson, a member of the governor’s Workforce Education and Training Coordinating Board.
Department of Ecology launches new heavy metal Web site
The Washington State Department of Ecology’s advisory committee, tasked with developing a chemical action plan for lead, met for the first time July 18. Lead is used in a variety of products, including some consumer products, aviation fuel, protective shields and coatings. The committee will meet four more times before developing recommendations on how to reduce risks to human health and the environment related to lead contamination. Recommendations could include the use of alternative materials, product bans and labeling requirements. Meeting materials and other information about this effort are now available at www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/swfa/leadcap. Contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.
Employee training funds available
The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges announced the availability of about $240,000 in Job Skills Program grant funds for the 2007-2008 fiscal year. Grants are available to Washington businesses for employee training. For more information contact Mike Hudson at MikeH@awb.org.
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 have covered disability law, the state’s Children’s Health Insurance Program, the streamlined sales tax, and the exciting launch of AWB’s new YouTube page. Be sure to check OBW out at http://awbblog.typepad.com/olympia_business_watch/.
Advertise in Washington Business magazine
Washington Business magazine, published by AWB, is one of the best ways to communicate to the 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.
Land Use Committee meeting
AWB’s Land Use Committee will meet Aug. 22 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at AWB. Agenda items will include an informal, roundtable discussion with House Local Government Chair Rep. Geoff Simpson, D-Kent, a separate discussion about AWB’s 2008 land use legislative package, and an update on the Puget Sound Partnership. We will also review AWB’s Land Use/GMA Policy legislative objectives for the 2008 legislative session. If you are unable to attend, please feel free to participate by telephone. Contact AWB’s Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org.
Environmental Affairs Council meeting
AWB’s Environmental Affairs Council will meet Aug. 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at AWB. Agenda items include a presentation by Ron Schultz, interim executive director of Puget Sound Partnership. We will also review AWB’s Land Use/GMA Policy legislative objectives for the 2008 legislative session. Contact Chris McCabe at (360) 943-1600 or ChrisM@awb.org.
AWB regional board meetings
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.
Unemployment Insurance Committee Meeting
AWB’s Unemployment Insurance Committee will meet Aug. 13 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at AWB. If you are unable to attend, please feel free to participate by telephone. Contact Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org.
Education Committee Meeting
AWB’s Education Committee will meet Aug. 20 at 10 a.m. at AWB. The agenda will include a discussion of the simple majority ballot measure with a possible recommendation from the Education Committee to the Tax and Fiscal Policy Council and updates to AWB’s 2008 legislative objectives. We have invited speakers from the State Board of Education, College and Work Ready Coalition, and League of Education Voters. If you are unable to attend, please feel free to participate by telephone. Contact AWB’s Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org.
Health Care Committee Meeting
AWB’s Health Care Committee will meet on Aug. 22 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at AWB. If you are unable to attend, please feel free to participate by telephone. Contact AWB’s Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org.
2nd annual Governor’s Smart Communities Awards
The Governor’s Smart Communities Awards program recognizes outstanding efforts of local communities and their partners throughout the state to create quality communities through achieving the goals of the Growth Management Act and other community development objectives. Excellent work is occurring around the state, and this awards program highlights those successes. Gov. Chris Gregoire will present the awards at a special reception. Applications are due by Aug. 16. Contact Julie Knackstedt at (360) 725-3053 or JulieK@cted.wa.gov or AWB’s Chris McCabe at (360) 943-1600 or ChrisM@awb.org.
Workers’ Comp Coalition meeting
The Workers’ Comp Coalition will meet Aug. 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. at AWB. Agenda will include assessing the landscape and looking ahead to 2008. If you are unable to attend, please feel free to participate by telephone. Contact Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org.
AWB to host meeting on Paid Family Leave
AWB members are invited to a Paid Family Leave meeting on Aug. 13, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at AWB. Susan Fagan and Judy Coovert, both business appointees to the Joint Legislative Task Force on Family Leave Insurance, will be on hand. For more information, contact AWB’s Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org.
Joint Legislative Task Force on Family Leave Insurance
The Joint Legislative Task Force on Family Leave Insurance will meet Aug. 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the John A. Cherberg Building, Hearing Rooms A, B and C on the Capitol Campus in Olympia. The agenda includes introductions and opening remarks, proposed procedures and future meeting schedule, discussion of administration of family leave insurance benefits, and public comment. For more information, contact AWB’s Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@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 Aug. 9 at Spokane’s Red Lion Hotel at the Park. 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. Classes will be held Aug. 27 and 28 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Bellevue. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. Register at www.awb.org/events/seminars/osha10hrcert.asp. Contact AWB’s 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 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 Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferC@awb.org.
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