Minimum Wage Gone Wild – Learn More at AWB’s Olympia Business Watch Blog  
The U.S. House of Representatives has voted to raise the federal minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25 hour.  Washington, on the other hand, has the highest minimum wage in the nation at $7.93, up from $7.63 in 2006. Remember, Washington has an automatic annual escalator in law. Rep. Mark Miloscia, D-Federal Way, has dropped a bill (HB 1119), which amends the 1998 Minimum Wage Initiative to add a second escalator. If you have two inflators compounding upon one another to increase the wage each year, Katie bar the door! Go to AWB’s blog - http://awbblog.typepad.com/olympia_business_watch.

Legislative Reception Day on Feb. 7 – Plan to Sponsor and Attend!  
This year, our annual Legislative Reception is Feb. 7 at the Red Lion in Olympia, starting 9 a.m. with a legislative program featuring panels on taxes and budget, human resources and health care.  Gov. Gregoire will speak at lunch and our Board will meet later that afternoon. Please support this great event. To register or to become a sponsor, see www.awb.org/events/legreception.asp. Contact Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferC@awb.org. 

Get Paid for Helping to Develop Trip Reduction Performance Program
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is trying to get the word out about its Trip Reduction Performance Program to business and communities that may want to participate.  Employers and organizations can bring in up to $100,000 per year by creating a project that reduces the number of employees who drive alone to work. WSDOT will reimburse start-up costs, and if you’re successful, WSDOT will pay you. The more people that participate in your program, the more money you earn. Exceed your goal, and you will be eligible to receive a performance bonus. In 2007-2009, applicants will compete for $1.5 million. Program materials are available at www.wsdot.wa.gov/tdm. Contact Robin Hartsell at (360) 705-7508 or hartser@wsdot.wa.gov.

Don’t Miss 2007’s First Lobby Lunch with Tom Fitzsimmons & Marty Brown - Jan. 18
Tom Fitzsimmons and Marty Brown, from the Office of the Governor, will speak at 2007’s first Lobby Lunch, Jan. 18, 12 noon, at AWB. Contact AWB’s Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org.

Tax Relief for State’s Aluminum Industry a Big Success!
Here’s some good news for a change. Thanks to the Legislature’s temporary tax breaks for the aluminum industry, following the 2001 energy crisis, Alcoa’s Intalco smelter in Ferndale has been able to defray energy costs and is now looking at increasing its workforce to over 600. Now if BPA allows Alcoa to purchase power through its local utility at the same rate as is charged to other industrial customers, the Intalco Works will be providing family wage jobs and contributing to the state’s economy for decades to come. 

Health Care Committee Meeting – Jan. 26
AWB’s Health Care Committee will meet Jan. 26, 9-11 a.m., at AWB. Contact AWB’s Mellani McAleenan at (360) 943-1600 or MellaniM@awb.org.

Start The Year Off In Compliance!
There have been significant updates to employer posting requirements for 2007. Place your order today to ensure your company is in complete compliance with Washington state and federal labor law posting requirements. To order an updated state and federal poster set, contact Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferC@awb.org.

Education Committee Meeting – Feb. 2
The Education Committee will meet Feb. 2, 9-11 a.m. Contact Mellani McAleenan at (360) 943-1600 or MellaniM@awb.org.

2007 Manufacturer of the Year Awards –Accepting Nominations – Deadline Extended!
These awards will be presented at AWB’s Legislative Luncheon/Reception on Feb. 7. All nominations must be received by Jan. 19. Learn more at www.awb.org/services/awards/csaawards.asp. Contact AWB’s Mike Hudson at (360) 943-1600 or MikeH@awb.org.

Focus on Value Driven Health Care on Next Washington Business Weekly – On the Air and Online at www.awb.org 
Listen Thursday on Tacoma’s KLAY-AM 1180, 11a.m.-12 noon, and on Spokane’s KSBN-AM 1230, 5-6 p.m.

AWB President Don Brunell’s Outreach Program Circuit Begins 
AWB needs your input to help make our state more attractive for employers, workers and families.  Don would love to come speak to your chamber or service club. Contact AWB’s Bonnie Millikan at (360) 943-1600 or BonnieM@awb.org.
Emergency Planning & Disaster Management Seminar – Is Your Business Prepared?
Visit www.awb.org/events/seminars/emergencyplanning.asp. Contact Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferC@awb.org.

Learn the Legal Aspects of Interviewing, Hiring, Managing and Discharging Employees
AWB will hold an Employment Law Seminar at SeaTac’s Hilton, Feb. 28. This seminar will help employers manage the employment relationship from beginning to end. To register, go to www.awb.org/events/seminars/employmentaw.asp. Contact Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferC@awb.org.

Your Business Can Receive Refunds on Workers’ Comp Premiums - Join AWB CompWise Today!
Enrolling in AWB’s CompWise gives you the opportunity to receive refunds on the premiums you pay to L&I. Find out how at www.awb.org/services/compwise/index.asp. Contact Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferC@awb.org.