Policy Summit is Sept. 19-21 – don’t miss out – register now!
AWB’s annual Policy Summit will be held at Semiahmoo Resort, Sept. 19 - 21. Panels throughout the day will focus on where the economy is headed and what is likely to occur in 2008. It’s a top-notch line-up. Musical political pundit Mark Russell, internationally recognized pollster John Zogby and Gov. Chris Gregoire will be there to headline this exciting three-day event. For a full agenda and to register go to http://www.policysummit.com, or contact AWB’s Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferC@awb.org.
Regional Board meetings continue this week
AWB saw record turnout at our Regional Board meetings in Everett, Tacoma, Bellevue and Vancouver last week. These meetings will continue this week in central and eastern Washington. The Spokane meeting takes place Sept. 11, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Greater Spokane, Inc. The Moses Lake meeting follows later that day at Big Bend Community College from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. On Sept. 12, the TriCities meeting will be at the Kennewick Red Lion will run from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Regional Board meetings are open to AWB members in good standing. These meetings provide us an opportunity to present and discuss our positions on upcoming November ballot and 2008 Legislature issues. Contact Bonnie Millikan, BonnieM@awb.org, or 360-943-1600 for more information.
AWB co-sponsoring fall Workers' Compensation conference
AWB is pleased to announce its co-sponsorship, with the Department of Labor & Industries and the Washington State Labor Council, of the fall 2007 "Making it Work" Conference happening Oct. 3 - 4 in Wenatchee. Business owners wondering about cutting edge workers' compensation issues should make plans to attend! The program will include workers' compensation 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.
2008 preliminary electronic product recycling program fee tier available
Each year hundreds of thousands of unwanted electronics, such as televisions, laptops and monitors, end up in Washington’s landfills. According to the Department of Ecology, “because they are toxic, used electronic products are a serious problem in our waste stream. Businesses, residents, and local governments face a growing challenge as they search for ways to reuse, recycle, or safely dispose of this equipment.” In 2006, ECY adopted WAC 173-900, which requires that computer and television manufacturers provide consumer-convenient recycling for consumers of their electronics. These manufacturers must also register with Washington’s Electronic Product Recycling Program and pay an annual administrative fee. Last week ECY made the 2008 preliminary fee tier available to the public—interested parties can find it here: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/swfa/eproductrecycle/Tier2008.html
Applications for Don Brunell Scholarship now being accepted
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 pays up to $2,000, to inspire and aid Washington’s future business leaders. It is for undergraduate, graduate or career/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.
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.
Guard it! Washington identity theft prevention tour
Identity theft is a persistent and costly problem for Washingtonians. “Access to personal information—including Social Security numbers, addresses, credit card numbers, and personal buying habits—allows businesses to target audiences and customize sales efforts. But it also permits unwelcome invasions of personal privacy through telemarketing calls, fraudulent sales pitches, and other uses consumers never intended,” according to the state attorney general’s Web site. In an effort to help consumers protect themselves, Attorney General Rob McKenna is sponsoring “Guard It! Washington,” a multi-agency campaign and tour to reduce identity theft for citizens and businesses in Washington. The tour began in Yakima on July 12 and will continue until Oct. 18, when it finishes in Oak Harbor. For more information, please see http://www.guarditwashington.com.
September is National Preparedness and NOAA Weather Radio Awareness Month
Emergencies and natural disasters often strike when people least expect them. Survival skills and thoughtful preparation often mean the difference between life and death. With this in mind, Washington is observing National Preparedness Month, Weather Radio Awareness Month, and 9-1-1 Day in September. During September, all homeowners, businesses, schools, health care providers and government agencies are encouraged to review their emergency response plans and 911 procedures. Likewise, on Sept. 19, all are encouraged to participate in a statewide earthquake drill and tsunami communications test from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. For more information, including instructions on when to call 911, what to do in case of an earthquake, how to use weather radios and how to survive a tsunami, please see http://www.emd.wa.gov/preparedness/prep_campaign.shtml.
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: Paid Leave Task Force: Issues, Principles; R-67: OFM's Analysis, More on "Out of State" Insurers; More on I-960; and OFM Releases Fiscal Impact Assessment of R-67. To see these and other posts, check out Olympia Business Watch at http://www.olympiabusinesswatch.com.
Policy Summit sponsorships still available
AWB Policy Summit sponsorship opportunities are still available. Sponsors will be entered in a special drawing for a coveted AWB 100th Anniversary Pendleton woolen blanket. For more information, contact AWB’s Jennifer Davis at JenniferD@awb.org. The Policy Summit is Sept. 19 -21 at the Semiahmoo Resort in Blaine. Register today!
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.
Environmental Excellence Awards - deadline extended for nominations to Sept. 11
AWB, the Northwest Environmental Business Council, and the Washington State Department of Ecology will bring our 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 for the conference at www.envsummit.com. Contact AWB’s Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferC@awb.org.
AWB Workers’ Comp Retro Program Safety Workshop- October 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 course safety seminar as part of the “Certified Safety Coordinator” program. For more information, please go to: http://www.awb.org/events/compretro.asp or call Jennifer Costello at 1-800-521-9325.
See This Week's President's Perspective at www.awb.org, Gone are a couple of gentle people
