Referendum 67 on November ballot
Referendum 67, a measure that would allow voters to reject or approve a recently enacted law requiring insurers who “unreasonably deny” claims to pay punitive damages of up to three times the amount of the original claim, appears likely to be on the fall ballot. “This puts the competitiveness of all Washington businesses at risk,” said AWB President Don Brunell, urging a ‘NO’ vote on the measure. “The combination of extremely loose legal standards and extraordinarily high payoffs will open the floodgates, leading to more claims, more expensive settlements to avoid prolonged and costly court cases, and—ultimately—higher insurance premiums for everyone. Businesses will think twice before locating or expanding here.”

 

For more information, see Olympia Business Watch: http://awbblog.typepad.com/olympia_business_watch/.

Washington Business magazine wins Magnum Opus Awards
AWB’s Washington Business magazine won gold, silver, bronze and a special recognition award for excellence in the 2007 Magnum Opus Awards sponsored by the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism. This is the fifth consecutive year AWB has won multiple awards in competition against other major corporations and institutions. This is a great honor in journalism circles and shows the quality and value of Washington Business magazine. Congratulations to our magazine team! The July/August issue of Washington Business, which includes the 2007 Legislative Review and Voting Record, is out this week. Watch for it in your mailbox.

 

Governor appoints interim transportation secretary
Gov. Chris Gregoire appointed Paula Hammond to the position of interim transportation secretary of the Washington State Department of Transportation. Hammond, who formerly served as the department’s chief of staff, will begin her new job on August 1. “Paula Hammond has been an anchor for the achievements at WSDOT for a number of years,” said Gov. Gregoire. “She is the perfect leader for this transition period.” A national search for the successor to former WSDOT head Doug MacDonald is expected to be completed by the end of September.

 

I-960 qualifies for the ballot
Tim Eyman succeeded in getting Initiative 960 on the ballot this fall. According to Jerry Cornfield of the The Daily Herald (Everett, Wash.), this initiative will “put every statewide tax measure on a ballot for voters to approve, disapprove, or offer an advisory opinion; require every fee hike to be passed by legislators and signed into law by the governor; and mandate that a press release be issued on every meaningful action on bills dealing with taxes and fees.”  For more information, see Olympia Business Watch: http://awbblog.typepad.com/olympia_business_watch/.

 

AWB Water Resource Committee meeting
There will be a Water Resource Committee meeting on August 1 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at AWB. This conference will address impairment issues, permitting, funding, and liability in regard to the reclaimed water rulemaking advisory group. It will also cover the lawsuit regarding municipal water law, as well as other items. If you would like to join via conference call, please contact Bonnie Bollig at BonnieB@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 in Spokane on August 9 at the Red Lion Hotel at the Park in Spokane. 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. The course will be held August 27-28, in Bellevue, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration is at 8:30 a.m. Register at www.awb.org/events/seminars/osha10hrcert.asp. Contact 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 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.

AWB Policy Summit sponsors needed
AWB’s Policy Summit will be held Sept. 19-21 at Semiahmoo Resort in Blaine. As a sponsor, your company receives acknowledgement before, during and following the event in marketing materials, signage and in Washington Business magazine. Display opportunities are also available. Secure your sponsorship by July 23 to be included in the event brochure. Contact AWB’s Jennifer Davis at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferD@awb.org.

 

WSDOT officials at next AWB Transportation Committee Meeting – July 26
At the next Transportation Committee meeting, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on July 26, Interim Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond and Steve Reinmuth, also from WSDOT, will present an agency update on issues like the freight congestion relief study, transportation audits, the successorship of the secretary, and plans for the 2008 legislative session. AWB members will provide advice on desired outcomes of the freight congestion relief study and our goals for the 2008 legislative session. Contact Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.  
 

 Governor’s Smart Communities Awards deadline is August 16
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 August 16. For more information, contact Julie Knackstedt at (360) 725-3053 or JulieK@cted.wa.gov.

 

Learn how to guard your good name from identity theft
Don’t miss the Guard it! Washington ID Theft Prevention tour, featuring Attorney General Rob McKenna and representatives from the American Association of Retired Persons and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. The 15-city tour will teach you everything you need to know to prevent identity theft. Tour dates and locations: Pasco (August 8), Spokane (August 9), Seattle (August 14), Bellingham (August 15), Everett (August 16), Port Orchard (August 27), Kent (August 28), Tacoma (August 30), Shoreline (Sept. 4), Vancouver (Sept. 6), Sequim (Sept. 19), Olympia (Oct. 4), East Wenatchee (Oct. 11), and Oak Harbor (Oct. 18). Visit www.guarditwashington.com.
 

 AWB regional board meetings
Take advantage of the chance to 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.