AWB takes top honors in chamber of commerce awards
AWB recently took home top honors for membership retention and growth from the Association of State Chamber of Commerce Professionals. AWB President Don Brunell accepted the awards at the group’s annual conference in Tunica, Miss. “This is not the first time we’ve won these awards and our entire staff — and our membership team in particular — deserves congratulations,” said Brunell. “If you look at AWB growth over the last five years, it has been the best in the country and we take great pride in that.” This year, AWB received awards for the highest membership growth in numbers, the highest market share in numbers, and the highest retention rate in dollars. AWB took second place nationally for the highest retention rate in numbers and the highest retention improvement in dollars.

AWB collaborates on regional small business forums
AWB is partnering with the Washington Policy Center on a series of small business forums to be held in six locations around the state, including Spokane, Richland, Bellevue, Wenatchee, Tacoma and Vancouver. The forums will educate small business owners on the latest policy changes affecting their business. Attendees will learn about recent legislative changes and get a preview of the 2009 legislative session’s major issues. These small and informal gatherings represent one of the best chances for owners of small businesses to have their policy questions answered and gain the necessary knowledge to engage in public policy and decision making. Click here for information on times, dates and locations or contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600.

Machinists’ strike has real potential to damage Washington’s competitiveness
In the midst of all the competitive pressures from Airbus and the financial uncertainty in our nation and around the world, Boeing CEO James McNerney is worried about what the current machinist's strike is doing to the company and its production and delivery schedule. He has good reason to be concerned. Richard Aboulafia, vice president of analysis for the Teal Group, an industry consulting firm in Washington, D.C., questions whether Boeing will pick Washington in the future for airplane assembly because of what is happening with its union relationships.This is not good for Washington and its working families. Read more on AWB’s Olympia Business Watch blog.

AWB accepts nominations/applications for business member of industrial insurance appeals board
AWB is accepting nominations to fill an open seat on the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals. The position was recently filled by Cal Dickinson, who passed away on Oct. 3. The BIIA is the state agency that hears administrative appeals in workers’ compensation, workplace safety, and related cases.The board is run by a member of business, labor and the general public. By statute, AWB must submit a list of three candidates to the governor, who in turn appoints the business representative from the nominees.The next appointee will finish the remainder of Dickinson’s unexpired term, which ends June 17, 2011, and be eligible for reappointment to a full six-year term.AWB is setting up an interview process for qualified applicants to determine the business community’s nominees.Applicants should submit appropriate materials, including a letter of interest and resume, by Friday, Oct. 24. For more information on the position or the nomination process, contact AWB’s Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600.

Climate change “Cap and Trade 101” presentation on Oct. 31
AWB will host a “Cap and Trade 101” presentation for members seeking to better understand the fundamentals of a cap and trade program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The presentation, scheduled for Friday, Oct. 31 from 10 a.m.-noon in AWB’s large conference room, will feature Thomas R. Wood and Matt Cohen of Stoel Rives. The presentation will include details on the status and primary elements of the Western Climate Initiative; which businesses will be included in the program, an estimate of how much a cap and program could cost businesses in Washington state, and what major policies still need to be decided. In addition to attending the presentation in person, members may also participate via Webinar from their own computer. For more information and details, contact Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600.

Feedback needed on public school science standards
The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction will hold the last of its public forums this week to gather feedback from the community regarding proposed revisions to Washington state’s science standards. The last forum will be held Wednesday, Oct. 15 from 6:30-8 p.m. at Educational Service District 112 in Vancouver. During the meeting, staff will review the proposed changes, answer questions and lead small group discussions designed to help refine the final standards. For more information or to RSVP, contact Shaina Cochran or call (360) 725-4961. Feedback is also being accepted until Oct. 17 via a public survey posted on the OSPI Web site.

Get informed about Washington’s social tax provisions
As business continues looking at options for resolving the unemployment insurance conformity issue in Washington, the Employment Security Department will provide AWB with an overview of the current social tax provisions in the state. The department’s presentation will be Thursday, Oct. 16 from 1-3 p.m. at AWB. For more information, contact AWB’s Donna Steward at (360) 943-1600.

Feedback needed on amended fish and wildlife program
The Northwest Power and Conservation Council has issued its revised fish and wildlife program for public comment and is holding public meetings throughout the region over the next several weeks. Program costs are increasing dramatically as a result of the new salmon plan issued by NOAA Fisheries and settlement agreements reached by Bonneville Power with some states and tribes in hydrosystem litigation. While the agreements will help in litigation before Judge Redden, and many of the projects may well benefit fish, we need to encourage the council to “hold the line” and ensure rigorous science review of proposed projects. It is important and helpful that the council hear from as many people as possible during the public comment period as they will be hearing from others in the region. Send written comments on the program to the council by Oct. 30. If you wish to attend a meeting, contact Kay Gabriel at (206) 329-5961.

Best practices seminar for the Human Resources File Cabinet coming Nov. 19
Learn how to avoid fines, penalties and litigation by adopting “best practices” and maintaining proper employment records on Nov. 19 at Bellevue’s Hilton Hotel. Register online or contact AWB’s Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600.

Employment Law Seminar: Hiring, managing and discharging employees
This one-day seminar on Thursday, Dec. 4 is a powerful tool that will help inform your key personnel on how to avoid legal traps and provide a solid understanding of changing laws and regulations in the employment area. Click here for a full agenda. To register, contact Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600.

2008 Wage and Hour Handbook: A Guide for Washington State Employers (5th Edition)
This publication provides your company with the latest information on key issues that are essential to your company’s success and will help you maintain a positive rapport with your employees. The book features example situations and coverage under the Fair Labor Standards Act, exemption status, calculating time and wages, record keeping, employment of minors, garnishments and much more. Each book comes with a searchable CD-ROM for quick access to specific topics. Click here to order your copy or contact Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 for more information.

It’s Time to Take a Deep Breath and Develop a Plan - See This Week's President's Perspective at http://www.awb.org/