Forget the elections: Now is the time to focus on the economy
As we write this issue of Fast Facts, President Bush is hosting President-elect Obama, signaling the beginning of the transition of power in Washington, D.C. Here in Washington state, there will be a transition, as well, with Democrat Peter Goldmark defeating incumbent Republican Doug Sutherland as lands commissioner and Randy Dorn ousting Superintendent of Public Instruction Terry Bergeson, a post she held for 12 years. Meanwhile, Gov. Gregoire and Attorney General Rob McKenna were re-elected for an additional term. Now that the rancorous election is behind us, it’s time to focus on the serious issues at hand. “This is unlike other traditional economic downturns,” said AWB President Don Brunell. “It is much more serious and requires all of our immediate attention regardless of whom people supported in the elections.”


It’s the economy, everyone!
The first thing President-elect Obama did was convene a group of economic advisers. As former President Bill Clinton said in 1992, “It’s the economy,” and polling tells us concerns over the economy were a key factor in propelling Obama to the presidency. In Washington, our once-stalwart economy has slipped, as well, with the state’s revenue forecast more than $3.2 billion short of what is needed to run state government. Now is the time to collectively focus on rebuilding our state’s job base and business climate. That is the message you should send to legislators and the governor.


No repeat of 1993: AWB is working to help affect change so it doesn’t kill our economy
AWB has been working on several critical issues that will affect employers in the 2009 legislative session. At stake are the cost and availability of health care; union organizing; paid family and medical leave; minimum wage; taxes; energy; and climate change. Read more from AWB President Don Brunell on AWB’s blog, Olympia Business Watch.


Are retro programs at stake during the 2009 session?
Because of the recent elections, AWB believes there may be some action to be taken against workers’ compensation retrospective rating, or “retro,” programs. AWB’s CompWise is our retro program, which returns ALL of its refunds to participating members. This week, AWB President Don Brunell is signing refund checks to services members. Since its inception in 1996, AWB’s retro program alone has delivered more than $30 million in refunds to participating members. AWB does not keep any part of the refund. We have already sent refunds to our manufacturers and hospitality retro members.If you are interested in CompWise, please contact Jennifer Costello.If you are a CompWise member, please contact your legislators soon and remind them that retro programs are an important part of controlling workers’ comp costs and ensuring safer workplaces.


Boeing CEO outlines four steps to improve Washington’s business climate
Last week in remarks before local business leaders, Boeing CEO Scott Carson outlined four steps that could be taken immediately to improve Washington’s business climate, including developing a state budget that preserves essential public services without raising taxes; reforming unemployment and workers’ comp to prevent increases in the cost of doing business; finishing transportation projects on time; and making a long-term commitment to the educational system. Read more in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.


Demographics survey for Washington Business magazine
Washington Business magazine is conducting a brief online survey to better understand the demographics of its readers. To participate in this survey, click here. Thank you in advance for sharing your responses with AWB. This survey will remain open until next Tuesday, Nov. 18.

Winter is almost here, time to get prepared
With the recent spate of cold, rainy weather, flooding is already an issue in multiple counties throughout Washington. Members should urge their employees to reference the Washington State Military Department’s Storm and Cold Weather Preparedness information. Click here to join a mailing list on this subject.


McCabe earns Accreditation in Public Relations
Jocelyn McCabe, AWB’s vice president of communications, recently earned the professional distinction of being Accredited in Public Relations (APR).The accreditation program, administered by the Public Relations Society of America, aims to improve the practice of public relations by assessing competence in 60 areas of knowledge, skills and abilities associated with the profession. Candidates who successfully complete the rigorous process, including presenting a portfolio to peers and sitting for a computer-based exam, are granted the APR. Today, there are 4,300 active accredited practitioners worldwide who have pursued this voluntary certification. Please join AWB in congratulating McCabe on her accomplishment.


L&I adopts construction crane rules
The Department of Labor & Industries has adopted the first of two rules related to construction crane safety. The first phase of this rulemaking increases requirements for construction crane certifiers, construction crane certification and operator qualifications, as outlined in RCW 49.17.400-440. The second phase of the rulemaking, currently underway, will address requirements that employers must follow with regard to inspection, maintenance and operation of cranes used in the construction industry. For more information, contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600.


Department of Revenue needs your input
The Washington State Department of Revenue is finalizing its package of agency requested bills for 2009, and needs feedback from AWB members.For more information, contact Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600.


Your comments needed on digital goods tax policy
AWB needs your comments on the draft final report of the Legislative Digital Goods Study Task Force.The goal of the final report is to fairly describe all viewpoints on digital goods tax policy that have been raised over the last year and to summarize the research as required by the legislation authorizing the Task Force. In addition, we need your examples on specific exemptions for businessuse of digital products.The Legislative Task Force will meet on Tuesday, Nov. 18.After this meeting, ongoing stakeholder work will continuewithlawmakerson proposals for 2009. In order to have AWB’s comments fully on record before the Task Force concludes; please provide your comments on both the draft final study and specific exemptions by Tuesday, Nov. 14. For more information, contact AWB’s Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600.


Cap and trade on agenda at Nov. 12 Climate Change Subcommittee meeting
The AWB Climate Change Subcommittee will meet Wednesday, Nov. 12 from 10 a.m.-noon at AWB. The agenda will include discussion of the Western Climate Initiative cap and trade program, AWB’s position on the WCI program and the status of the economic impact analysis. For more information, contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600.


Learn more about carbon trading
With concern over global warming in high gear, carbon trading and mandatory greenhouse gas emission reductions are set to affect the way you live and do business. AWB recently offered an introductory presentation on cap and trade and the Western Climate Initiative’s far-reaching and potentially very expensive program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. If you missed the event, you can listen to a brief podcast with Grant Nelson to learn more about cap and trade and how AWB is working to make sure any carbon-reduction schemes do not also reduce Washington’s business competitiveness. You can also download a Q&A document about cap and trade from our Web site.


PSP executive director at Nov. 12 Puget Sound Partnership Subcommittee meeting
The Puget Sound Partnership’s long-awaited draft 2020 Action Agenda was unveiled Thursday on the PSP’s Web site. Accordingly, AWB’s Puget Sound Partnership Subcommittee will meet Wednesday, Nov. 12 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at AWB. PSP Executive Director David Dicks and Action Agenda Director Martha Neuman will walk AWB members through the proposed 2020 Action Agenda. Policy areas addressed by the Action Agenda include water quality and quantity, land use, toxics and possible new funding sources. Comments on the draft Action Agenda are due to the PSP by Thursday, Nov. 20. Following the Nov. 12 presentation, AWB will submit comments in response to these proposals. Questions? Contact AWB’s Chris McCabe at (360) 943-1600.


Transportation Committee meeting cancelled
The Transportation Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 18 in Olympiais cancelled due to unavoidable scheduling conflicts.A new date will be scheduled for early December, as there are a number of issues that need addressed before session begins. For more information, contact Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600.


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 Nov. 12-20 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 businesses. Attendees will learn about recent legislative changes and get a preview of the 2009 legislative session’s major issues. These small, informal gatherings represent one of the best chances for owners of small businesses to get 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.

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 Wednesday, Nov. 19 at Bellevue’s Hilton Hotel. Register online or contact Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600.


Counties and cities associations will discuss agenda at AWB Tax and Fiscal Policy Council meeting
The AWB Tax and Fiscal Policy Council will meet on Wednesday, Nov. 19 from 9:30 a.m.-noon at AWB to hear a presentation by the Association of Washington Cities and the Washington State Association of Counties on their 2009 legislative agenda. Contact Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600.


AWB Energy Committee to meet with Rep. McCoy
AWB’s Energy Committee will meet on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008 from 10 a.m. to noon, with House Energy Committee Chairman John McCoy. Agenda items will include AWB’s energy agenda and Legislative Objectives for 2009, including possible changes to Initiative 937 (renewable energy standards). The meeting will be held in room 4801 at the law offices of Perkins Coie in downtown Seattle. A conference call option will be available; contact Connie Grande at for the call-in number and pass code.


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.


ADA Amendments Act of 2008: ***New law effective Jan. 1, 2009***
On Sept. 25, President Bush signed into law the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, which amended the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 to broaden the definition of “disability,” expand the law’s protections, and directly overturn several recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions in the field of disability law. These new changes become effective Jan. 1. The ADAAA sends an unmistakable message to employers and the courts that the concept of disability must be broadly — rather than narrowly — construed. This will affect employers as many more people will fall within the new definition of disability under the ADAAA. At the same time, Washington state has already established a more protective standard for disability employment rights under its Law Against Discrimination. It is crucial for employers to understand their responsibilities under both federal and state law. Join us for a Web conference on Wednesday, Dec.10 to understand how these laws will impact your business. Click here to register or contact AWB’s Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 for more information.