Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy Holidays!
On behalf of the entire AWB staff, we wish you a happy and joyous holiday season. In lieu of mailing cards with a photo of the AWB Capitol Holiday Kids’ Tree, this year we donated the money that we would normally have spent on the cards to our Capitol Holiday Kids’ Tree Project. The money collected was given to rural fire departments to purchase gifts for needy families in outlying areas. This year’s tree features several thousand colorful lights and is complimented by the Tivoli Fountain’s accent lighting. Again, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy Holidays! We look forward to serving you in 2009. Meanwhile, we hope you enjoy the season with your families and friends.


Governor releases ‘no-new-taxes’ budget
Gov. Chris Gregoire released her budget last week, and AWB is encouraged by her resolve not to raise taxes on either residents or businesses in the face of a $5.7 billion deficit. “It is critical that Washington state look beyond the current budget woes and prepare for what happens after we emerge from this recession,” said AWB President Don Brunell. Read Brunell’s full statement here.


Learn more about the Streamlined Sales Tax Act and how it will affect your business
AWB Governmental Affairs Director Amber Carter offers a great overview of everything you need to know about streamlined sales taxes in our state. Listen to the latest podcast posted to AWB’s blog, Olympia Business Watch.


Climate Change Subcommittee meeting cancelled
The Climate Change Subcommittee scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, Dec. 23, has been cancelled due to the weather. AWB’s Grant Nelson is working to reschedule the meeting during the week of Jan. 5 and will be e-mailing members of the subcommittee about this change. Please watch your inbox for more information.


Senate Republicans finalize committee assignments
The Washington State Senate Republican Caucus announced its committee assignments for the 2009 and 2010 sessions, including ranking Republicans on Senate committees. Click here to view the full list.


AWB now accepting nominations for Better Workplace Awards
AWB’s Better Workplace Awards honor companies that have gone the extra mile to create a better working environment in the areas of workplace safety, job training, advancement programs and innovative benefit and compensation programs. Have your company recognized for its accomplishments! Download the nomination form or contact AWB’s Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 for more information.


AWB Tax and Fiscal Policy Council 2009 meeting schedule
The AWB Tax and Fiscal Policy Council’s 2009 meeting schedule has been set. Meetings are open to all AWB members, and will be held from 9:30 a.m.-noon. A separate announcement will be sent out for each meeting to confirm the location and agenda topics. The 2009 dates are as follows: Wednesday, Jan. 21 (Olympia); Wednesday, Feb. 18 (Olympia); Tuesday, March 17 (Olympia); Tuesday, May 12 (Seattle); Wednesday, June 10 (Olympia); Wednesday, July 8 (Seattle); Wednesday, Aug. 12 (Olympia); Wednesday, Oct. 14 (Seattle); and Wednesday, Nov. 18 (Olympia.)


HR and employment law Web conference: What’s in store for 2009?
The results of the fall elections and the unprecedented economic events of the past few months mean big changes are coming in state and federal HR and employment law. Join us as we summarize the highlights of the 2009 federal and state employment law forecast. We will identify the practical implications of new and likely proposals and focus on enabling you to prepare and plan effectively for the new year. Click here to register or contact AWB’s Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 for more information.


Improve your knowledge and skills in the field of safety
AWB and Sedgwick CMS have joined forces to sponsor a free safety academy for all AWB members. This program offers an opportunity for you to obtain Certified Safety Coordinator status upon completion of the seven required classes and five electives. Click here for more information and to download a brochure and view the schedule of classes nearest to you. For further information, contact Bob Meyer.


Managing Leaves of Absence Seminar at SeaTac on Jan. 8
The Family and Medical Leave Act presents more compliance headaches than almost any other law affecting the workplace. It remains an extremely difficult and frustrating law for employers to administer, and it creates several traps that can lead to employer liability. Complying with FMLA just became more complicated, with new regulations to become effective Jan. 16. Join us for this seminar on Thursday, Jan. 8, as we sort through the confusion and ambiguity and help you identify what you must do now to manage employee leaves of absence. Click here to register or contact AWB’s Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 for more information.


Manufacturing briefing set for Jan. 15 in Olympia
Join us Thursday, Jan. 15, at AWB for a special briefing on the state of manufacturing in Washington. This is your chance to talk with legislators about the crucial role manufacturing plays in our economy and the importance of retaining the current manufacturing sales-and-use tax exemption. Registration is $35 for AWB members and includes lunch. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot today by contacting Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600.


Register now for AWB’s Legislative Reception and Annual Issues Briefing
AWB’s Legislative Reception is coming to the Red Lion Hotel in Olympia on Wednesday, Feb. 11. This event is one of your best opportunities to network with other AWB members, elected officials and agency directors. It’s also a great chance to enhance your company’s visibility through a sponsorship. To register or become a sponsor, click here or contact Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600.


Fast Facts will return Jan. 5, 2009!
This is the last issue of Fast Facts for 2008. Fast Facts will resume publication on Monday, Jan. 5, 2009.