President Bush signs financial rescue plan into law
After two weeks of heated debate, President Bush signed the $700 billion financial rescue package into law last Friday. The measure, which passed Congress by a vote of 263-171, is designed to support the country’s financial institutions, stem the turmoil on Wall Street and spare businesses on Main Street. AWB is pleased this bill is now law. In urging Congress’ passage of this bill, AWB President Don Brunell said, “Swift action is critical. Washington businesses are paralyzed by the uncertainty in the economy. The tax receipts that fund our federal, state and local governments and their ability to fund education and public safety are at risk over the constricting credit markets and the lack of confidence in the stock markets. The financial well-being of all our members and all Washingtonians hinges on a resolution to the financial crisis.” Read more on AWB’s blog, Olympia Business Watch.

AWB promotes McCabe to vice president of communications
AWB has promoted Jocelyn McCabe to the position of vice president of communications. McCabe, who first joined AWB in July as director of communications, previously served as director of communications for the Association of Washington School Principals and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. Before coming to work in K-12 education, she served as a senior account executive in the technology division of APCO Worldwide, a Seattle public relations and public affairs firm, and served as a public information officer in the Washington State House of Representatives. “Jocelyn has demonstrated tremendous leadership since joining AWB and she has more than earned this distinction,” said AWB President Don Brunell. “We are pleased to have her leading communications efforts on behalf of our organization.”

Passages: Cal Dickinson, business representative, Industrial Insurance Appeals
Cal Dickinson, the business representative on the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals, died of a stroke on Oct. 2; he was 77. Initially appointed byGov. Locke in 2003 to fill the vacancy left by Judy Schurke, he was reappointed to a full six-year term by Gov. Gregoire. Dickinson was an attorney with Perkins Coie in Seattle for 40 years. His practice consisted primarily of representing employers on workers’ compensation matters. Remembrances can be sent to: Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals, Attn: In Memory of Cal Dickinson, P.O. Box 42401, Olympia, WA 98504-2401.

Rep. Seaquist at next Health Care Committee meeting
The AWB Health Care Committee will meet Thursday, Oct. 9 from 9-11 a.m. at AWB.Rep. Larry Seaquist, D-Gig Harbor, will provide an overview of a health care funding project he is developing. For more information, contact AWB’s Donna Steward at (360) 943-1600.

WashingtonSupreme Court expands employer liability in domestic violence situations
Last Friday, the Washington Supreme Court expanded a significant exception to the at-will employment doctrine in Danny v. Laidlaw Transit Services.The court, in a 3-2-2-2 split over four separate opinions, held that an employer may be liable for wrongful discharge in violation of public policy for terminating an at-will employee for absenteeism related to domestic violence issues.Combined with the passage of HB 2602 in 2008 mandating all employers provide a “reasonable” leave of absence for domestic violence victims, this decision means employers must carefully evaluate human resource decisions when the unfortunate situation of domestic violence comes into play.For more information or a copy of the Danny opinions, contact AWB’s Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600.

Let OSPI know your opinion on public school science standards
The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction will hold public forums to gather feedback from the community regarding proposed revisions to Washington state’s science standards. Meetings will be held at the Stanford Center in Seattle (6:30-8 p.m., Oct. 7), at Kennewick High School in Kennewick (6:30-8 p.m., Oct. 9), and at Educational Service District 112 in Vancouver (6:30-8 p.m., Oct. 15). During the meetings, 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 Oct. 6-17 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 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.

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 AWB’s Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600.

Emergency planning and disaster management seminar Jan. 14 — Is your business prepared?
Emergencies and disasters often strike when we least expect them. The best measure that all of us can take is to be prepared. Attend AWB’s one-day seminar and learn how to prepare and apply survival plans to any type of disaster. Click here for more information, or contact AWB’s 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. This 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.

Applications now being accepted for Don Brunell Scholarship
AWB members with children or grandchildren in college or planning to attend college in 2009 are encouraged to apply for the 2009 Don Brunell Scholarship for Future Business Leaders. Recipients may receive up to $2,000. The scholarship targets undergraduate, graduate or career/vocational students currently pursuing or who intend 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. The deadline for submitting applications for the 2009 school year is Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2008. Scholarships will be announced and awarded on or about Jan. 15, 2009. For complete details on eligibility, application packet and instructions to complete the application, contact AWB’s Mike Hudson at (360) 943-1600.

The Five Lessons of Life - See This Week's President's Perspective at http://www.awb.org/