Washington third in US for business climate
There was encouraging news last week from Forbes magazine, which ranked Washington the third-best state in the country for doing business. According to the magazine’s “Best States for Business” rankings, Washington jumped two notches this year, up from fifth place last year and 12th place in 2006. Virginia garnered the top spot for the third straight year, while Utah earned the second-place ranking. This comes as good news, particularly given the current economic climate, and underscores the value — and importance — of keeping our sights set on competitiveness. Read more in AWB’s Olympia Business Watch blog.

 

 

AWB launches elections Web site
Decision 2008 is your online guide to the upcoming statewide elections. In addition to full candidate information, the site features everything you need to learn about the issues and candidates before the Aug. 19 primary and Nov. 4 election dates. In addition to our list of AWB-endorsed candidates, you’ll find information on major ballot initiatives, links to other key election Web sites and our Take Action Center, where you can contact the candidates directly. This year, we’ve also added video interviews with candidates for statewide office. Check it out and bookmark www.awb.org/elections.

 

AWB Institute to spearhead Lifelong Learning Accounts
The AWB Institute has partnered with the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board, the Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council and others to introduce Lifelong Learning Accounts (LiLAs) in Washington. LiLAs are worker-owned, employer-matched portable accounts used to finance lifelong learning. They are similar in concept to 401(k) retirement accounts, except the funds can be used for education and training throughout one’s lifetime. “We hope to have LiLAs available in all parts of the state by this time next year,” said Mike Hudson, executive director of the AWB Institute. The Institute will administer LiLA, market the accounts to business and help develop a comprehensive Web site. Learn more about Lifelong Learning Accounts at www.lila.wa.gov. For more information on the AWB Institute or its role in this program, contact AWB’s Mike Hudson at (360) 943-1600 or MikeH@awb.org.

 

Washington is now fifth in wind energy generation
In 2007, Washington was the nation’s fifth largest wind electricity generator, according to information released by the American Wind Energy Association. At the end of 2007, Washington had a total of 1,163 megawatts of wind-powered generating capacity installed and operational, which is enough electricity for 260,000 to 300,000 homes. Wind power will be an important part of our future energy supply network, which must also include solar, biomass, nuclear, clean coal, natural gas, wave energy, crude oil and other new sources yet to be discovered. The key to our nation’s prosperity for our jobs, families and economy is an inclusive, not exclusive, national energy strategy. Read more about energy in AWB’s Olympia Business Watch blog.

 

AWB needs YOUR participation in Green Jobs Survey
The Employment Security Department is working with AWB on an important study to measure the economic impact of “green” business activity in the state. The Green Jobs Survey identifies “green” business activity as the production of goods or services in increasing energy efficiency, producing renewable energy, preventing and reducing environmental pollution, and providing mitigation or cleanup of environmental pollution. The report’s findings will support businesses working in these areas, advise the Legislature and state agencies on the development of future green policies, and determine how they might affect business and the state’s economy. AWB believes green policies and regulations based on faulty data could taint — and even retard — real progress toward the achievement of the state’s energy and environmental goals. We want to be sure the final report incorporates the best data available from businesses in every sector of the state, including yours. The information for individual firms will remain absolutely confidential. AWB urges its members to participate in the survey so we can share this important economic information with policy makers, the Legislature and the governor. For more information, please contact Mike Hudson at (360) 943-1600 or MikeH@awb.org.

 

Register now for the 19th Annual Policy Summit, Sept. 24-26 at Semiahmoo Resort
Given their significant impact on our economic vitality as a state, the upcoming elections will be the focus of the 2008 AWB Policy Summit. The highlight will be a debate on Thursday evening between the gubernatorial candidates, moderated by Seattle Times columnist David Postman. Debates for other key elected positions, including superintendent of public instruction, attorney general and public lands commissioner are also scheduled. For a full agenda and to register, click here. To make room reservations, call Semiahmoo Resort at (800) 770-7992 and reference the AWB room block.

 

State Board of Education votes to increase graduation requirements
On July 25, the Washington State Board of Education voted to increase graduation requirements for high school students. Currently, Washington students must earn 19 credits to graduate. The proposal adopted by the SBE increases the number of required credits to 24, including additional requirements in the core subjects of math (from 2 credits to 3) and science (from 2 credits to 3). In addition, the SBE makes a solid endorsement of the value of career and technical education in high school by increasing the number of Career and Technical Education credits required for graduation from 1 credit to 3 credits, including significant latitude for both students and schools to meet the requirement. Implementation of the proposal is contingent upon receiving the funding necessary to increase the number of teachers and classrooms available to teach the additional classes, but the SBE is hopeful the new requirements will be in place for the graduating class of 2016.

 

Health Care Committee meeting on Aug. 11
The AWB Health Care Committee will meet Monday, Aug. 11 from 9-11 a.m. at AWB. For more information, please contact AWB’s Donna Steward at (360) 943-1600 or DonnaS@awb.org.

 

Get a small business boost at Biz Fair 2008
Find small business help in an easy atmosphere at the 12th Annual Washington Small Business Fair. This free event offers valuable information and counseling from business experts and staff from federal and state government agencies. Biz Fair 2008 takes place on Saturday, Sept. 6, from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at Renton Technical College. Get information and training in one day and one place from local business experts, trade organizations and government agencies about how to create or expand a small business and how to navigate taxes and other government requirements. More than 40 seminars will be taught by business professionals on a wide variety of topics, including Web site design, business law, financing, marketing, and business planning. Biz Fair is free, with plenty of free parking and no advance registration. Stay for the entire event or come for part of the day. For seminar topics and driving directions, visit www.bizfair.org.

 

AWB Education and Training Committee meeting Aug. 12, 10 a.m.-noon at AWB
For more information, please contact Donna Steward at (360) 943-1600 or DonnaS@awb.org.

 

Draft greenhouse gas cap and trade program design released
The Western Climate Initiative released its “Draft Design of the Regional Cap-and-Trade Program” document for public comment. Unlike earlier drafts, the WCI is now proposing to add gasoline and diesel to the cap and trade program and regulating these fuels where they first enter commerce in the state. Comments on the draft are due Aug. 13. Come learn more about the WCI cap and trade program and other related climate change efforts in Washington at AWB’s Climate Change Subcommittee meeting on Aug. 26, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at AWB. For more information, visit WCI’s Web site to download the draft or contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

 

Revenue to present draft legislative proposals at next Tax and Fiscal Policy Council meeting
AWB’s Tax and Fiscal Policy Council will meet on Wednesday, Aug. 13, from 9:30 a.m.-noon at AWB. The Department of Revenue will present their draft legislative proposals for 2009 and discuss them in detail with our membership before proceeding further. Work will also continue on AWB’s policy objectives for 2009 and we’ll review the revised draft of the Manufacturing Sales and Use Tax Study. For more information, please contact AWB’s Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.

 

AWB Land Use Committee meets Aug. 13
The AWB Land Use Committee will meet on Wednesday, Aug. 13 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Foster Pepper in Seattle. On the agenda: Adoption of the edited and updated AWB Land Use Policy Principles and further discussion and adoption of the AWB Land Use Agenda and our priorities for 2009-2010. For more information, please contact AWB’s Chris McCabe at (360) 943-1600 or ChrisM@awb.org.

 

Ecology Climate Action Team workgroups meet this week
The Department of Ecology’s Climate Action Team will meet this week to continue developing recommendations for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Climate Action Team recently formed a number of Implementation Work Groups focusing on changes to the State Environmental Policy Act. The workgroups will focus on transportation, energy efficiencies and green buildings, waste and other issues. Ecology’s Land Use and Climate Change Advisory Committee, which is focusing on changes to Washington’s Growth Management Act to address climate change, also meets this week on Wednesday, Aug. 6. More information can be found on the Department of Ecology’s Web site or by contacting Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

 

Check your mail for the July/August issue of Washington Business magazine
The July/August issue of Washington Business magazine is in the mail! This issue focuses on the state’s manufacturing sector and includes a special 2008 Judicial Scorecard — a must-read to help you understand the important judicial races. Coming in the September/October edition: AWB’s perspective on the upcoming elections.

 

Mark your calendar: Climate Change Subcommittee meeting on Aug. 26
AWB’s Climate Change Subcommittee will meet on Tuesday, Aug. 26, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at AWB. Jay Manning, director of the Washington State Department of Ecology, and Juli Wilkerson, director of the Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development, will discuss the Western Climate Initiative’s design recommendations for a cap and trade program; the Climate Action Team’s greenhouse gas emissions action items; the greenhouse gas emission reporting rule; and other climate-related efforts, including possible legislation for 2009. DOE representatives Janice Adair, Ted Sturdevant and Tony Usibelli will also attend this meeting. For more information, please contact Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

 

Healthy Worksite Summit
As the direct and indirect costs of poor employee health continue to grow, employers must develop strategies and utilize tools to reverse this trend. The 22nd Annual Healthy Worksite Summit will help your organization develop new programs, revitalize an existing program and share best practices that will motivate and sustain a healthy and productive work environment. The summit is on Oct. 1 and Oct. 2 at the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue and on Oct. 3 at the Deaconess Health and Education Center in Spokane. For more information, please visit the Association of Washington Cities online.

 

AWB’s Annual Manufacturing Summit: What Washington makes, makes Washington
Join us on Wednesday, Oct. 29, at the Hilton Seattle Airport and Conference Center for a forum on manufacturing issues and ideas. Take part in developing the legislative, regulatory and economic agenda to help advance the interests and purpose of manufacturers in Washington state. Issue panels and discussions will include workforce training and development, tax and fiscal policy, economic development, health care, employment law and much more. Keep checking Upcoming Events at www.awb.org for more information.

 

OSHA 10-hour certification course
Get current on the latest in safety training and OSHA standards. Classes will be held Oct. 8 and 9 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in Tacoma. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. Click here for additional information and to register. Or, contact AWB’s Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferC@awb.org.