Your vote is crucial! Vote Nov. 4!
AWB members are strongly encouraged to get out the vote at the office and at home. Visit the AWB Election Web site for a list of our endorsed candidates from the governor to the Legislature and positions on statewide ballot measures. You can also view videos of the candidates for statewide office, in their own words. Take a moment to consider what your vote will mean for the future of business in our state. If you’re voting by mail, locate your ballot, make your choices and mail it in time to count for the Nov. 4 election.


Jobless rate in Washington drops to 5.8 percent
After a four-month ascent, Washington's unemployment rate dropped to 5.8 percent in September, indicating that the state is in better shape than during the 2001 recession, when the employment level declined for 20 consecutive months, according to figures from Employment Security Department. In September, Washington’s unemployment rate reached 6 percent for the first time since October 2004. There are approximately 186,800 people in Washington who are unemployed and looking for work. Read more at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.


Washington’s minimum wage will jump to $8.55 on Jan. 1
Washington’s minimum wage will increase 48 cents to $8.55 an hour beginning Jan. 1, an increase required by Initiative 688, approved in 1998. The law requires adjustment of the state minimum wage each year according to the change in the federal Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers during the 12 months ending every Aug. 31. The 5.9 percent increase, applied to Washington’s current minimum wage of $8.07 an hour, generated a 48-cent increase in next year’s minimum wage. “This is the largest single increase in the state’s minimum wage since 1999,” said Grant Nelson, AWB’s governmental affairs director for this issue. “The minimum wage is already a disadvantage for businesses that compete against other states with lower minimum wage rates. A larger than normal increase in costs for employers will be especially harmful given our current economic woes.” For more information regarding minimum wage and to share your story about how it impacts your business, contact AWB’s Grant Nelson, GrantN@awb.org or (360) 943-1600.


Vote “No” on home health care Initiative 1029
At its September board meeting, AWB voted to oppose Initiative 1029, which requires additional training for home health care workers. You can read more about AWB's endorsements in the 2008 election here. The Community Care Coalition, a collection of nonprofit operators of assisted living facilities, elder care facilities adult family home operators and other groups that deliver care to the elderly and disabled, have formed opposition to the measure facing voters this fall. The initiative has received "vote no" editorials from 13 daily newspapers in Washington. The coalition has captured them on their Web site, and you can check out the collection here. Read more on AWB’s Olympia Business Watch blog.


AWB’s Brunell named to Heritage Center Trust’s Board of Trustees
AWB President Don Brunell is among nine Washingtonians named to the Board of Trustees for the Washington State Heritage Center Trust. Approved by the Legislature in 2007, the Washington State Heritage Center will be a state-of-the-art facility in Olympia, offering interactive displays and historical collections highlighting the state’s heritage. The Heritage Center will open in 2012 and combine the Washington State Archives, Washington State Library and historical exhibits, an educational center, a community events center, reading room, café and gift shop.


Washington State Board of Accountancy needs your input
The Washington State Board of Accountancy needs AWB’s input on proposed legislation for 2009. Currently, certified public accountants in Washington are required to keep client records and their own work products derived from client records confidential.When the WSBA accesses those records as a result of an inquiry, complaint or investigation, those records become subject to the Public Disclosure Law.A proposed bill provides an exemption for these records from the Public Disclosure Law to clarify that these records remain confidential when in the possession of the Board of Accountancy. Please provide any feedback as early as possible to determine our position on this proposal to AWB’s 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 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.


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 trade program could cost businesses in Washington state, and what major policies still need to be decided. Members wanting to reduce their carbon footprint may participate in the presentation through AWB’s carbon-free Webinar from their own computer. There is no cost to AWB members to attend this presentation, but space is limited, so please RSVP to AWB’s Connie Grande at (360) 943-1600 to reserve a seat. For more information and details, contact Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600.


Coming soon: the green economy and green jobs
What role does environmentalism play in the state’s economy? How will the new “green” movement affect the development of jobs? And what will it all mean for businesses in our state? That’s the focus of the next issue of Washington Business magazine, arriving in your mailbox next month.


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


Legislators to discuss workforce training at Nov. 6 Education and Training Committee meeting
AWB’s Education and Training Committee will meet on Thursday, Nov. 6, from 10 a.m.-noon at Deloitte (925 Fourth Ave., 33rd floor, Seattle). Democratic and Republican lawmakers will discuss current proposals for basic education financing. The committee will also review the workforce training program and prepare for the 2009 session. Contact AWB’s Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600.


Order your Washington Employment Law Deskbook
The 2008 Washington Employment Law Deskbook (17th Edition) is a key reference guide to legal issues facing Washington employers. The reference guide offers sample policies, solutions and easy-to-understand guidelines. Each book comes with a searchable CD-ROM for quick access to specific topics. Contact Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or click here to order online.


Counties and cites 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, 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.


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.

I-1029 is unnecessary and expensive - See this week's President's Perspective at http://www.awb.org