It’s time to pay attention: Legislative session starts today
Today marks the first day of the 105-day legislative session. AWB’s top priority will be the $6 billion budget gap and helping lawmakers find ways to keep people working and move toward economic recovery, stability and growth for our state. If you have particular concerns about a legislative issue, be sure to contact AWB’s governmental affairs team or visit the Legislative Action Center on our Web site. You can also stay up to date on the issues by making our blog, Olympia Business Watch, a part of your daily online routine.

Tomorrow, AWB President Don Brunell will begin a series of briefings around the state to discuss the budget shortfall and other challenges facing lawmakers this winter. His first stop will be at the Bremerton Chamber of Commerce tomorrow, Jan. 13 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Additional meetings will be held Wednesday, Feb. 18 (Yakima and Tri-Cities); Thursday, Feb. 19 (Walla Walla and Moses Lake); Friday, Feb. 27 (Vancouver); Tuesday, Mar. 10 (Tacoma); Wednesday, March 11 (Spokane); Tuesday, March 24 (Redmond); Wednesday, March 25 (Mountlake Terrace and Seattle); and Wednesday, April 15 (DuPont). For more information or to RSVP, contact AWB’s Bonnie Millikan at (360) 943-1600.

Finally, to better serve AWB members during the legislative session, we have extended our office hours from 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.


What could the Legislature do to help you?
That’s what we asked you last week, and we appreciate everyone who took the time to fill out the quick online survey. Keeping taxes low, reducing regulatory burdens and the managing the recent increase in the minimum wage were among the more consistent themes in the feedback we received. Here’s what a few of you had to say:

Our governmental affairs team relies heavily on your input to tell legislators the challenges faced by the more than 6,500 businesses of all sizes and industries that comprise AWB. We’ll be asking for your input again soon about the manufacturing and equipment tax exemption, so if you missed this survey watch for the new one.


2009 Legislature and Washington Business magazine
Watch your mailboxes for the winter issue of Washington Business magazine! Our next issue will feature perspectives about the 2009 session, including guest columns from Gov. Gregoire and leaders from both caucuses in the House and Senate. If you are not currently receiving Washington Business magazine as a member of AWB, contact J-Anne Nepomuceno at (360) 943-1600.


Home and business owners should report storm damage now
Home and small business owners around the state who have damages from the recent winter weather should file a report with their local emergency management office immediately. In addition to notifying their insurance company, home and business owners also should report damages to the emergency management agency in the community where their home or business is located. Small business owners have two kinds of damage to think about: physical and economic. Click here for more information about cleaning up after storms. Remember, during extreme weather, businesses can always refer to the Washington State Emergency Management Division’s Business Portal Web site.


Good and bad news from Boeing
Mixed news this past week from Boeing. First the good news: Boeing's commercial airplane order backlog grew by 8 percent last year to 3,714.The bad news: 2008 orders plummeted by 53 percent to 662, prompting the layoff of 4,500 workers, mostly in Washington state. Read more on AWB’s blog, Olympia Business Watch.


Upcoming Division of Vocational Rehabilitation survey
AWB is partnering with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to learn how DVR can help you add productive workers with disabilities to your business teams. DVR is the state agency that helps people with disabilities find jobs that fit their skills and interests. DVR also provides a variety of free services to employers, and they want your help in making those services as useful to employers as possible. A short online survey will be e-mailed to AWB members this week. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey, as the information gathered has the potential to benefit your business and employers throughout Washington.


Start off the year in compliance!
Washington state’s minimum wage has increased from $8.07 to $8.55 per hour. Additional significant changes have been made to the required state and federal employment posters as well — click here to view the other changes. Order your updated poster set today to ensure your company is in complete compliance with Washington state and federal labor law posting requirements. To order an updated state and federal poster set, contact AWB’s Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600.


Climate Change Subcommittee meeting tomorrow
AWB’s Climate Change Subcommittee will meet tomorrow, Tuesday, Jan. 13 at noon at AWB to discuss the governor’s cap and trade legislation and determine next steps related to the legislation for AWB. Members are encouraged to attend and bring their own lunches. For more information, contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600.


RFID Task Force will discuss upcoming legislation
Tomorrow, Tuesday, Jan. 13, the Radio-frequency Identification Task Force will meet at AWB from 4-5:30 p.m. Rep. Jeff Morris, D-Mount Vernon, has introduced three bills related to RFID microchips, which will be heard in the House Technology, Energy and Communications Committee on Wednesday, Jan. 14. RFID chips are tiny transmitters embedded in objects that broadcast information short distances to scanners. AWB vigorously opposed early drafts of RFID legislation last session, and worked with lawmakers to ensure the legislation that passed did not harm the business community. For more information, contact Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600.


Manufacturing briefing set for Jan. 15 in Olympia
Have you expanded your business, added new employees or become more competitive as a result of the state’s sales and use tax exemption on manufacturing equipment? Unfortunately, legislators are thinking of eliminating this critical exemption to help close the $6 billion budget gap this session. That’s why AWB would like manufacturing members to join us at AWB this Thursday, Jan. 15, 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 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.


Better Workplace Awards nominations due date extended to Jan. 15.
You still have time to submit nominations for AWB’s Better Workplace Awards. These honors highlight 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. Download the nomination form or contact AWB’s Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 for more information. Nominations are due by this Thursday, Jan. 15.


ESD Director Karen Lee to discuss details of governor’s stimulus package
During her State of the State address, Gov. Chris Gregoire will reveal her plan for a stimulus package in Washington.AWB has learned that the majority of items in the plan will focus on issues involving the unemployment system in the state. To explain the plan in greater detail and its impact on businesses and employees alike, AWB has invited Karen Lee, director of the state Employment Security Department, to discuss the details with AWB members. All members are invited to attend the meeting, which will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, Jan. 16, at AWB. For more information, contact AWB’s Donna Steward at (360) 943-1600.


An opportunity to shine!
Has your company developed an employee wellness programthat is helping your employees live healthier lives while increasing productivity?If so, we would like to profile your story.Send a short description of your program and the results you have achieved to Donna Steward, or contact her directly (360) 943-1600.


Health Care Committee will meet Jan. 19
The AWB Health Care Committee will meet Monday, Jan. 19 at 9 a.m. at AWB. Details will be forthcoming. For more information, contact Donna Steward at (360) 943-1600.


AWB Tax and Fiscal Policy Council meeting Jan. 21
The AWB Tax and Fiscal Policy Council will meet Wednesday, Jan. 21, from 9:30-noon at AWB. For more information, contact AWB’s Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600.


School management expert to speak at Washington Policy Center luncheon Jan. 22
On Thursday, Jan. 22, AWB is co-presenting the Washington Policy Center’s kick-off event for the WPC Education Center. The luncheon will be held from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Harbor Club, 801 2nd Ave., 17th floor, Seattle. The event will feature Prof. Bill Ouchi of UCLA’s Anderson School of Management, who will speak on the topic of public school reform (“Reversing the Decline of Public Schools: How Putting the Principal in Charge Helps Students Learn”). Click here for more information or to register.


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.


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 Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 for more information.


This week’s President's Perspective: Keeping the good news coming