TOP STORIES
Legislative session ends on time but Governor indicates special session ahead
Although the gavel came down Sunday night on the 2009 regular session, Gov. Chris Gregoire indicated this morning that there will likely be a special session to resolve issues tied to the budget, including school levies and offender sentencing measures. During a press conference this morning, Gregoire said she will not call the special session immediately, and that the agenda of the special session would focus solely on these unfinished budget related measures. The governor and legislative leaders will be meeting “soon” to determine the details of the special session, which cannot exceed 30 days. TVW’s Capitol Record blog has a nice recap of how a special session works.

AWB members deserve a big round of applause for coming out in force this session and contacting legislators about the impact of specific bills on the employer community and the state’s competitiveness. Your response to our Action Alerts and willingness to take the time and call lawmakers resulted in some significant achievements this session, like ensuring clean passage of the UI conformity bill, SB 5963, sponsored by Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles , D-Seattle.

Next Monday’s edition of Fast Facts will recap the final status of AWB’s priority legislation and other key bills. By then, we may also know more details about a special legislative session.


Get informed about swine flu
In the past week, representatives from the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control have begun communicating more aggressively about an outbreak of swine flu in Mexico City. To date, there are 40 laboratory-confirmed human cases in the United States (in California, Kansas, New York, Ohio and Texas). Gov. Gregoire said at her press conference this morning there are no known cases of the swine flu in Washington state and there is no need for people to panic. However, individuals and employers in Washington state should familiarize themselves with this health threat and preventative measures, such as frequent hand washing. The CDC has a list of good habits that can help prevent the spread of germs. The organization has information available online in Spanish, and you can keep up to date on this issue through the CDC’s e-mail updates, RSS feeds and via Twitter (CDC Emergency). AWB will also keep you informed via Fast Facts and online at http://www.awb.org/.


OTHER NEWS
Canadian ambassador to speak at AWB Spring Meeting
AWB is pleased to welcome Canada’s Ambassador to the United States, Michael Wilson, as the opening speaker at the annual Spring Meeting in Spokane on Tuesday, May 19.Ambassador Wilson will speak for an hour beginning at 3:30 p.m.; a reception will immediately follow his presentation.He is expected to address issues such as international trade, security, energy, business opportunities and other mutual interests between Canada and the United States. Following the reception, AWB will host its traditional dinner and Community Service Awards ceremony. Colleen Brown, CEO of Fisher Communications, will be the featured speaker that evening. Register for the event online and be sure to reserve your room at the Davenport by Wednesday, April 29, in order to receive the AWB discounted rate. For more information, contact AWB’s Jennifer Davis at 360.943.1600.


Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce names Phil Bussey as new president & CEO
The Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce tapped Puget Sound Energy executive Phil Bussey to head the regional business organization. Beginning Tuesday, May 26, Bussey will direct all operations for the chamber, which represents nearly 2,400 small, medium and large businesses located from Marysville to Tacoma. Bussey succeeds Steve Leahy, who stepped down in February.


L&I issues draft heat stress implementation directive
The Department of Labor & Industries issued adraft directive for the implementation of the department'sheat stress rule for this coming summer.One significant proposed change from last year's directiveis thatfailureto trainemployees, as required under the rule, will be considered a "serious,” rather than a "general" violation.Employers who violate this requirement will face increased fines.The rule is effective May 1 through Sept. 30 each year. L&I will accept comments on the proposed changes to the directive until Thursday, May 7.More information regarding the heat stress rule is available onL&I’s Web siteand by contactingAWB’s Grant Nelson.


Puget Sound Partnership releases draft supplement to its action agenda
On March 20, the Puget Sound Partnership released a draft supplement to its action agenda. The PSP is an important and wide ranging initiative effort to restore and protect Puget Sound’s environment. Please send your questions or comments about the draft supplement to AWB’s Chris McCabe.


AWB Institute receives $50,000 for work readiness assessments
Washington’s Workforce Training Coordination Board awarded $50,000 to the AWB Instituteto help employers better evaluate perspective employees and new hires. The Institute is charged with developing and coordinating worker training programs for large and small businesses in Washington state. The Institute will coordinate with businesses on the use and application of the assessments, which are in both video and online formats. “Employers need a way to determine which employees have a good work ethic, will show up at work each day and work as part of a team,” said AWB Institute Director Mike Hudson. “Hopefully, these work readiness assessments will be a big part of the answer to this need on the part of employers to evaluate these soft, but essential skills.” For more information, contact AWB’s Mike Hudson.


Deadline approaching for AWB board nominations
Nominations for the AWB Board of Directors must be received by this Thursday, April 30. Download the nomination form and submit the name and contact information of your nominee to Dick Walter, AWB vice president of operations.


Nominations for Governor’s Smart Communities Awards due April 30
The Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development is seeking nominations for the 2009 Governor’s Smart Communities Awards. The awards program recognizes outstanding efforts of local communities and their partners throughout the state to create quality communities through achieving the goals of the Growth Management Act and other community development objectives. Nominations are due by 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 30.View nomination forms, instructions and other information about the awards here. For more information, contact Julie Knackstedt at 360.725.3053.


Don’t miss Washington State Energy Summit
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act offers an unprecedented opportunity to use federal “stimulus” funds to advance our state’s transition to a new clean energy economy. On Monday, May 4, the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development will host the Washington State Energy Summit at the Washington State Convention & Trade Center in Seattle. There, you’ll find up-to-date information on funding sources and federal guidance as well as networking and matchmaking opportunities for prospective competitive grant proposal partners. Plus, get the first look at the draft State Energy Program funding plan that will invest more than $60 million in state and local projects for the next two years.


PNL offers technology assistance program for Northwest businesses
The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland wants to help alleviate the increased pressures that small businesses are experiencing by inviting them to apply for the Technology Assistance Program. Technology-based businesses anywhere in the United States with fewer than 500 employees are eligible to apply. The program helps participating businesses overcome specific technology challenges with the broad expertise of the lab’s scientists and engineers and the use of its advanced research facilities. Visit the program Web site for additional details and application information.


AWB EVENTS & RESOURCES
Online HR training at your fingertips — special pricing for AWB members
Employers of all sizes are vulnerable to employment disputes. New and proposed legislation continues to expand employers' exposure to claims. In fact, overall employment discrimination claims are up by 15 percent! In addition, state and federal harassment training mandates are quickly evolving; 2009 is a mandated training year for many organizations with multi-state operations. To help your company avoid problems and stay in compliance, AWB is offering a new member benefit giving you 20 percent off one of the best Online HR Compliance Training programs on the market. Watch a two-minute course preview online or contact Jennifer Davis for your AWB member discount code.


New AWB salary and benefits survey is here: Results are FREE
WageAccess® will provide AWB members with current and accurate on-line salary and benefits survey results for FREE for a limited time. AWB participants who sign-up using promotion code AWB223 and submit survey data before May 31 will receive one month of FREE access to the WageAccess® basic survey results (a $199 value). View more additional program information and sign-up for this limited offer here.


Wage & Hour Law Seminar – June 9 in Bellevue
A steady stream of wage and hour litigation threatens to inundate employers. Those investigations often result in considerable fines to the employer as a result of the employer’s failure to keep proper records and pay its employees accurately and in a timely fashion. Join us for this half day seminar and leave with rock-solid knowledge and the confidence to make the right decisions. Protect your organization and your career. It couldn’t be easier. Register online or contact Jennifer Costello.


THEY SAID IT
"I'm very concerned that $777 million in this [capital] budget is being diverted to the operating budget. This money could have gone toward infrastructure improvements and investments in communities across our state, and created jobs. That is exactly what our economy needs right now.” – Rep. Bruce Dammeier, R-Puyallup 


This Week's President's Perspective: Hurricane Hazel’s secret to good government