TOP STORIES
National watch: card check, health care and climate change are big issues
With Washington’s Legislature adjourned, AWB has shifted its concentration to federal legislation dealing with card check, legislation allowing union organizers to avert the secret election in the workplace and more easily unionize the workplace, President Obama’s sweeping health care reforms and congressional action to limit greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide. Two weeks ago, AWB President Don Brunell was in our nation’s capitol working on these three issues. They are critical and costly and business needs to weigh-in. All three are huge issues which could cost trillions in new government spending or productivity loses.

Business community testifies against EPA hearing
Last Thursday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency held a hearing in Seattle on the impact of greenhouse gases on air pollution under the federal Clean Air Act. After a thorough scientific review ordered in 2007 by the U.S. Supreme Court, the EPA issued a proposed finding that six greenhouse gases — including carbon dioxide — endanger public health and contribute to air pollution. AWB believes policy decisions related to greenhouse gas are best made at the federal level by Congress and not through agencies like the EPA, and coordinated testimony with a cross-section of business groups. AWB thanks the business community for their testimony on this important issue. Written comments may also be submitted and must be received by June 23. For more information, contact AWB’s Grant Nelson.


Governor trumps lawmakers, executes executive order on climate change
Be first to testify at the EPA hearing in Seattle was Gov. Chris Gregoire. During her testimony, she issued an executive order aimed at reducing greenhouse gases, which includes aspects of the climate change bill she introduced this past session. The order directs state agencies to estimate levels of greenhouse gas emissions for every facility in the state emitting 25,000 metric tons or more of carbon dioxide; develop emission benchmarks for industries that will be part of a federal or regional cap and trade program; and develop regional transportation plans that will achieve statutory benchmarks for reducing annual per capita vehicle miles traveled. As AWB said continuously during the legislative session, we believe the best way to regulate greenhouse gases is on a regional or national level.

AWB AWARDS
AWB honors 31 organizations for excellence in community service
AWB honored 31 businesses and non-profit organizations last Tuesday night for outstanding efforts in community service during its annual Spring Board Meeting in Spokane. AWB’s annual Community Service Awards recognize member companies of all sizes and types across the state for the contributions and volunteerism that make our communities better places to live and work. Awards are presented in five categories: education, helping people in need, projects that mobilize people, recognizing volunteerism and youth organizations. “The winners of this year’s Community Service Awards have worked hard to make a difference in the lives of thousands of people here in Washington state,” said AWB President Don Brunell. “We are proud to honor these businesses and community organizations. Their efforts, particularly during these difficult economic times, are deeply appreciated.” View a full list of the winners here. For photos of the 2009 awards presentation in Spokane, please visit the AWB Flickr Web site.

Bergeson receives C. David Gordon Award
Former Superintendent of Public Instruction Terry Bergeson is this year’s recipient of the C. David Gordon Award, an annual honor given by AWB in recognition of Washingtonians who distinguished themselves in service to the citizens of the state of Washington. C. David Gordon served as AWB president from 1955-64 and 1966-79, and is AWB’s Honorary President for Life. Bergeson served three terms as the state’s top schools official and was instrumental in implementing academic standards for students in grades K-12.

AWB honors Ralph and Cheryl Broetje with Briggs Award
Ralph and Cheryl Broetje, owners of Broetje Orchards, received AWB’s Bruce A. Briggs Award, an honor presented each year to an AWB member who continues to give back to his or her community. The award was named for the late Bruce A. Briggs, founder and owner of Briggs Nursery in Olympia. The Broetjes built a community on formerly arid land that includes housing for the company’s workforce, as well as daycare and schooling for the children of its workers. Each year, Broetje Orchards donates approximately 75 percent of its profits to local, domestic and international projects. This Thursday, AWB President Don Brunell will make a special presentation of the award to the Broetjes at their orchards in Prescott.


Bill Meacham receives first ever Judy Coovert Award
This year, AWB introduced a new award to honor Burien businesswoman and longtime association volunteer Judy Coovert, of Printcom, for her excellent service to the organization. The first recipient of the award is Bill Meacham, executive vice president of the Baldwin Resource Group and founder and principal of The Meacham Group in Bellevue. Meacham has been extremely helpful to AWB over the years in setting up AWB Agency Services, establishing the annual AWB Services Lecture Series at Seattle Pacific University and helping to shape compensation packages for AWB staff.


SPRING MEETING SPEAKERS Canada-U.S. ties must remain close, ambassador tells AWB board
No two countries in the world share a relationship like the one between the United States and Canada, Michael Wilson, Canada’s ambassador to the United States, said Tuesday at AWB’s Spring Board Meeting in Spokane. Wilson used the speech to warn against protectionism, something he said has already begun to creep into some countries, including the United States. Read more on AWB’s blog, Olympia Business Watch.


Recession could end by third quarter, state's chief economist says
Based on his examination of past recessions, Arun Raha, executive director of the Washington State Economic and Revenue Forecast Council, said Wednesday at AWB’s Spring Board Meeting, that he expects the economic recession to end in August or September, and the economy to "gain traction" by the middle of next year. Raha said that prediction is based on the fact that the S&P 500 index has typically turned up two quarters prior to the trough of a recession. Assuming that one believes the bear market ended March 9 — and that stocks aren't experiencing a bear market rally — that puts the bottoming out of the current recession into the third quarter. Read more on AWB’s blog, Olympia Business Watch.

Oil, natural gas, alternative energy still factors in 'energy security' Alternative fuels will not replace oil and natural gas in the near future, said Denise McCourt of the American Petroleum Institute. McCourt spoke Wednesday during the second day of the AWB's spring board meeting in Spokane. By 2030, the U.S. alone will require 9 percent more energy than it used in 2007, and the world will need 50 percent more energy, McCourt said. "We're going to need everything that's possibly out there to meet this demand," she said. Read more on AWB’s blog, Olympia Business Watch.


In era of rapid change, local media remains key to community
Working in the television industry now, during an era of unprecedented change, feels a little like Indiana Jones running from the boulder in Raiders of the Lost Ark, said Colleen Brown, CEO of Fisher Communications, in remarks to AWB members Tuesday night at the Spring Board Meeting Dinner and Awards in Spokane. Technology is the boulder, Brown said. It has led to a proliferation of media choices, and with it the erosion of mass media and the rise of "personal media," Brown said. "Not since the printing press has technology so impacted media," Brown added. Read more on AWB’s blog, Olympia Business Watch.

PRIORITY STATE LEGISLATION
Governor signs no-new tax budget in light of $9 billion deficit
Last Tuesday, the governor signed HB 1244, sponsored by Rep. Kelli Linville, D-Bellingham, the 2009-2001 biennial operating budget. The Legislature passed the $35 billion operating budget and relies on $3 billion in federal stimulus funds to be used over three years. Lawmakers also approved a $3.3 billion capital budget and a $7.5 billion transportation budget.House and Senate leaders agreed to cut cost-of-living raises for public employees and eliminate 7,000 jobs in state government.While the budget is not perfect from AWB’s viewpoint, budget writers deserve credit for not raising broad-based taxes. There remains significant work in the 2010 session to ensure the sustainability of our state budget and to prevent the need for future tax increases. For budget details, click here.For more information, contact AWB’s Amber Carter.

OTHER NEWS
AWB Board endorses Susan Fagan in 9th District
Members of the AWB Board of Directors voted last Wednesday to endorse Schweitzer Engineering’s Susan Fagan, a Republican candidate for the Washington State House of Representatives in the 9^th District. Fagan seeks to fill the seat currently held by Rep. Don Cox, R-Colfax. Cox was appointed to fill the seat in January after the death of Rep. Steve Haley, R-Mesa. Earlier this month, Cox indicated he would not seek election.


Transfer of fuel tax collection study underway
The Department of Licensing and the Department of Revenue are conducting a feasibility study on the transfer of fuel tax collection function from Licensing to Revenue. This study came from the request of the governor earlier this year when asking for ideas and proposals to run state agencies more efficiently. The study requires a report and recommendations to be submitted to the governor with draft legislation to accommodate the transfer.The analysis will address collections, appeals, evasion, computer systems, and best practices among other items.AWB will track the progress of the study and provide additional details as they become available.For more information, contact AWB’s Amber Carter.

Olympia makes number six on Kiplinger’s Best Cities of 2009
Olympia rated number six on the Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Best Cities of 2009 list. Cities that made the list offer solid employment opportunities and the talent to create new, well-paying positions. A healthy job market means these cities will suffer less during the recession and will have a head start toward growth when the recovery takes off. Olympia received recognition for the stable employment it enjoys the seat of state government and for the benefits provided by two nearby liberal arts colleges, The Evergreen State College and Saint Martin’s University.

According to the Detroit Free Press, "manufacturing jobs in the United States have dwindled to only about 12 million today, and the continuing recession is likely to depress the number still more." Consequently, some auctioneering firms have "all the work [they] can handle...selling off the leftover pieces of America's manufacturing base." One glimmer of hope: The article suggests "that the global recession and last year's high transportation costs have limited the number of overseas buyers at auctions lately. A growing number of buyers appear to be middle-age industrial workers hoping to buy equipment to start their own firms."


More small companies cutting medical coverage
The Wall Street Journal reports that "accelerating health-care premiums and sharp revenue shortfalls due to the recession are forcing some small companies to choose between dropping health insurance or laying off workers — or staying in business at all." The "tough economic times are forcing more businesses to grapple with stressful questions about discontinuing coverage. Health-insurance premiums for single workers rose 74 percent for small businesses from 2001 to 2008," and "about 10 percent of small businesses are considering eliminating coverage over the next year, up from 3 percent in 2005, according to a recent survey by National Small Business Association." 

 

Order your copy of Washington – The Nature of Innovation
AWB is pleased to offer a beautiful new custom book, Washington – The Nature of Innovation, promoting the economic strengths that make Washington unique. From coffee to computers, apples to aerospace, Washington state is a global leader in innovation, high quality goods and services. This special hard-cover publication showcases many of the firms, as well as the features, that make Washington one of the most notable states in the nation. The book is available for $49.50 for AWB members ($59.50 for non-members) and can be purchased onlineor by contacting Jennifer Costello at jenniferc@awb.org or 800.521.9325.

 

AWB is now on Twitter
AWB recently joined the microblogging site, Twitter. This allows us to post brief (140 characters) updates about AWB events, ask members quick questions, share breaking news and link to resources. Twitter is the third most popular social networking application on the Internet, right behind MySpace and Facebook. Learn more about the site and start following AWB on Twitter today.

AWB EVENTS & RESOURCES
Employer Human Resources Update Webinar — Thursday, May 28
Important employment and human resource bills were introduced and considered in the just-completed 2009 legislative session. Important changes to the state’s unemployment insurance system, workers’ compensation system, paid family leave, and workplace relations were all considered. AWB members can attend this free 60-minute Webinar to find out what laws passed, how they will affect your operations and what bills are still alive for next year. Discussions will also include preparation for possible future changes to the state’s employment laws. Register online or contact AWB’s Jennifer Costello.


Wage and hour law seminar — Tuesday, 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 AWB’s Jennifer Costello.


Government Affairs Council retreat, June 16-18
The annual Government Affairs Council retreat will be at Alderbrook Resort on Hood Canal June 16-18. The retreat will begin on the evening of Tuesday, June 16 and last until approximately noon on Thursday, June 18. There will be panels on local government, environmental issues and the revenue forecast. Rooms will be on a space- and price-available basis. For more information, contact AWB’s Connie Grande.

Common HR Mistakes — And How to Avoid Them seminar on June 24
Don't let innocent mistakes become costly matters for your company! Whether the issue relates to pay practices, employee classification, discrimination and harassment, labor and employment laws are difficult to interpret and are constantly changing. The good news is that the most common mistakes can be easily avoided. Effective HR practices are at the core of prevention. Join us for this half day seminar on Wednesday, June 24, at the Doubletree Guest Suites Seattle-Southcenter, in Tukwila, which will help you create and implement best HR practices designed to prevent legal problems and identify potential areas where your company may be vulnerable. To register, click here or contact AWB’s Jennifer Costello.


Free safety education Webinars
AWB and Sedgwick CMS offer courses for safety and non-safety professionals who wish to increase their safety knowledge and effectiveness in developing and administering safety programs within their company. We have identified that the two most common causes of injuries are overexertion resulting in back and shoulder injuries and slips, trips and falls either from tripping over uneven surfaces, slipping on floors, or falling from heights. We offer free educational Webinars to all AWB members on these topics to help you identify and control these risks in your workplace. For additional information and webinar training dates, click here.

THEY SAID IT
"The Environmental Protection Agency's decision to regulate CO2 under the Clean Air Act is likely to have serious economic consequences for regulated entities throughout the United States, including small business and small communities.” – Rep. Shelly Short, R-Addy