TOP STORIES
News of Great Recovery tempered by jobs data
The announcement last week by the Bureau of Labor Statistics that job losses in this recession are now at or near record levels surely tempers news of the Great Recovery. According to the report, 5.2 percent of jobs have been lost in the U.S. since the start of the recession (December 2007). Washington state lost 4.3 percent of total jobs, ranking 28^th in the nation. View the full rankings here. Only Alaska (up 0.6 percent), Washington, D.C. (up 0.6 percent) and North Dakota (up 1.4 percent) showed job growth. Read more on AWB’s blog, Olympia Business Watch.


U.S. Senate and House continue grappling with health-care reform
Health-care reform legislation remained front and center in the U.S. Congress last week. Increasingly, it seems likely that Congress will pass some form of health-care reform, and even opponents of the Democrats’ legislation are working behind the scenes to influence the final shape the reform measures in both houses of Congress. Meanwhile, the public option appears to be gaining ground and is likely to be in whatever health care legislation ultimately passes the House, according to several sources, including Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., an opponent of the public option. The Wall Street Journal also reports that a form of the public option, along with stiff penalties for employers who fail to provide health care coverage, is likely. Stay tuned.


Reed predicts 51 percent voter turnout in general election
Voter turnout should be a respectable 51 percent for the general election that is now under way across Washington, Secretary of State Sam Reed predicted last Tuesday. This off-year election follows a record-high turnout of 85 percent in last year’s hotly contested presidential-gubernatorial election year. “The election this year features our choices for local government, our mayors and council members, our county leaders, our port commissioners and others who will face crucial decisions in the days and months ahead,” said Reed.


AWB hopeful about governor’s natural resource regulation initiative
Last week, AWB sent Gov. Chris Gregoire a letter supporting her initiative to streamline the state’s natural resource management system and bring consistency to environmental permitting and quasi-judicial appeals processes. AWB believes that while it is extremely challenging, the historic downturn in the economy — as well as state and local government budget shortages — present unique opportunities to reevaluate how the state does business. However, AWB Vice President of Government Affairs Gary Chandler, cautioned against using the search for regulatory efficiencies as a chance to change environmental protection laws, either by weakening or strengthening them. Read more on AWB’s blog Olympia Business Watch. For more information, contact AWB’s Chris McCabe.


State needs your input reforming natural resource management by Wednesday
State officials are accepting comments on a set of ideas for reforming Washington’s natural resource management system through Wednesday. Members of the business community are strongly encouraged to share their thoughts via email.


Ecology develops legislation to fix greenhouse gas reporting law
Last week, the Department of Ecology circulated for comment draft legislation aimed at correcting consistency issues between proposed state greenhouse gas reporting rules and recently adopted rules by EPA. AWB and member organizations are supportive of Ecology’s legislation and are working closely with department staff members to ensure the rules avoid duplicative and costly requirements. The law requires entities that emit greenhouse gases to begin reporting 2009 emissions by Oct. 31, 2010.For more information, contact AWB’s Grant Nelson.


Learn more about new industrial stormwater permit Nov. 3
Last Wednesday, the Washington State Department of Ecology adopted its new Industrial Stormwater General Permit, which will cover more than 1,200 facilities when it takes effect Jan. 1, 2010. Unfortunately, the department missed a key opportunity to incorporate many suggestions made by AWB and member organizations to reduce costs and improve the effectiveness of the permit. The new permit contains more stringent reporting and discharge requirements for metals such as copper and zinc that will force companies to implement expensive new treatment technologies, yielding little meaningful environmental benefit. AWB anticipates that environmental advocates will file a lawsuit against Ecology, seeking standards that are even more stringent. AWB’s Water Quality Committee will meet at AWB from 1-3 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3 to discuss the permit and possible next steps. For more information, contact AWB’s Grant Nelson.


AWB now accepting nominations for Better Workplace Awards
AWB’s Better Workplace Awards honor 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. Have your company recognized for its accomplishments! Click here to download the nomination form. Awards will be presented at our annual Legislative Day in Olympia on Feb. 3, 2010. For more information, contact Jennifer Costello. The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, Dec. 11, 2009.


KEY HEARINGS, MEETINGS
L&I to hold hearings on proposed 7.6 percent rate increase
This week, the state Department of Labor & Industries will host a series of six public hearings on its proposed 7.6 percent hike in workers’ compensation taxes. AWB, which has called on lawmakers to reform the workers’ comp system, encourages members to attend and share their comments. A number of common-sense reforms are needed, according to AWB President Don Brunell, including creating a settlement option for complex or long-term claims. Final 2010 rates will be adopted in late November. The hearings are scheduled for:

• Tukwila: Tuesday, Oct. 27, 1 p.m., L&I Office, 12806 Gateway Drive
• Tumwater: Wednesday, Oct. 28, 10 a.m., L&I Headquarters, 7273 Linderson Way S.W.
• Vancouver: Wednesday, Oct. 28, 10 a.m., Red Lion Inn at the Quay, 100 Columbia St.
• Bellingham: Thursday, Oct. 29, 1 p.m., Bellingham Quality Inn, 100 E. Kellogg Road
• Spokane: Friday, Oct. 30, 9 a.m., Spokane Airport Ramada, 8909 W. Airport Dr.
• Richland: Friday, Oct. 30, 2 p.m., Richland Hampton Inn, 486 Bradley Blvd.

AWB strongly encourages its members to come and share their concerns with L&I about raising taxes without reforms to reduce costs. You can read more about specific issues involved in the workers’ comp discussion via this new white paper, created by AWB’s Kris Tefft.


Transportation Secretary Hammond at Oct. 28 Transportation Committee meeting
State Secretary of Transportation Paula Hammond will speak to AWB’s Transportation Committee this Wednesday, 10 a.m. – noon, at AWB. For more information, contact AWB’s Amber Carter.

Pacific Mountain Region Industry & Innovation Expo
Mark your calendar now for the Pacific Mountain Region Industry & Innovation Expo 2009. The two-day event will bring together businesses, government agencies and nonprofits from Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific and Thurston counties next month to discuss ways to navigate the emerging economy. Topics will include workplace efficiency, green building, supply chain management and more. The Expo will be held Nov. 6-7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Little Creek Event Center in Shelton.


Learn how to grow international sales
An eight-city seminar aimed at helping small and medium-sized businesses increase their international sales is coming to Seattle next month. “Exports Live! Real Deals – Real Profits” is a half-day seminar on Tuesday, Nov. 17, that will teach participants about the government products and services that are available to help their businesses compete worldwide. It is available through Export.gov, a collaborative effort by 19 federal agencies managed by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration. More information, including how to register, is available here.


Ecology’s draft greenhouse gas reporting rule open for public comment
The Department of Ecology’s proposed draft greenhouse gas reporting rule is open for public comment. Information regarding public hearings in November and a preliminary cost-benefit analysis and small business economic impact statement — which is part of the rulemaking — are also available on the department’s Web site. Ecology’s proposed rule, which requires reporting of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from vehicle fleets and stationary sources starting in 2010, follows closely on the heels of EPA’s final GHG reporting rule mentioned in last week’s Fast Facts. Public comments are due by Thursday, Nov. 12. For more information, contact AWB’s Grant Nelson.


OTHER NEWS
Composite Solutions win state’s highest civics award
AWB member Composite Solutions is one of two winners of the state’s first civics award to business. Washington Secretary of State Sam Reed’s new Corporations for Communities program honors exceptional Washington businesses that make community a priority. This is the first time that a National Association of Secretaries of State Medallion – an award that has long been given to applaud voter education efforts, civic engagement, or government service – is being awarded to a business. Reed praised the Auburn company for “demonstrating a dedication to the community that clearly goes to the core of their business operations and services.” Composite Solutions shares the honor this year with Seattle NBC affiliate KING-5 Television. 


Employer input needed for workforce development focus group
Gov. Chris Gregoire wants a review of Washington’s workforce development system. Since the primary goal of this system is to provide business with a constant supply of highly qualified workers, it is vital that employers participate in this effort. AWB is sponsoring a focus group conducted by representatives from the Employment Security Department, State Board for Community and Technical Colleges and the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board. The focus group will be held Tuesday, Nov. 3, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. at AWB. If you cannot attend in person you can phone-in your comments to 888.311.9751, participant code 758953 or fill out the online version of the survey. To confirm your participation or for more information, contact AWB’s Mike Hudson.


Don’t miss Washington Policy Center’s 2009 Statewide Small Business Conference, Nov. 10
Washington Policy Center’s 2009 Statewide Small Business Conference will feature breakout sessions on important policy topics that affect small business owners, from access to health care and business taxes, to regulatory reform, unemployment insurance, workers' compensation and more. These breakout sessions give audience members a chance offer recommendations and vote on their favorite ideas. The ideas will then be passed on to state policymakers prior to the 2010 legislative session. Dr. Eugenio Aleman, Wells Fargo Senior Economist and Vice President, will be the keynote speaker. He will talk about where the national and state economies are heading. Additionally, AWB’s Amber Carter and Kris Tefft will speak on workers’ comp, the reseller’s permit and taxes. The conference will be held at the SeaTac Hilton, 7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 10. Click here to register online.


Don Brunell Scholarships application deadline extended to Dec. 1
The application deadline for the Don Brunell Scholarship for Future Business Leaders is being extended until Dec. 1. The scholarship was established to inspire and aid Washington’s future business leaders. It is awarded annually and targeted to undergraduate, graduate or career/vocational students currently pursuing or who intend to pursue a course of education that will lead to a degree or certification in business from any public or private university, community or technical college, or private career school. The scholarship is $1,500 per recipient; $2,000 if the recipient has attended Washington Business Week. The application is available on the AWB Institute’s home page. Look for the “Scholarship Application” link. For more information, contact AWB’s Mike Hudson.


AWB EVENTS & RESOURCES
Understanding the Resale Certificate Webinar
Effective Jan. 1, the resale certificate will be replaced with a reseller permit issued by the Washington State Department of Revenue. Reseller permits are free and will be issued to businesses that make wholesale purchases, including qualified contractors. The permits allow businesses to purchase items or services for resale without paying retail sales tax. Join us on Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 10 a.m., for this 60-minute Webinar to learn what a permit is, how to get a reseller permit and receive answers to all of your questions and concerns of the process. Register online or contact AWB’s Jennifer Costello.


Human Resources in 2010: A Washington State Legislative Forecast Webinar
Human resources is always one of the most volatile issues in the Washington State Legislature. Numerous new laws and regulations in the areas of discrimination, leaves of absence, immigration, unionization, employee benefits – to name a few – have been debated for years and are teed up for further action in the 2010 session. Join us on Thursday, Dec. 10, at 10 a.m. for an up-to-the minute briefing on where these and other HR issues stand going into the January start of session. Register online or contact AWB’s Jennifer Costello.


AWB Members save up to 26 percent on UPS shipping!
AWB and UPS have partnered on a new program to help save members time and money. With discounts on UPS Next Day Air^®, UPS Worldwide Express^SM and UPS 2nd Day Air A.M^®, you can save up to 26 percent on shipping costs! Find out how to take advantage of these savings today by calling 800.325.7000 or click here to enroll in the program to begin receiving discounted rates!. Be sure to identify yourself as an AWB member.


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 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.


THEY SAID IT
“The United States is headed toward a new financial crisis. History gives many examples of countries with high actual and expected money growth, unsustainable budget deficits, and a currency expected to depreciate. Unless these countries made massive policy changes, they ended in crisis. We will escape only if we act forcefully and soon.” – Allan H. Meltzer, Wall Street Journal 


This Week's President's Perspective: High tech poised to lead Washington’s recovery