TOP STORIES
Johnson re-elected to Supreme Court; Sanders faces tough race following primary
Supreme Court Justice Jim Johnson decisively won re-election in last week’s primary election, despite an expensive attack mounted by trial lawyers and labor unions. Johnson, who was endorsed by AWB, scored a remarkable 85 percent in AWB’s Judicial Scorecard and was the clear choice for businesses interested in ensuring they get a fair shot in court. Justice Richard Sanders, another AWB-endorsed justice, won the most votes in his primary race and advances to the November general election where he faces a potentially tough runoff challenge. With a ballot crowded full of initiatives and high-profile candidate races, it’s important that the business community pays attention to this race and lends its support to Sanders.


AWB’s Regional Membership Meetings, candidate interviews start next Tuesday
AWB’s Regional Membership Meetings and candidate interviews begin next week with gatherings in Tacoma, Vancouver and Bellevue. The meetings, which continue through the middle of September, provide an excellent opportunity to meet with legislators, and are also an important part of AWB’s candidate endorsement process, culminating in AWB’s Policy Summit in September. If you haven’t already registered, please RSVP now. Meetings are scheduled for:

Detailed information, including times, specific locations and agendas, is available on AWB’s events calendar. RSVP to AWB’s Bonnie Millikan at 800.521.9325.


AWB’s We Mean Business campaign gives employers a voice
It’s all about jobs. Employers would like to add jobs, but the poor economy is forcing them to lay off workers at the highest rate in nine months. Businesses are unlikely to expand in an environment where uncertainty abounds over federal health-care reform, potential card check and cap-and-trade legislation, not to mention the fate of November’s election — including a proposed state income tax. AWB’s We Mean Business campaign is an effort to focus on Washington employers and underscore their concerns about the economy. In a series of direct mail postcards and advertisements in local business journals, the campaign makes the case that Washington’s economy will not improve until the state’s business climate does. Join us: Donate online today to this important effort to build support for those who create jobs in our state.


Show your support for employers with Facebook and Twitter
The stakes are high for employers this year. Initiative 1098 would create a state income tax, discouraging employers from investing in new jobs at a time when we need them most. In addition to 1098, there are several other ballot measures with big implications for the business community. If you or your company has a Facebook or Twitter account, help boost efforts to build statewide support for these three AWB-endorsed initiatives this fall:

· Yes on Initiative 1053 (restoring a two-thirds requirement for taxes): Facebook and Twitter (@yeson1053)
· Yes on Initiative 1082 (ending the workers’ comp monopoly): Facebook, Twitter (@saveourjobswa), YouTube
· Defeat Initiative 1098 (defeating a state income tax): Facebook and Twitter (@defeat1098)

To find out how you can contribute financially, visit Yes on 1053, Defeat 1098 and http://www.saveourjobswa.com/ (Initiative 1082).

Voters need to understand the impact these measures can have on job creation in our state. Take a moment to share this information today with chamber members, employees and friends, and help protect Washington’s competitiveness on Nov. 2.


Register now for Policy Summit at Semiahmoo, Sept. 21-23 – Great speakers, great golf
AWB’s 21st annual Policy Summit is just around the corner. Register now! Don’t miss out on a great opportunity to play one of the Northwest’s great golf courses at beautiful Semiahmoo Resort, participate in a tournament featuring special prizes, and join in the state’s premier public policy summit. Don’t wait until September: You can follow the discussion before and during the summit on Twitter (@policysummit). Register now online or contact AWB’s Jen Costello at 800.521.9325.


Register now for Manufacturing Summit, Sept. 14-15
The AWB Institute and McGladrey invite you to register now for a program focused on the manufacturing and wholesale distribution industry. Featured speakers include Tom Murphy, McGladrey’s executive vice president of manufacturing and wholesale distribution, and Greg Weeks, labor market and economic analysis director of the Employment Security Department. Members can choose between complimentary programs in Olympia (Tuesday, Sept. 14) or Lynnwood (Wednesday, Sept. 15). Both run from 7:30 – 10:30 a.m.


New stormwater regulations will greatly increase costs on development projects
The Department of Ecology is creating new stormwater regulations that will require low impact development (LID) standards for development projects. Some example of LID standards, which will be implemented through local development codes, include impervious surface limits, narrower roads, reduced lot setback provisions and native vegetation retention. The effort is due in part to Pollution Control Hearings Board (PCHB) decisions in 2008 and 2009. These new regulations will greatly increase costs of residential and commercial development. The department intends to issue the draft regulations for public comment this fall. For more information, contact AWB’s Grant Nelson.


Summer 2010 Washington Business out now
The summer 2010 edition of AWB’s award-winning quarterly magazine came out last week. In addition to timely election-related articles on initiatives 1082 and 1053, it features a helpful primer on how to prevent workplace fraud and a profile of Washington’s only wine cork manufacturer. Check it out today!


KEY HEARINGS, MEETINGS
Health-care reform at Human Resources Council meeting, Aug. 26
Employment benefits attorney and health-care expert Howard Bye will tell you “Everything You Need to Know about Health-Care Reform, But Are Afraid to Ask,” at the Human Resources Council’s meeting Thursday. In addition to his presentation, which will be moderated in a Q&A format, the meeting will include an update and briefing on the political and legislative landscape, as well as review, discussion, and recommendations on AWB’s 2011 legislative objectives in the human resources field. The meeting is Thursday, Aug. 26, 2 – 4:30 p.m., at Stoel Rives LLP in Seattle. For more information, contact AWB’s Kris Tefft.


Water Resource Committee meeting, Aug. 27
AWB’s Water Resource Committee will meet jointly with the Washington Water Policy Alliance on Friday Aug. 27 from 2 – 4 p.m. in AWB’s Small Business Conference Room to discuss Department of Ecology water right fee legislative proposals for 2011. We will be joined by Evan Sheffels, Ken Slattery and Maia Bellon of Ecology’s Water Resources Program. A conference call option will be available. Contact Connie Grande at 800.521.9325 for the call-in number and pass code.


AWB representing employers at Joint Tax Avoidance Review Committee
In addition to raising taxes last session, the Legislature established a Joint Tax Review Committee. The committee oversees the Department of Revenue’s implementation of tax avoidance policy. AWB wants clear advice for taxpayers on how to keep themselves clear of tax avoidance claims from the department. In view of the lack of advice from the department on how taxpayers can stay within the law, AWB believes the state should not be able to enforce the law beyond examples previously given to lawmakers. AWB members are very concerned about this issue, as reflected in the more than 55 members who attended the last Tax and Fiscal Policy Council meeting. The Joint Tax Review Committee next meets Sept. 20. For more information, contact AWB’s Amber Carter.


Final approval of legislative objectives at GAC meeting, Sept. 17
AWB’s Government Affairs Council will finalize all legislative objectives on Friday, Sept. 17, at AWB, 9 a.m. – noon. For more information, contact AWB’s Connie Grande.


OTHER NEWS
Commerce Connections: An opportunity to discuss Washington’s economy and budget
The economic outlook for Washington state and our nation continues to be extremely challenging. Tough times can also spark the best, most innovative ideas for moving Washington forward. Washington’s Department of Commerce invites you to Commerce Connection, a series of discussions led by Commerce Director Rogers Weed. The department will also give a progress report and gather your ideas to inform its work. Register now for these events coming soon to a city near you:

· Wednesday, Aug. 25 – Spokane Special Event hosted by Greater Spokane Inc.
· Friday, Aug. 27 – Walla Walla
· Tuesday, Aug. 31 – Port Angeles


Stormwater treatment seminar tomorrow
If your company operates one of the approximately 1,200 facilities permitted under the state’s Industrial Stormwater General Permit, you don’t want to miss an important seminar later this month in Federal Way. AWB is helping to sponsor the Stormwater Treatment Technologies Seminar, hosted by Kennedy/Jenks Consultants. Learn about the latest techniques for treating stormwater, gain a better understanding of the permit and avoid violations and third-party lawsuits. The Stormwater Treatment Technologies Seminar takes place Tuesday, Aug. 24, 9 – 10:30 a.m. at the Weyerhauser Aquatic Center Banquet Hall, 650 SW Campus Drive, Federal Way. The seminar is free and includes coffee, juice and pastries. Please RSVP by Aug. 16 to Sandy Cosgrove, 253.835.6410.


Nominations under way for workforce, economic development leaders
The Workforce Board and Department of Commerce are accepting nominations for the 2010 Governor's Best Practices Awards in Economic and Workforce Development. The annual Governor's Award for Best Practices in Workforce and Economic Development brings statewide recognition to projects and programs that have achieved positive results — particularly achievements that create family-wage jobs, encourage innovation, and promote an environmentally healthy economy — to both the field of workforce and economic development. Deadline is Friday, Sept. 10.


Member Spotlight: McKinstry to renovate Spokane landmark
Spokane’s old Great Northern Railway Building is on track for a major makeover by the McKinstry Company. The 103-year-old landmark will initially house more than 100 of the Seattle-based company’s employees when it opens next summer. In the longer term, McKinstry hopes to hire 100 additional employees to work in the building. Share your company’s good news with AWB’s Paul Schlienz.


AWB EVENTS & RESOURCES
2010 Safety Academy
AWB has partnered with Sedgwick CMS to 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 companies. Classes will be offered in Spokane, Seattle, Moses Lake and Olympia. You can find class listings and registration information online or contact AWB’s Jennifer Costello for additional information.


Wage and Hour Compliance: Is Your Business Ready? — Oct. 6
In April, the U.S. Department of Labor released a press release marking the beginning of the "We Can Help" nationwide campaign. The campaign will encourage employees to report wage and hour disputes to the department. The department's Wage and Hour Division agency is armed with 250 new investigators and plans to have 1,000 on board by the close of FY 2011—representing an increase of approximately 50 percent over 2008 levels. The Wage and Hour Division is also partnering with other groups to identify and investigate employers on a nationwide versus local basis. Employers of all shapes, sizes, backgrounds and industries must prepare for this growing onset of wage/hour enforcement and litigation. Join us, on Wednesday, Oct. 6, in SeaTac, for this half day seminar to learn how to avoid the DOL's new employee misclassification crackdown and how to avoid crushing lawsuit errors. Register online or contact AWB’s Jennifer Costello.


OSHA 10-hour certification course in DuPont, Oct. 12-13
Get current on the latest in safety training and OSHA standards. Classes will be held Tuesday-Wednesday, Oct. 12-13, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., at the State Farm Education Center in DuPont. At completion of the course, you will receive an official course completion card from OSHA. This card will be useful during an inspection, as it demonstrates your efforts and commitment to voluntary compliance with all OSHA standards and regulations! Register online or contact AWB’s Jennifer Costello.


THEY SAID IT
“Where’s the governor’s plan to consolidate agencies and like-functions across state government? Where’s the House’s plan to contract out more state services? Where’s the Senate’s plan to downsize state government, centralize purchasing and computer operations? The governor and lawmakers have ignored the call for reform at their own peril in the fall elections.” – The Olympian editorial


This Week's President's Perspective: Jobless benefits a vicious cycle for employers