TOP STORIES
Larsen re-elected to Congress, Sanders vs. Wiggins Supreme Court race still undecided
And the winner is… Rick Larsen. After a strong challenge from Republican John Koster, U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Arlington, was re-elected to his 2^nd Congressional District seat Tuesday by a 51-49 percent margin. Washington’s only contested Supreme Court race between incumbent Justice Richard Sanders versus attorney Charlie Wiggins remains unresolved, although Sanders acknowledged in an e-mail to his supporters that he is unlikely to prevail. AWB endorsed Sanders in the race.


Miloscia challenges Chopp for control of House, Brown re-elected Senate majority leader
And the race is on. Rep. Mark Miloscia, D-Federal Way, is challenging long-time Speaker of the House Frank Chopp, D-Seattle, for his leadership of the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives. Miloscia announced his challenge Thursday. In contrast, Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown, D-Spokane, was re-elected to her leadership position last Sunday without opposition. Although their legislative majorities decreased as a result of the Nov. 2 general, Democrats retain control of both houses of the Legislature in Olympia.


Last chance to give AWB Institute needs your input on workforce training – Deadline Wednesday
Has the recession forced your company to cut back on employee training? Or have you found a way to continue developing your workforce? A company’s employees are its greatest asset, which is why the AWB Institute is partnering with Washington’s community and technical college system to help businesses learn about and access the many training platforms that are available throughout the state. To assist in the effort, we’ve created a short 10-question survey to better understand your needs and use of our community and technical college system. Please take a moment and fill it out. The survey closes Wednesday and results will be posted on the AWB Institute website Dec. 1. For more information, please contact AWB Institute’s Mike Hudson.


Comment period on SEPA greenhouse gas proposal runs through Wednesday
Make your voice heard on the Department of Ecology’s plan to use the State Environmental Policy Act to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The current plan, which proposes creating a toolbox of information resources, is a significant improvement over earlier proposals, but AWB believes SEPA, designed to address local environmental impacts, is not an appropriate tool for greenhouse gas reduction. The draft working paper was released last week and a public comment period runs through Wednesday. For more information, contact AWB’s Chris McCabe.


Arun Raha featured speaker at AWB executive committee meeting, Dec. 1
Don’t miss the next AWB executive committee meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 1, noon – 4 p.m., at AWB. Arun Raha, Washington’s chief economist and executive director of the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council, will speak at the luncheon. AWB President Don Brunell will discuss the recent election and what it means for Washington’s political and economic climate. In addition, Gary Chandler, AWB’s vice president of government affairs, will preview the 2011 legislative session. The meeting will be immediately followed by a retirement reception for Dick Walter, AWB’s vice president of operations. For more information, contact Bonnie Millikan.


AWB Legislative Reception & Lobby Day in Olympia, Feb. 3-4: Don’t miss it!
Lawmakers need to hear and understand the concerns of business people. AWB’s Legislative Reception and Lobby Day is a great opportunity to talk with your lawmakers about issues affecting you as an employer. Mark your calendar for Feb. 3, for AWB’s annual legislative briefing and reception at Olympia’s Red Lion Hotel. Then on Feb. 4, AWB members will meet with legislators on the Capitol Campus. For additional information, visit the website.


Nominations open for Better Workplace Awards
AWB’s Better Workplace Awards honor companies that go the extra mile to create better working environments in the areas of workplace safety, job training, advancement programs and innovative benefit and compensation programs. Have your company recognized for its accomplishments! The awards, sponsored by Davis Wright Tremaine, will be presented at our annual Legislative Day in Olympia on Feb. 3. For more information, contact Chana LaChapelle. The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, Dec. 10.


Now is time to contribute to Holiday Kids’ Tree Project
AWB needs your help in bringing the generous spirit of the holidays to those who need it most. Each year AWB hosts the Holiday Kids’ Tree Project, which collects toys and food for rural families in need. This community tradition also includes the state tree-lighting ceremony in the Legislative Building Rotunda on the Capitol Campus,a presentation of cash and toy donations to the rural area fire departments that will distribute them to families in need, a wonderful performance by an Olympia area kids choir, the tree lighting by an active-duty military family and a special visit by Santa and his elves! Please join AWB members and staff, along with Gov. Chris Gregoire and Santa on Friday, Dec. 3, at 6 p.m. at the Legislative Building in Olympia. None of this, however, is possible without your generous support. For information on making donations, contact AWB’s Bonnie Millikan at 360.943.1600.


Get ready for AWB’s 2011 regional outreach program
AWB needs your input to help make our state more attractive for employers, workers and families.AWB President Don Brunell meets quarterly with Gov. Chris Gregoire to share business concerns, as well as with many of the state agency directors to discuss critical issues. During 2011, Brunell or one of AWB team members may be available to travel to your region to keep you posted on current legislative events. If you are interested in this outreach, contact AWB’s Bonnie Millikan.


KEY HEARINGS, MEETINGS
Workers’ Comp Coalition planning for 2011 session at Wednesday meeting
Despite the defeat of Initiative 1082, workers’ compensation reform will be a major issue in the 2011 legislative session. The Workers’ Comp Coalition meets at AWB, Wednesday, 1 – 3:30 p.m., to focus almost exclusively on legislative strategy and substance heading into December committee days and the 2011 session. Also of interest, earlier on Wednesday, from 10 a.m. – noon, the House and Senate Labor and Commerce committees will be holding a joint work session in Senate Hearing Room 1.Workers’ Compensation is the first item on the agenda. Coalition members are encouraged to attend. For more information, contact AWB’s Kris Tefft.


Strategy session on low carbon fuel standards, Thursday
AWB members are encouraged to attend a strategy meeting regarding low carbon fuel standards (LCFS) on Thursday, Nov. 18, 10:30 a.m. – noon in AWB’s large conference room. Gov. Chris Gregoire directed the Department of Ecology to provide her with a recommendation regarding whether the state should adopt a LCFS either by rule or legislation. The department is now close to making its final recommendation.AWB and other business organizations oppose a state LCFS due to the potential significant additional costs to businesses and technologies that are unavailable to meet the standard. For more information or to RSVP, contact AWB’s Grant Nelson.


PBT Workgroup meets Friday – Main focus, Children’s Safe Products Act
The PBT Workgroup meets Friday, Nov. 19, 10 a.m. – noon, at AWB. The main items on the agenda will be the recently released Draft Children's Safe Products Act (CSPA) rules and revised draft CSPA legislation. AWB is opposed to the draft CSPA legislation and believes the department should implement the proposed rules first. Additionally, the workgroup will review and discuss Ecology and General Administration’s revised draft Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) legislation. For more information, contact AWB’s Grant Nelson.


Water Quality Committee meeting, Nov. 22
The Water Quality Committee will meet Monday, Nov. 22 from 1 – 3 p.m. in AWB’s large conference room. The agenda includes discussion of stormwater legislation for 2011 and other important water quality issues. For more information, contact AWB’s Grant Nelson.


OTHER NEWS
Dream Big Small Business Award nominations due Jan. 7
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Sam’s Club.^,honors job creators and recognizes their significant contributions as drivers of economic growth. This is an excellent opportunity to honor small businesses that are active in your community. The winner receives a $10,000 cash prize. Blue Ribbon Small Business Award winners, seven regional finalists, and the 2011 DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year winner will be honored at America's Small Business Summit 2011, May 24, in Washington, D.C. Nominations are due Jan. 7.


AWB EVENTS & RESOURCES
Employee vs. Independent Contractor: Where's the Line Webinar – Dec. 8
The U.S. Department of Labor and the Internal Revenue Service recently identified employer misclassification of independent contractors as a top enforcement priority across the country, and here in Washington the state Department of Labor & Industries has intensified its focus on this issue in specific industries. Misclassification of employees costs federal and state governments substantial tax revenues each year and exposes employers to penalties and liability for back taxes, overtime pay, workers’ compensation and retirement benefits. Yet the rules for properly classifying employees and independent contractors are not always clear. This 60-minute webinar will tackle the latest strategies for correctly classifying and managing independent contractors and discuss L&I's enforcement program and what to expect if you are audited. Register online or contact AWB’s Chana LaChapelle.


THEY SAID IT
“Calvin Coolidge once said, ‘The chief business of the American people is business.’ The Democrats just lost America because they forgot that.” – Daniel Henninger, Wall Street Journal


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