OLYMPIA — The toughest economy since the Great Depression, coupled with mounting workers’ comp costs and unemployment insurance rates, will likely dominate conversations during the Association of Washington Business’ annual Legislative Day & Lobby Day in Olympia.

Next Thursday and Friday, business owners and representatives will gather in the state capitol to hear from lawmakers as they discuss the state budget, education and workforce, environmental and health care issues with members of the 2011 Legislature. At noon, Gov. Gregoire will speak to attendees and help present the association’s Better Workplace Awards for exceptional workplace safety, job training and benefit programs.

On Friday, AWB members will visit the legislative campus to interact with their district lawmakers and discuss key policy issues, including the House Bill 1091, the governor’s unemployment insurance proposal.

AGENDA

            WHO:             Association of Washington Business

            WHAT:           2011 AWB Legislative Day & Lobby Day

            WHEN/:          Thursday, Feb. 3, 2011
            WHERE          Red Lion Hotel Olympia
                                     2300 Evergreen Park Drive SW
                                     Olympia, WA 98502  
                  
                                    Friday, Feb. 4, 2011
                                     Capitol Campus
                                     Olympia

                           For the day’s agenda and to learn more: www.awblegislativeday.com .
           

About the Association of Washington Business
Formed in 1904, the Association of Washington Business is Washington’s oldest and largest statewide business association, and includes more than 7,100+ members representing 650,000 employees. AWB serves as both the state’s chamber of commerce and the manufacturing and technology association. While its membership includes major employers like Boeing, Microsoft and Weyerhaeuser, 90 percent of AWB members employ fewer than 100 people. More than half of AWB’s members employ fewer than 10. For more about AWB, visit www.awb.org.