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Produced by the Chamber’s Public Affairs department, this weekly email summarizes policy issues for business leaders.

Issue: May 10, 2012

In the News

• Economic prosperity, job growth top of mind as Civic Alliance for a Sound Economy interviews candidates

Events & Meetings

(At Chamber offices unless otherwise noted)

• Policy Council: Washington Roundtable’s updated benchmarks, a recap of the legislative session, and a six-month check-in on the City of Seattle’s energy benchmarking ordinance; May 15, 8:00-9:30 a.m.

City of Seattle

• Chamber urges city to look closely at costs before raising electricity rates
• Seattle pulls plug on its broadband network (The Seattle Times)
• Traffic and ferry access changes are coming to Seattle’s waterfront

Coming up

• Mix, mingle and discuss what’s next in green business at the Office of Economic Development’s City Business Casual; tonight, May 10, 5:00-7:00 p.m., Mayflower Park Hotel (405 Olive Way)
• Hear from the finalists in Seattle Center’s Urban Intervention design contest; May 11, 6:30 p.m., Intiman Playhouse Mainstage (201 Mercer Street)
• Heading to the waterfront this Mother’s Day? Get up to four hours of free parking when you visit Chamber members Argosy Cruises, Ivar’s, Seattle Aquarium, Elliott’s Oyster House and Café, and the restaurants at Miner’s Landing on May 13!
• Are you ready for Seattle’s new paid sick and safe leave law? Chamber member Lane Powell offers a seminar on hidden surprises employers need to know; May 15, 8:00-9:30 a.m., Washington Athletic Club

King County

• County waives tax penalty for unreported business personal property until
  July 1 (Puget Sound Business Journal)
• Council approves changes to Metro service effective this September--see a summary of the changes
• Study on corporate headquarters costs finds Seattle-Bellevue area 13th most costly, out 50 metropolitan areas (Puget Sound Business Journal)

State of Washington

• Governor Gregoire begins contract talks with state employees (The Seattle Times)

Federal

• Chamber organizes major call of support for Ex-Im Bank

Maud Daudon
Interim President & CEO

George Allen
SVP, Government Relations
State, County, City Government; Policy Council

Charles Knutson
SVP, Operations & Policy Development
Policy Oversight and Direction; Regional Leadership Conference and Intercity Study Mission;

Christina Donegan
VP, Communications

Regina Glenn
VP, Multicultural & Small Business Development

Eric Schinfeld
Federal Policy Director

President, Washington Council on International Trade

Alicia Teel
Manager, Policy Development & Communications