According to a Puget Sound Business Journal (PSBJ) article, "Washington state business leaders are stepping up their warnings that the 'Buy American' provisions of the federal stimulus act could backfire on U.S. companies."
Don Brunell, president of the Association of Washington Business, is quoted in the article describing just how difficult it is for Washington companies to create anything made only of parts from the United States because so many "rely on global supply chains."
The biggest concern for Washington State is retaliation from Canada and/or the inability to use Canadian materials. The article notes that Canada was "the state’s largest trading partner last year" and exported over "$9.1 billion in exports."
The PSBJ states that the "issue is likely to pick up steam as more stimulus money ripples out across the nation this summer, and may be a concern in trade-dependent but relatively union-friendly Washington."
Read the article here.
6.25.2009
On a lighter note... Making Pizza with Peter
"Former Seattle City Council member Peter Steinbrueck has been making pizza since he was ten—which, by my rough count, means he’s spent nearly four decades perfecting his pizza technique. Recently, Steinbrueck invited FoodNerd over to his house—a modest rambler near Northgate with an envy-inducing backyard garden—to make and share a few pies."
Click here to read the rest of this pizza making adventure published on Publicola.
Click here to read the rest of this pizza making adventure published on Publicola.
6.19.2009
Revenue Forecast Predicts Another Decrease
A press release published yesterday, June 18, by the State of Washington Economic and Revenue Forecast Council (ERFC), states that it “appears that we are finally approaching the end of this Great Recession.” This prediction regarding the end of the financial is based on “claims for unemployment insurance” peaking and “monthly job losses are diminishing.”
However, the release states that the bottom is still lower than predicted in March. The forecast goes on to state that “job losses will likely continue through the end of this year.” And, according to the EFRC, when the economy does rebound the improvement is likely to be gradual.
The predication also stated that the General Fund forecast for the biennium is “$27.2 billion” which is $185 million less than projected. Many newspapers have noted that Governor Gregoire intends to make even deeper budget cuts, payroll cuts, and to cap hiring because of the decrease.
However, the release states that the bottom is still lower than predicted in March. The forecast goes on to state that “job losses will likely continue through the end of this year.” And, according to the EFRC, when the economy does rebound the improvement is likely to be gradual.
The predication also stated that the General Fund forecast for the biennium is “$27.2 billion” which is $185 million less than projected. Many newspapers have noted that Governor Gregoire intends to make even deeper budget cuts, payroll cuts, and to cap hiring because of the decrease.
6.17.2009
Paperless Reporting is Now Mandatory
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) will not accept paper employment verifications (Form 123) from interns in the Intern Development Program postmarked on or after 1 July 2009.
All interns will be required to use the online electronic Experience Verification Reporting (e-EVR) system to document their IDP experience after this date.
Please spread the word to your interns. You can contact us with questions at info@aiawa.org or you can visit the NCARB website.
All interns will be required to use the online electronic Experience Verification Reporting (e-EVR) system to document their IDP experience after this date.
Please spread the word to your interns. You can contact us with questions at info@aiawa.org or you can visit the NCARB website.
Desperate times equal low bids on public works
An article on TDN.com highlights how “public works contracts are coming in well below agency estimates, even in cases were estimates were adjusted downward for the lousy economy.”
The TDN.com quotes Kurt Henthorn, president of the Lower Columbia Contractors Association, saying, “contractors are not taking any real profit margin. They’re just trying to keep the doors open and people working. Everyone is just down to their core people.”
But, according to the article, what is a crisis for the construction industry is seen as a boon for others. The article states that the public is “getting a respite from high construction prices earlier this decade.” And, it goes on to note that “statewide, lower bids are allowing transportation officials to stretch federal stimulus dollars and undertake extra infrastructure projects.”
However, according to the story, stimulus dollars aren’t creating as many jobs as was hoped for. Henthorn states, “It has not seemed to get people off the dime like we thought it would.”
Read the whole story here
The TDN.com quotes Kurt Henthorn, president of the Lower Columbia Contractors Association, saying, “contractors are not taking any real profit margin. They’re just trying to keep the doors open and people working. Everyone is just down to their core people.”
But, according to the article, what is a crisis for the construction industry is seen as a boon for others. The article states that the public is “getting a respite from high construction prices earlier this decade.” And, it goes on to note that “statewide, lower bids are allowing transportation officials to stretch federal stimulus dollars and undertake extra infrastructure projects.”
However, according to the story, stimulus dollars aren’t creating as many jobs as was hoped for. Henthorn states, “It has not seemed to get people off the dime like we thought it would.”
Read the whole story here
6.02.2009
It's Filing Week for 2009 Primary & General Election
Yesterday marked the first day of filing for the 2009 elections. This includes local government, municipal and county offices (except in Pierce County), cities, school districts and special purpose districts.
There are also mayor's elections in Seattle and Tacoma, county executive in King County and a special election for auditor in Pierce County. Filing ends Friday. The primary is August 18 and the general election is November 3.
You can see who has filed at these links:
Secretary of State
Pierce County
King County
There are also mayor's elections in Seattle and Tacoma, county executive in King County and a special election for auditor in Pierce County. Filing ends Friday. The primary is August 18 and the general election is November 3.
You can see who has filed at these links:
Secretary of State
Pierce County
King County
Summary of New Tax Legislation Available Now
The Department of Revenue issued a summary today detailing new tax legislation enacted during the 2009 legislative session.
The Department generates the tax summaries annually to help make businesses aware of changes to the state tax system. The 2009 summary covers 43 bills and their projected fiscal impact over the next four years. You can read it here.
Additional information on specific legislation that replaces resale certificates with sellers’ permits, clarifies the taxation of digital products, and requires monthly taxpayers to file and pay their taxes electronically, is available at http://dor.wa.gov/.
The Department generates the tax summaries annually to help make businesses aware of changes to the state tax system. The 2009 summary covers 43 bills and their projected fiscal impact over the next four years. You can read it here.
Additional information on specific legislation that replaces resale certificates with sellers’ permits, clarifies the taxation of digital products, and requires monthly taxpayers to file and pay their taxes electronically, is available at http://dor.wa.gov/.
The 2009 CDA Winners are Part of a Nation Wide Trend
The AIA Washington Council held it's annual Civic Design Awards (CDA) on Thursday, May 14, 2009 at the ACT Theater in downtown Seattle. Eight awards were handed out to local firms and agencies. Each design was praised for its transparency which was especially noted as a grand contribution to schools, where vibrant design can be a tactile encouragement of children's growth.
This exciting focus on sustainable design of schools is leading a nation wide trend. According to a recent article in the New York Times, “school districts across the county are experimenting with new construction and renovations that save energy as well as improve educational facilities.”
The 2009 CDA winners continue to demonstrate how environmental awareness can still function beautifully for a community. For more information about the winners, and to see pictures of the winning projects please visit our website.
This exciting focus on sustainable design of schools is leading a nation wide trend. According to a recent article in the New York Times, “school districts across the county are experimenting with new construction and renovations that save energy as well as improve educational facilities.”
The 2009 CDA winners continue to demonstrate how environmental awareness can still function beautifully for a community. For more information about the winners, and to see pictures of the winning projects please visit our website.
L&I Begins Campaign to Help Homeowners
The Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) is doing its part to help with the problem of residential construction when homeowners who used unregistered and unqualified contractors get burned.
L&I recently published a press release that offers good advice on finding a contractor and explains that the “lowest price isn’t always a good deal.” The Department is also beginning an ad campaign that started May 22 and will include radio ads, print ads, and billboards.
L&I recently published a press release that offers good advice on finding a contractor and explains that the “lowest price isn’t always a good deal.” The Department is also beginning an ad campaign that started May 22 and will include radio ads, print ads, and billboards.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)