KELSO LONGVIEW
Vol. 4, No. 1 • Jan. 2012
Business Connection Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce • Longview Downtowners
Unemployment tax rates to plummet in 2012
I around the
WATER COOLER What new business to our area would help your business thrive? See page 4
See what’s happenin’
PAID
Centralia, WA 98531 Permit #26
Presorted Std U.S. Postage
See page 3
By Paul Trause
n the past couple of years, the Employment Security Department didn’t have much good news to share about unemployment taxes, but that’s finally turning around. In 2012, unemployment rates will decline in all 40 rate classes by an estimated average of 13 percent. If your business had no layoffs Paul Trause in the past four Washington Employment years — putting Security Commissioner you in RateClass 1 — your tax rate will drop by 71 percent (from 0.49 percent in 2011 to 0.14 percent in 2012). The most you’ll pay on an employee for the entire year is $53, compared to $182 in 2011. Businesses whose layoff experience puts them at the top end of the rate structure also will enjoy a rate reduction in 2012, albeit a smaller one. Even businesses that are moving into higher rate classes due to recent layoffs may experience lower tax rates if they move up only a few rate classes. Altogether, businesses will pay $207 million less in unemployment taxes in 2012.
1563 Olympia Way • Longview, WA 98632
The reductions are a result of two factors. You may recall that the state legislature and Governor Gregoire adopted a bill last February that reversed the expected tax increase in 2011 for most businesses. Those changes remain in place and will continue to suppress tax rates in 2012. In addition, the size of the state’s unemployment benefits fund is factored into the tax-rate calculations. We still have one of the healthiest funds in the nation, and Washington’s employers are reaping the rewards. During the recession, about three dozen states bankrupted their benefits funds and had to borrow billions of dollars to cover unemployment benefits. Some are still borrowing. Although the nation is technically in economic recovery, the states with outstanding loans are facing tax hikes, benefit cuts and other measures to stabilize their unemployment systems. Here in Washing-ton, it’s nice to know that’s one thing we don’t have to worry about right now.
Chamber enters new year with new leader
DATE CHANGE
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he KelsoLongview Bill Marcum Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is excited to announce the selection of Bill Marcum as its new president and CEO, replacing retiring president Rick Winsman. “After an extensive search, we have found the right person, with strong local ties, to lead the Chamber in serving our local businesses during these challengcont page 2
CONNECT WITH LEGISLATORS
THURSDAY, MAY 17, 2012
There’s plenty of time to book passage ~ join us to set sail for success! See page 6
MARK YOUR CALENDARS January 4
Education Committee Meeting
Chamber’s legislative updates begin January 9
January 9
usinesses often feel the impact of decisions made by our State legislators In its role as the “Voice of Business,” the Chamber is doing its part to influence legislative decisions affecting your ability to do business in Washington State.
General Meeting
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You’re invited to the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Legislative Committee’s weekly Legislative Breakfast Briefing, beginning January 9, 2012 and continuing every Monday thereafter through the end of the legislative session. Each week, contact is made with our local legislators, either in person or by conference call, for an update on the bills and issues currently under consideration. We encourage Chamber members to attend our monthly committee meetings, as well as our weekly Legislative Update meetings to discuss your concerns with our legislators.
JANUARY - APRIL
Member2Member Monthly Mailing Deadline January 9
Legislative Briefing Breakfasts January 10
Longview Downtowners January 11
Lower Columbia Professionals Committee Meeting January 12
Ambassador Meeting January 17
Business after Hours TUNE IN every WEDNESDAY
Your Chamber Connection KEDO AM1400 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Contact the Chamber to schedule YOUR ten-minute business spotlight! FREE COUNSELING & GUIDANCE FOR SMALL BUSINESS (existing or being formed) Provided by S.C.O.R.E., an adjunct of the Small Business Administration. Counseling is by appointment only. Call 360.699.1079
IN THIS ISSUE
Legislative Update Breakfast Monday’s • 7:00 AM Monticello Hotel, LaRiviere Room
Business Briefs . . . . . . . . . . 2
APRIL - DECEMBER
Around the Watercooler . . . . 4
Legislative Committee Meetings Last Monday of each month Monticello Hotel, LaRiviere Room 12 Noon
Downtown Longview . . . . . . . 3
Business Toolbox . . . . . . . . . 4 Open for Business . . . . . . . . 5 Chairman’s Message . . . . . . . 5