KELSO LONGVIEW
Vol. 3, No. 3 • Mar. 2011
Business Connection
Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce • Longview Downtowners • Kalama Chamber of Commerce
Unemployment taxes reduced for most employers By Paul Trause, Washington State Employment Security Commissioner
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Great news! The state Legislature has passed Gov. Gregoire’s proposal to reduce unemployment tax rates for most employers in Washington beginning this year. As you may recall, our state has one of the healthiest unemployment funds in the country, yet the tax formulas in state law were triggering substantial tax increases for employers in 2011. The Governor asked the state Legislature to revise the tax formulas to reduce tax rates – and to vote on it early in the legislative session so the lower rates could take effect this year. The legislation was the first to pass and be signed by the Governor this year. It succeeded due to considerable collaboration, spurred by a shared concern for how businesses and jobless workers have been affected by the recession. Not only was it adopted quickly, but it received almost unanimous votes in both the Senate and House.
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
As a result, tax rates for 2011 will be reduced for 90 percent of Washington employers, and about half of them will pay lower rates than in 2010. The reduction will save employers $300 million in 2011, and an estimated $360 million from 2011 through 2017. Employment Security will recalculate tax rates and send new tax-rate notices in March to replace the ones sent to employers in December. Employers do not have to request an updated tax-rate notice; all employers will receive one in the mail. The legislation also made some changes to the benefits side of the unemployment insurance system. It continues federally funded extended benefits through the end of 2011, makes the Training Benefits Program more accessible, and provides a temporary, $25 benefit increase for workers who file new unemployment claims during an eight-month window this year. For more details about the tax reduction and benefit enhancements contained in the legislation, read Employment Security’s fact sheet available at www.esd. wa.gov/newsandinformation/breakingnews/tax-reductions-coming-2-10-11. php.
MONDAY MORNING BREAKFAST BRIEFINGS 7am Monticello Hotel LaRiviere Room
Chamber invites nominations for May 11 recognition event Nominations for award recipients are now being accepted. Express your enthusiasm to promote your community and build strong relationships by nominating someone you know.
1563 Olympia Way • Longview, WA 98632
The Education Foundation Committee is seeking nominations for awards in the following categories: The Cr ystal Apple Award: Based upon the premise that a strong educational system is critical to a vibrant community, the Crystal Apple Award will be bestowed each year to employees of local member schools or colleges. A maximum of three awards will be given, one for each of the following: administrator, teacher or faculty member, and classified or support employee. Recipients of the Award will receive an engraved Crystal Apple as an expression of the Chamber’s appreciation for a job well done. The Workforce Education Awards: This award honors employer organizations and individuals who have demonstrated achievement in providing high
quality workforce education and training in Cowlitz County. A maximum of two awards will be given, one to an employer organization and the other to an individual. Award recipients will be selected based upon the development and implementation of workforce programs that are innovative in nature; improve the preparation and/or performance of the emerging or incumbent workforce; have measurable outcomes; and demonstrate collaboration between business, government, and education. Business Excellence Award recipients reflect examples of excellence in business and individual performance. A maximum of three awards will be given, one for each of the following: large business with more than 50 employees, small business with fewer than 50 employees, and a business individual. Award recipients will be recognized for their commitment to business ethics, customer service, and community commitment.
The deadline for accepting nominations is March 31, 2011. Awards will be presented at the Kelso Longview Chamber’s Education Foundation’s Awards Ceremony to be held on May 11, 2011. For nomination forms or for more information call the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce at 360-423-8400. •••
IN THIS ISSUE Longview Downtowners . . . . 3 Business Toolbox . . . . . . . . . 4 President’s Message . . . . . . . 5 Mark Your Calendar . . . . . . . 6 Around the Water Cooler . . . 7