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Speaking of Annual Events...
-By Jim Dewalt
Associated Industries President/CEO
By now you have heard about Proposition 1, sometimes referred to as the "Community Bill of Rights," a scaled-down version of a similar initiative (Proposition 4) which was voted down in 2009.
As in 2009, the Greater Spokane Incorporated (GSI) Board of Trustees recently voted unanimously to oppose Proposition 1 (see GSI Opposes Community Bill of Rights), and Associated Industries has joined GSI in opposing the initiative.
Contained in the initiative are four "rights”, including:
- Neighborhood residents have the right to determine the future of their neighborhoods.
- The right to a healthy Spokane River and aquifer.
- Employees have the right to constitutional protections in the workplace.
- Corporate powers shall be subordinate to people’s rights.
We agree with GSI that the ambiguous language of the measure could cause increased construction costs, interfere with employers' rights to grow and expand their businesses as well as leave the City open to frivolous lawsuits. Please take time to get educated on this issue and then get your ballot in the mail. Let's not let this Proposition become an "annual event."
An annual event of a more pleasant nature
On a lighter note, I want to thank all those who attended OUR annual event - the Associated Industries Membership Appreciation BBQ and Cruise. It's a time for those of us who work at Associated Industries to get together with the Members we work for and to let you - our Members - know just how much we truly appreciate you.
It's also a time to enjoy each other's company, get time to put faces with names. It's always a great event. But this year seemed to be just about perfect. The weather was stellar, the food superb, the music entertaining, and the company awesome (thanks A.I. Members!)
Here are a few photos for you to enjoy.
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You'll find more photos of the event in our Associated Industries Facebook Page. Thank you to all who came. Hope to see you all again next year!
Jim DeWalt
Associated Industries President/CEO |
 
16 Washington State businesses Make Inc. magazine's fastest-growing 500 list
Washington State has 16 companies listed on Inc. magazine’s list of the 500 fastest-growing companies in the country, including two from the east side of the State:
- No. 477 - Vanguard Cleaning Systems of the Inland Northwest, Industry: Business Products & Services; 3-year growth rate of 726%; Revenue: 4 million
- No. 237 - Merchant Services, Industry: Financial services; 3-year growth rate of 1,336%; Revenue of $2.4 million
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US unemployment rate down in July
The US economy created 117,000 jobs in July, a better-than-expected outcome, according to the US Labor Department. The figure was better than June's, which was revised up from 18,000 to 46,000. The overall unemployment rate in July fell to 9.1% from 9.2. Jobs were created in manufacturing, retail, healthcare, hotels and restaurants. Average hourly earnings also increased by 0.4%, though weekly earnings remained unchanged.
The news helped the Dow Jones share index to close higher, but it comes after the index suffered its biggest one-day drop since 2008 on Thursday, August 4th, due to concerns about the global economy.
Labor Force Statistics from the Current Population Survey, July 2001 – July 2011
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Associated Industries' Inland NW Compensation Survey:
Offering measurement tools to track important 2011 industry trends
 Since 1910, Associated Industries has provided innovative services making a lasting difference in the effectiveness of area employers. INCS is the largest and longest continuously-published survey of its kind in the region, benefiting employers throughout Washington and North Idaho with information including:
 Data on wage and salary medians, averages, quartile ranges- Helpful information on bonuses, range practices
- Increase trends for entry-level, merit pay
- Data by manufacturing and non-manufacturing, employer size categories
- Key benefit issues
As a business owner or human resources manager, you need this valuable information. Don't delay. Learn more about this important survey. For more information, click here for a helpful brochure that details this powerful survey.
Click on this helpful link to take part in Associated Industries' 2011 Inland Northwest Compensation Survey: INCS-2011-Form.
For more information on this or any other compensation information, please contact Bill Sweigert, 509.326.6885 or bsweigert@aiin.net. |
Member to Member Program:
More benefits of A.I. Membership coming next month
Be watching for an announcement in next month's a.i. dialogue for more ways A.I. Members can save on the cost of doing business. We will be announcing a cost-savings program for everything from morning coffee to website creation to phone answering systems - by Members, for Members.
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Greater Spokane Incorporated announces 2011 Inland Northwest Manufacturing Expo
Greater Spokane Incorporated and its Manufacturers Round Table is proud to bring a new event to the Inland Northwest - the 2011 Inland Northwest Manufacturers Expo, October 11 and 12. This two-day event brings together manufacturers and suppliers from around the Inland Northwest showcasing the diversity of manufacturing business taking place throughout our region and creating opportunities to do business together. For more information, click this link. |
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 Your HEALTH Counts
DID YOU KNOW?
Eating processed meats that contain preservatives may increase your risk for diabetes and heart disease. Harvard School of Public Health recommends limiting your intake of bacon, salami, sausages, hot dogs, or processed deli or luncheon meats can be good for your heart.
Wellness is a bottomline defense for business. For more information go to Your HEALTH Counts. |
Anderson, Peretti & Co, The “Not so Boring” Accountants
Nearly everyone thinks accountants are boring.
“We are not boring,” Erica Young, CPA, argues. “We have fun with summer team parties and professional office antics.” Isn’t that an oxymoron, professional and antics?
Now that’s funny.
It’s apparent why the team at Anderson Peretti has done well for so many years. They are personable, have a great sense of humor and are ‘real folks’ – but a whole lot smarter when dealing with taxes and financial matters. They meet their clients at their place of business with old school customer service as well.
Since 1969, Anderson, Peretti & Co. CPAs P.S., have gained a reputation for providing high quality service with a personal touch, to businesses and individuals throughout Eastern Washington and North Idaho. With their experience in tax accounting, and the efficiency of computer technology, the A/P team is equipped in all areas of personal and business finance.
“Everyone assumes that we are all about the numbers. If that were the case I would be doing something else. It is really about using our knowledge to help our clients succeed in all aspects of their financial life,” says Robert P. Sanders, CPA, CMA, Shareholder at Anderson, Peretti & Co.
The knowledge and expertise at Anderson, Peretti & Co. is wide and deep, and over the years they have grown in numbers, locations and services offered. Many of their members have several decades with the firm, and those newer to the firm total over a decade of public accounting experience. Currently, the firm has seven CPAs, four accounting professionals and two administrative support persons at the height of tax season. Several of their team continue to work year around, but on a reduced work schedule outside of tax season.
In the early 70's the company expanded into St. Maries, Idaho, where they are open one day a week and staffed by Bob Sanders and Erica Young. While focused on growing that office clientele, in the meantime their current local clients enjoy the lack of a commute to their offices for drop off or pick up of accounting records. “The best thing about the company is a great employee relationship between our team members. It is a benefit to the clients, as we all work together to capitalize on each team member’s strength. We have a strong camaraderie. It’s fun to get up in the morning and come to work.”
While the company has provided accounting and tax services from the start, their services now include business consulting, computerized accounting system support and training, and most recently, governmental accounting services. Their processes have changed dramatically too. Early in the firm, tax returns may have been printed from a main frame computer and assembled by laying each page stack side-by-side in the conference room and walking around the table picking up page one from the first stack, page two from the second, etc. These days, like many businesses, they are paperless-- scanning, emailing, and e-filing everything possible.
“An important part of our business is linking our clients with other professionals where needed,” Saunders says. “After first proving themselves through services to our company, Associated Industries has become a preferred resource to whom we are happy to refer our business clients.”
Anderson, Peretti & Company use Associated Industries for their health benefits, legal services and AI’s HR department. “We couldn’t do it without them,” adds Erica Young. “They are what we call in the business a whole cost benefit, when their value is greater than the expense. Those numbers pencil for any business.”
READ MORE
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LIGHTS! CAMERA! ACTION!
The theatre has always been a part of Maureen Smith’s life. She met her husband, Mark, in a production of “House At Pooh Corner” in South Tahoe Community Children’s Theatre (South Lake Tahoe, California), she was Kanga and he played Christopher Robin.
Maureen was born and raised in Salmon, Idaho. She went on to graduate from Boise State University, with a double degree in Elementary Education and the Theatre Arts. She taught first grade for 3 years in Boise before moving to South Lake Tahoe.
After moving from South Lake Tahoe to San Antonio to California they finally landed in Spokane November of 1999, where they currently reside in a fabulous neighborhood on the South Hill with their daughter Alicia, one dog and three cats. Maureen’s spare time is spent doing yoga, gardening, and ballroom dancing with her husband. They both keep theatre a big part of their lives, participating in the Ferris High School, “Ham On Regal” annual parent production.
Maureen has worked for AET/AI for 11 years; she was a temp for 17 months prior to fulltime. Her patience has paid off. “I enjoy my work at Associated Employers Trust/Associated Industries because they are not only knowledgeable and friendly, but fun people too.” Just like you Maureen! |
Mark your calendar and get registered for Associated Industries Training, Briefings and Workshops. With the exception of “Morning Briefings” all courses are available for both Members and Non-Members. Unless noted otherwise, courses take place at Associated Industries, located at 1206 North Lincoln, Spokane WA (at the corner of Boone and Lincoln.) To register, contact officemanager@aiin.net or call Associated Industries at 509.326.6885 or 800.720.4291.
 Thurs., September 8, 2011:
Garnishments & Wage Assignments
Most employers having had experience with garnishments, wage assignments, wage levies and other deductions from employee pay know the confusion these matters create. This is particularly so when numerous deductions apply to a given employee. However, employers who don't understand their obligations may become liable to third parties for amounts owed and may even be subject to civil penalties. In order to avoid these risks, those attending will learn how to:
- Respond to a writ of garnishment or wage withholding order
- Address issues of validity
- Deal with administrative orders
- Manage multiple orders of garnishment, including child support
- Handle continuing writs of garnishment
- Determine what portion of an employee's income is exempt from garnishment and what portion is not
- Avoid employer liability issues related to treatment of garnished employees
Cost: |
Members $85.00; Non-Members $140.00 |
Time: |
Opens 8:00am, Program 8:30am-noon |
Presenters: |
A.I. Legal Team |
Location: |
Associated Industries 1206 N. Lincoln, Spokane, WA |
Wed., September 21, 2011:
Employer Update: Federal Enforcement Efforts: Affirmative Action & EEO
Do you benefit from government contracts? Are you covered by Affirmative Action regulations? What can you expect from OFCCP auditors? The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs is growing their audit “footprint.” Learn the record-keeping needs related to EE0-1 Reporting, the EO Survey, new VETS-100 Reports, the essentials of AAPs and how to respond to enforcement audits.
Cost: |
Member: $85 per person; Non-Member: $140 |
| Time: |
8:30am-noon |
| Presenter: |
Bill Sweigert, SPHR |
| Location: |
Associated Industries 1206 N. Lincoln, Spokane, WA |
Fri., September 30 through Fri., December 16, 2011 - ten consecutive Friday mornings:
Interactive Leadership: Coaching Skills for Managers and Supervisors
The supervisors and managers in your organization have a powerful impact on the effectiveness and health of your organization. Their leadership impacts the larger community as well. Have you trained and equipped your managers and leaders with the skills and tools they need to be great? This course includes 10 half-day sessions that give new and experienced leaders a greater confidence in applying leadership and communication skills.
- Introduction – The Organizational Demand for Leadership
- Keys to Leadership Success – Interaction Skills
- Personal Effectiveness Skills – Stress & Time Management
- Government Regulation of Employment for Leaders
- Interviewing and Selection – The Latest Techniques
- Motivation, Delegation, and ZAP!
- Coaching For Success – Leading into Uncharted Waters
- Improving Employee Work Habits – Good at their job, but…
- Planning & Performance Expectations – The TQM Imperative
- Performance Review Skill: Innovative Approaches
Cost: |
Member: $950.00 pp/$850.00 2 or more from your company; Non-Member: $1,300.00;
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Time: |
8:30am-noon |
Presenter: |
Bill Sweigert, SPHR |
| Location: |
Associated Industries 1206 N. Lincoln, Spokane, WA |
You can download this flyer for more information.
Thurs., October 13, 2011:
“Morning Briefing” Fall Roundup: Interesting Employment Law Cases
(EXCLUSIVELY FOR MEMBERS)
Morning Briefings, presented by A.I. In-house Counsel, along with our HR department, occur on the second Thursday of every other month. Each session opens at 7:30am, with the program commencing at 8:00am, and ending at 9:00am.
Cost: |
$25.00 (Members Only) |
Time: |
Opens 7:30 am, Presentation 8-9:00 am |
Presenters: |
A.I. Legal and Human Resources Team |
Location: |
Comfort Inn, 905 N Sullivan Rd Spokane Valley, WA 99037
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Tues., October 18, 2011:
Dealing with Angry Customers
In this workshop participants will explore the sound business reasons to become adept in handling an angry customer. They will learn how to work with the angry, complaining customers who care enough to communicate their concerns but have not yet decided to take their business to the competition. Most importantly, participants will learn how to do this effectively, and to turn the relationship into a profitable one with the least amount of stress and strain on themselves, their organizations and their customers.
Cost: |
Member $85.00; Non-Member $140.00 |
Time: |
8:30am-noon |
Presenters: |
Ed Coker, Marketing Consultant |
Location: |
Associated Industries 1206 N. Lincoln, Spokane, WA |
Intro to Supervision for Lead-Workers and Supervisors:
Two Times and Locations. Wed. October 19, and Wed., October 26, 2011 – at Associated Industries & Tues., November 8, and Tues., November 15, 2011 - Liberty Lake Location
This two-part workshop is designed to help produce results, avoid pitfalls and build a strong work team, and takes place in two locations. See below.
Part 1 – Wed. October 19, 2011- Becoming a Management Leader: This session clarifies the role of authority and barriers to communication it can create, how to ease the sometimes difficult transition from worker to leader, managing change, the keys to effective two-way interpersonal communication, managing time and setting goals.
Part 2 – Wed., October 26, 2011- Basics of Performance and Motivation: This session follows up on goal setting skills, provides practical tips and shared discussion on ways organizations maintain and enhance motivation, provides the basics of performance measurement and feedback, details a process for conflict-resolution and problem solving and covers the basics of on-the-job-training.
Cost: |
Member: $170.00; Non-Member: $280.00 |
Time: |
Two half-days, 8:30am-noon |
Presenter: |
Bill Sweigert, SPHR |
Location: |
Associated Industries 1206 N. Lincoln, Spokane, WA or Spokane Valley Chamber Offices, Greenstone Business Center, 1421 Meadowood Lane, Liberty Lake, WA
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 Which one did NOT happen in 1910, (the year Associated Industries was formed by members, for members)?
- The Hutton Building, located on the corner of Sprague and Washington, was originally four stories tall, however, three additional stories were added in 1910. Home to many top Spokane companies for almost 100 years , Associated Industries of the Inland Northwest had offices in the building in the 1920’s. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983, the architects were Clarence Z. Hubbell, John K. Dow.) Photo right.
- An early morning avalanche near Stevens Pass in the Cascades, took with it two Great Northern trains and 96 victims on March 1, 1910.
- Population of Washington State is 1,141,990 in 1910.
- The Times Square ball drop on New Year's Eve dates back to December 31, 1910 when a 700-pound wood and iron ball festooned with one hundred 25-watt light bulbs was lowered from a flagpole at One Times Square at the stroke of midnight.
CLICK HERE FOR ANSWERS
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Associated Industries. 1206 N. Lincoln, Suite 200
Spokane, WA 99201-2559
P: 509.326.6885, Toll Free: 800.720.4291
www.aiin.com
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