Washington Business Winter 2012 | Página 12

washington business Inside AWB It doesn’t matter whether you’re a small-business owner hiring your first full-time employee, or the manager of a corporate division of thousands. For more than 100 years, AWB has been your voice in Washington state. What’s Going On at AWB Holiday Kids’ Tree Program a Success Gov. Chris Gregoire, along with AWB President Don Brunell and Senior Airman Samuel Lovelady, a Patrol Leader from the 627th Security Forces Squadron from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, helped light the holiday tree in the state’s Capitol on Dec. 2. Lovelady’s wife Dana, their daughter Kaydance (age 4) and son Samuel (age 2) were also on hand to illuminate the 24-foot Noble fir, donated by Port Blakely Tree Farms, an AWB member company. The tree in the Legislative Building and the tree lighting ceremony are coordinated by the state in conjunction with the AWB Holiday Kids’ Tree Program. This year, more than $23,000 was raised from 133 AWB member businesses and individuals to benefit children and families in need in seven rural counties statewide, including Grant, Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Spokane, Thurston and Walla Walla counties. Donations were distributed by 17 fire districts, including two new districts in Lewis and Walla Walla counties. Over the course of the last 23 years, the program has provided more than $320,000 worth of food, money, toys and gifts to needy children and their families. New in Member Services New, Low Cost 401(k) Program for AWB Members! AWB is pleased to announce a new member service, the BenefitGuard 401(k) Plan. Participants do not need to be among the Fortune 500 to offer benefits like this one. AWB is Washington state’s chamber of commerce and one of just four state chambers in the country to be “accredited with distinction” by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. 12 association of washington business The plan is full-service, low cost and tailored to your company’s specific needs. The plan takes care of all the paperwork, the audit and IRS filings so participants can focus on growing the business. To learn more about this powerful retirement plan option, please call AWB toll free at 866.670.4015 or go to www.awbbenefitguardplan.com.