Jan Teague

President/CEO

360.943.9198, ext. 19

jteague@retailassociation.org

Mark Johnson

Vice President of Government Affairs

360.943.9198, ext. 15

mark.johnson@retailassociation.org

Tammie Hetrick

Vice President of Retail Services (RASI)

360.943.9198, ext. 13

 tammie@retailassociation.org

Jim Szymanski

Heated education funding debate coming soon

By Jan Teague, President/CEO

There are news reports this week that $40 million dollars will be pulled from school districts for the 2014-15 school year.  According to the stories, the teacher's union convinced the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives to not support SB 5246 that would have required teacher evaluations to use statewide student tests, but not exclusively, and allow other measurements of student growth in teacher reviews. 

The Obama Administration agreed to continue its funding if the state did that, but the Legislature failed to pass the bill.  State Superintendent Randy Dorn said the Legislature needed to amend state law and that student progress should be one of the multiple elements in a teacher's evaluation.  Dorn said that unfortunately the teacher's union felt it was more important to protect its members than agree to that change and that it pressured the Legislature not to act.

AP writer Greg Wahl-Stephens agreed in his report in the Olympian.

He wrote:  "Now students   -  particularly low-income students and their families  -  and school districts must bear this burden because Democrats stood with the union on principle.  It was an utter legislative failure."

Next session the legislature will be confronted with meeting the State Supreme Court's ruling to fully fund education at a faster pace.  This $40 million dollar Federal funding loss complicates the challenges that schools face.  Teachers must bring up student scores and the session debate will focus on how to do that and how much money it will take, which could be billions of dollars. 

The teacher's union should be a part of the solution, not part of the problem.  Until the union steps aside, the House leadership is likely to suppress accountability measures attached to teacher pay raises. That will create a log jam that could make for an extended session next year.

Much is at stake moving forward with this election cycle.  While the Senate offered an accountability bill that the Federal government would have accepted, it may lose the razor thin conservative-leaning coalition majority at the polls this fall.  Then the teachers union will be the winner in the teacher pay debate next year.

That means taxes will go up next year without any meaningful accountability reforms.  Both perspectives matter to help understand how to successfully bring up student scores and educate our children for the jobs of the future.

Voters have little appetite for more taxes

By Mark Johnson, VP Government Affairs

Just over a week ago King County, the most populous in Washington and one of the more liberal, soundly defeated a massive tax increase called Proposition 1, to fund local transit, or Metro.

This vote is an indication of how Washingtonians feel about taxes. They believe they pay enough right now and that our governmental bodies need to do a better job with the funds they have. 

For the first time in years taxpayers are seeing our economy gradually improve, home prices increase and unemployment dropping.  Also, consumer confidence is on the rise and retail sales are increasing.  All the while, the Great Recession remains fresh on the minds of all Washingtonians.

If King County rejects tax increases it bodes very poorly for any statewide tax increase proposal.  No doubt you have been hearing grumblings about transportation and education funding.  Both estimates are in the billions.  If they go to a vote of the people how do you think they will fare? 

The Governor is hinting of a special legislative session to tackle transportation while Republicans are insisting on reforms and better use of existing taxes.  With a gallon of gas costing almost $4 it will be a lift to convince voters to pay even more.

Perhaps it's time our lawmakers stepped  back to let things settle and adjust to our new economy before jeopardizing the fragile recovery we're in. The last several years lawmakers have cobbled together a hodgepodge of taxes and exemption repeals to raise funds.  These proposals have been met with strong opposition and failed to gain support. 

What tax proposals if any will we see in 2015?

WRA board member White wins small business award

Madelin White, a longtime WRA board member who currently chairs the small business committee, has been honored as Small Business of the Year by the Thurston County Economic Development Council.

She received the honor at an annual luncheon ceremony last week.

Earlier this year, White celebrated 40 years in business as owner of Merle Norman Cosmetics, Wigs & Day Spa. Her dedication to her craft and staff have helped her overcome seven recessions.

Here is what the EDC wrote in tribute to Madelin White:

"Madelin pampers her customers with outstanding service in a congenial, fun atmosphere. She keeps updated on the latest trends in beauty and fashion, while retaining repeat customers, many of whom span three to four generations. The loyalty of her customers is matched by the loyalty of her staff, a testimonial to her proficiency just as much as the friendly twinkle in her eye. But the jewel in her crown is her volunteer work with cancer patients at hospitals and oncology clinics. Madelin teaches these special men and women camouflage techniques to counteract visible side effects from chemo or radiation therapy."

White's community activities include being a three-time President of WRA; honors including Woman of Distinction from the Girls Scouts and Woman of Achievement from the YWCA; and President-elect of the Lacey Chamber of Commerce.

WRA adds its proud congratulations to Madelin White for her distinguished career of public service.

Help elect pro-retail candidates by donating to the PAC

By Mark Johnson, VP Government Affairs

The election season is upon us.  This is an important year with all of the state House members and half of the state Senate up for election. 

WRA's Retail Action Council Political Action Committee, or as we call it the RAC PAC, will be a major player in helping elect pro-retail candidates to the legislature.  Our process is very involved and thorough to ensure the greatest chance for success. 

First, we are diligently working on a voting record for all current members of the legislature.  We select approximately 10 bills per chamber that we were involved in and score the legislators on whether they voted with us or sponsored something we liked or didn't like.  We then combine the 2014 scores with the 2013 scores for a biennium or two-year total.  This gives a better representation of the legislators overall support or lack thereof.  Once the voting record is done the RAC PAC will make its first round of endorsements. 

Surveys will be sent to all candidates who don't have a voting record and who have filed to run for the legislature.  After scoring the surveys we will decide which candidates to interview based on their scores and the viability of their districts to elect them.  Recommendations will then be sent to the RAC PAC for consideration of endorsements and contributions.

RAC PAC contributions are very important to help the pro-retail candidates to get the word out.  Yard signs, letters, websites, radio, bill boards and TV all cost money.  A contested House race can run anywhere from $100,000 to $300,000 and an average Senate race can cost upwards of $500,000. 

Individual donation limits to candidates this year are $950 per election, so for the primary and general you can give $1,900.  Contributions to PACs are unlimited.  We can also accept corporate dollars.

In order to secure a pro-retail legislature it is critical that contributions to the RAC PAC be made.  If you are in a position to donate please mail a contribution made out to:  The Washington Retail Association Retail Action Council PAC, P.O. Box 2227, Olympia WA  98507-2227.  We appreciate all of the WRA members who have already donated.

If you would like to discuss giving opportunities please give me a call directly:  360-943-9198 ,  Ext. 15  We appreciate your serious consideration of this very important component of our political program.

WRA partners in national retail marketing campaign

Washington will be among five targeted states nationwide cooperating in a national marketing campaign with the National Retail Federation.

WRA is proud to be participating in the Retail Across America campaign that will feature videos highlighting retail's footprint on the state economy. Each state's campaign will include roundtable discussions with legislative leaders and retailers, in-state media buys and social media posts from students who will be part of the road trip.

Besides WRA, other states and participating organizations include the California Retailers Association, North Carolina Retail Merchants Association, the Ohio Council of Retail Merchants and the South Dakota Retail Association.

Participating Washington-based retailers to be featured include REI, IKEA and Ben Bridge Jeweler.

Content generated during the campaign will be posted in NRF's website and be featured in NRF's annual "fly in" event, the Retail Advocates Summit in July, in Washington, D.C. 

Still no Seattle minimum wage proposal

Negotiators missed a deadline last week without a proposal to raise Seattle's minimum wage to $15 an hour.

Mayor Ed Murray announced a committee he appointed needed more time to reach a consensus before an expected City Council meeting next month to further consider the proposal. The current state minimum wage is $9.32 an hour, the nation's highest state minimum wage.

Proponents of the $15 minimum have pledged to seek signatures for a ballot initiative later this year if the Mayor and City Council fail to act on an eventual proposal.

Meanwhile, a coalition of concerned businesses known as One Seattle has formed to participate in the debate. The group has offered its own proposal that includes a temporary training wage, a phase-in period of stepped wage increases and credit to be counted in a higher wage including health care, commissions, tips and bonuses. Updates also will appear on One Seattle's Facebook page. 

Holiday sales rose nearly 5 percent

Statewide fourth quarter holiday sales of $14.7 billion last year increased 4.9 percent over the same time a year earlier, the Department of Revenue reported this week.

The review period is from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31 of last year, the height of the holiday shopping season.

Auto sales and sales of lawn care supplies led all retail segments with equal 11.4 percent sales gains in the quarter. Also performing well were health and drug stores, up 8.1 percent and home furnishings stores, up 7.4 percent.

Sales at bookstores and news dealers were down 5 percent in the quarter.

Click here for a more complete breakdown of holiday results by city, county and industry. The reports cover results of sales that are taxable and collected by the state.

Source: Department of Revenue

Shoppers will be practical this Mother's Day, survey shows

Tablets and smart phones may take a back seat to more practical gifts this Mother's Day, May 11, a new National Retail Federation survey has found.

The research shows consumers will spend an average $162.94 on mom this year, down a bit from last year's $168.94.

Retailers are expected to be promoting sales of apparel, health and beauty products, books and gift cards this year.

"Americans haven't forgotten about the state of the economy and are treating their finances and gift-giving budgets in a way that keeps practicality top of mind," said Pam Goodfellow, who oversaw the poll of 6,535 shoppers for NRF. "Like we saw with Valentine's Day and Easter, people this year will look for special ways to treat mom to something nice without breaking the bank, knowing it's the thought that counts."

Click here to read more about the survey results.

Source: NRF

NRF seeks nominations for leadership

The National Retail Federation is seeking nominations to name leading national small business retailers in America's Retail Champions competition.

Winners of the judging contest will be recognized at a Retail Advocates summit meeting to be held in Washington, D.C. in July. The nomination form asks businesses to identify issues of importance and how the business has worked to benefit the retail industry.

The deadline for submissions is May 30. To learn more and make a nomination, click here.

Subscribe to newsletter about Spokane

Often the best way to learn about a community is to examine the data available about it.

Spokane has a website that collects a variety of data about Spokane meant to help its decisionmakers plan the city's future.

The periodic newsletter, Measuring Community, is produced by the Spokane Community Indicators Initiative, a cooperative of the Inland Northwest Cooperative Association, the City of Spokane and Eastern Washington University. The site also includes links to similar demographic gathering initiatives in other cities around the country.

Contact spokaneindicators@ewu.edu to subscribe to the Spokane newsletter. This spring's issue features background on the health and nutrition of Spokane area residents and a report on the region's exporting activity.

Ag department urges care in spraying to protect bees

The Department of Agriculture hopes to reach home owners through retailers as part of a campaign to show more care in the use of pesticides.

Some pesticides are too toxic and have killed many bees. Populations of a variety of bees are necessary to protect for pollinating fruit and vegetable gardens, native plants and the support of the environment and economy.

The department has prepared a brochure that retailers might consider displaying to raise awareness with customers about the proper use of pesticides.  The brochure includes numerous computer links to learning more about ways to reduce bee poisoning to preserve bee populations.

The brochure lists chemicals to avoid in pesticides and includes helpful hints such as avoiding spraying during the blooming season or applying pesticides after flower petals have fallen.

For more information, contact Erik Johansen, WSDA, at 360-902-2078, or as pestreg@agr.wa.gov or visit agr.wa.gov.

Source: WSDA

Shippers save thousands of dollars with WRA partner

Shipping customers saved an average $3,100 in 2013 by shipping with PartnerShip, a partner with WRA.

Enrolled WRA members can save up to 27 percent on select FedEx services.

WRA encourages all members to explore this service. Visit www.PartnerShip.com/99WRA to enroll. Shipping customers with further questions are encouraged to call Partnership at 800-599-2902 or e-mail sales@PartnerShip.com. You also may click here to receive a free rate analysis to help with your shipping decision.

WRA co-presents May health care conference

WRA will co-present the Washington Policy Center's 12^th Health Care Conference on May 13 at the Hilton Bellevue Hotel.

This year's conference will feature this year's keynote speaker, Katie Mahoney, Executive Director of Health Policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The event will include a bi-partisan legislative session review, followed by three panel discussions. Mahoney also will present at a Spokane luncheon on May 14.

This policy event usually attracts 300 or more state legislators, candidates, business owners and health care industry representative. Click here to register online. 

Seattle extends grace period for building energy reports

WRA reminds many Seattle commercial and multi-family building owners that they can avoid fines for late energy use reports if they complete and file them by July 1 of this year.

Reports for 2013 energy consumption were due to the city on April 1. Building owners who have not yet filed reports have until July 1 to avoid fines that will be imposed for missing data following that summer date.

The requirement applies to multi-family and non-residential owners of buildings 20,000 square feet or larger. Owners also must provide an energy disclosure report if a tenant, buyer or other qualified party requests it.

Click here to learn how to comply with the Seattle law.

Source: City of Seattle 

Safety tip: (part one of a series)

A properly adjusted chair can prevent workplace injuries

Beginning today, WRA's Safety Advisor Rick Means presents the first in a series of three weekly segments on improving office ergonomics to prevent injuries.

He begins by sharing tips on getting properly outfitted for the chair you might use at work. The next two weeks will cover the computer mouse and keyboard and the workspace in general.

Those who sit a lot at work might think they're not putting any pressure on their back, but they are.  Two better options for the back than sitting would be standing or lying down.

The goal is to find a chair that offers support and encourages comfortable posture.

Here are some tips to ensure a good fit:

*The head should be level and facing straight ahead, not looking up or down at a computer screen.

*Shoulders should be relaxed and in line with the hips.

*Forearms should be level and wrists straight.

*Elbows should be at the person's side.

*The lower back should have lumbar support.

*Knees should be level or lower than the hips.

*Feet should be supported, not dangling.

A good office chair should offer numerous adjustments for height and back support. To learn more, visit this link on proper chair adjustment.  It is important for employers to work with each individual to find what works best for them. 

Be proactive, as using a poorly supportive chair and incorrect posture now can lead to problems in the future.  Start checking with your employees today, evaluating their chairs as well as their posture, and show them the better way to be sitting at their workstation. 

Rick is available to members to help draw up safety plans and suggest topics for safety meetings. Contact him at 360-943-9198 x18, or rick.means@retailassociationservices.com