2 minute read
NORTHWEST
CHUCK LINK ive director
Fl AYROLL taxes which finance unF employment compensation are headed downward in the Pacific Northwest, thanks to the strength ofthe economy. The taxes have already come down in Washington and Montana, and Idaho is in the process of lowering them. Oregon and Washington should have lower rates next year, unless a recession intervenes. Washington and Montana will likely whittle rates further next year. commentaries are based on historic data. The objective is to allow each firm to make business decisions based on the best industry information available in the context of local conditions.
The funds have come 180 degrees from the early 1980s, when Washington and Montana were forced to borrow from the federal government to finance benefit payments. The recession soon after triggered higher taxes. But strong growth during the last four years has replenished the trust funds.
Three factors in your safety record determine your Experience Rating Modification for worker's compensation: number of accidents, cost of accidents and size ofyour business.
The number of accidents weighs more heavily than their dollar cost since frequency reflects the relative safety of your operation. Business size acts as a stabilizer so small employers are not penalized unduly for a single high-cost claim.
A new tax law includes revised COBRA penalties for employers, taxing $100 per day per violation ($200 per day for family plans) and up to $15,000 for violations discovered during an IRS audit. A 30-day grace period is granted to employers who failed to comply due to reasonable cause and not willful neslect.
FRED CARUSO executive secretary
II AY was Profit Awareness Month lU! for the retail lumber industry in the Mountain States.
Roger Wulf, MSLBMDA president and general manager of BMC West, Aspen, with the board of directors passed the resolution in a move to improve industry conditions through education and information. The promotion aimed primarily at middle management and front line employees.
Wulf said the industry is entering its peak period of sales activity. Now is the most critical time in the vear for everv- one to be aware of the need for profitability and the factors that contribute to it.
Profit Awareness Month activities included the issuance of profit tip sheets and reports, and the development of a profit education program for employees. Since the association, which serves the states of Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming, is a central gathering place for statistics and research studies. much of the information was compiled from existing research.
Wulf said that the MSLBMDA is sensitive to prohibitions against discussion of prices and the setting of profit indexes. All information, research and
Home Center Merchant (Continued from Page 22)
kept secrets in town. Tell your story boldly in your advertising. Talk about your buying abilities, merchandising skills, low price guarantees, ample parking, friendly help, how-to-do-it classes, easy-to-shop store, convenient hours, delivery policies, satisfaction guarantee and other shopping benefits. Tell it and show it. Back it with outstanding advertised specials.
And, after you tell it to your do-ityourself customers, tell it to your contractor, commercial and industrial accounts and keep those pickup trucks out of your competitor's parking lot.
