Free Electronic Recycling Jan 2009

Starting January 2009 consumers will be able to recycle most electronics for free at select locations. Some electronic examples are*:

- TV
- Computers
- Computer Monitors
- Portable or Laptop computers

*Note: Printers, mice, and keyboards are NOT included in this program.


This is such great news! This is one more step in the right direction to keep harmful chemicals from leaching into our soil and water, such as lead, cadmium and mercury. The electronics will be taken apart and separated (ex: glass, plastic, metal, and toxic chemicals). All of the recycling will follow the standards setup by the Department of Ecology.

To find a location that is accepting electronics to recycle or donate, go to http://1800recycle.wa.gov/ or call 1-800-RECYCLE.

Check out http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/swfa/eproductrecycle/ for more information on e-cycling.

Facing Up to the Challenge

Military Affairs Committee Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber

Meeting Notice
Wednesday, Jan. 7
7:30 – 9:00 a.m.
La Quinta Inn
1425 E. 27th St.
Tacoma 98421

AGENDA

Preview of the 2009 State Legislative Session
Sen. Derek Kilmer will give us an overview of the upcoming legislative session, with particular attention to military and veterans’ issues.

MorphoFace Investigate, Facial Recognition for Criminal Justice and Intelligence Communities
Eric Hess, Sr. Biometric's Product Manager’s presentation is covering the MorphoFace Investigate application, its recent successes at PCSD, and a little about Sagem's history in Tacoma.

Sagem Morpho is an integral part of Sagem Securite's global success in the development, manufacture and integration of biometric technologies including fingerprint, iris and facial recognition. Based in Tacoma WA, Sagem Morpho provides R&D support, engineering, technology and customer support services for systems throughout North America, including law enforcement, Federal Government, Homeland Security, civil identification, and applicant background check systems, and is the biometric algorithm provider for the FBI AFIS.

Sagem Morpho actively engages its customers in development of emerging technologies. Its recent work with the Pierce County Sheriff's Department lead to the arrest and conviction in a local identity theft case involving numerous local victims, showcasing the potential of facial recognition for investigative tasks within law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

Breakfast Buffet: $12.00 with RSVP. Non-reserved attendance: $15.00
RSVP: Rose Crist, 253-627-2175; DUE 12 noon, 01/05

(Non-RSVPs welcome, but PLEASE call to help with plans for meals and seating arrangements.) Those persons reserving and not attending or canceling before the RSVP deadline will be billed.

Bluest Skies You've Ever Seen Are in Tacoma

Carlile today welcomed to its Tacoma fleet the first Kenworth Medium-Duty Diesel-Electric Hybrid Tractor to serve any West Coast Port.

Photo courtesy KathyTomandl, Port of Tacoma

The "tractor" is equipped with a fifth wheel to haul trailers for drayage business at the Port of Tacoma. I had the privilege of a short excursion aboard the new Kenworth T370 with Carlile Transportation Systems CEO Harry McDonald as chauffeur. McDonald said they expect a 20+% increase in fuel mileage from the hybrid for local haul applications.

This hybrid is a welcome addition to the commercial center of the port-industrial area. It will demonstrate the viability of hybrid commercial vehicles for this purpose - and we wish both Carlile and Kenworth the best of luck. In addition to having far more immediate applications than the $100,000 Tesla, the port-industrial area has been recommended for non-attainment status for PM-2.5 even though continuing monitoring shows results below federal thresholds. That final designation is expected from EPA Thursday, Dec. 18.

Acting with Speed Matters

Today Speed Matters, reports that President-elect Barack Obama will include broadband in the economic stimulus package.

They note that last weekend in his weekly radio address, President-elect Obama announced that he would be including money for broadband deployment and adoption in his economic recovery plan. His proposals for universal high speed Internet access and his recognition of broadband's importance to the economic recovery reflect the work CWA members did during the campaign to focus attention on the issue. Read the Whole Story

Congratulations for the work CWA has done on this issue for an extended time.

New Administration Sets Up Tech Expectations

The colors on the "paint by the numbers" gradually begin to fill the picture.

This blog first addressed the interest in how the incoming Administration would address technology shortly after the election.

Well, here are two more links that continue in that same vein. First is a perspective on how Secretary of Commerce nominee Gov. (NM) Bill Richardson might treat Intellectual Property: The Richardson Record on IP.

A very brief overview of what might be at stake is address by the U.S. Chamber's blog in the Intellectual Property & Clean Technology.

Washington’s Innovation Summit 2009

Washington's Innovation Summit 2009 will bring together more than 400 innovators and thought leaders in sustainability and technology who are driving industry development in sustainable energy, innovative materials & manufacturing, urban sustainability, and healthy ecosystems.

The Summit will focus on how we are developing innovative and sustainable approaches to realize our opportunities and overcome challenges.

You'll discover the companies, researchers and opportunities at the forefront of Washington's emerging economic sectors. Through plenary sessions and targeted industry tracks, you'll connect with the people, trends and ideas that are critical to strategically sustaining the future of your business or organization.

Keynote speakers will include Gifford Pinchot III, co-founder and president emeritus of the Bainbridge Graduate Institute, and Thomas E. Plimpton, vice chairman of PACCAR.

Thursday, April 9, 2009
7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Full Registration (7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.)
This registration includes all summit breakout and general sessions, breakfast, lunch and reception.

$150 Special rate until December 31, 2008
$190 Early-bird rate until March 6, 2009
$230 Regular rate after March 6, 2009
$45 Reception Only (4-6 p.m.)

For more information and to register.

Broad Band of Brothers

Consistent rumblings from labor and business show a mounting support for expanding broadband.

Blogged earlier on this page, Speed Matters (aka CWA/organized labor), were successful this summer in getting a bill (Broadband Data Improvement Act, (S. 1492)) through Congress and a Presidential signature for a broadband bill. Still needed, funding for implementation.

Recent activities have included their coalition with the Telecommunications Industry Association to get the National Governors' Association to send letters to both Democratic and Republican leaders to encourage development of high speed Internet infrastructure.

Similarly, the U.S. Chamber and Connected Nation are working to add infrastructure development as part of a "rebuilding America" stimulus package.