Initiation and Selection of Arbitrators. The Party calling for arbitration shall serve notice in writing upon the other Party, setting forth in detail the question or questions to be arbitrated, the relief sought, and the arbitrator appointed by such Party. The other Party shall, within twenty-five (25) business days after the receipt of such notice, appoint the second arbitrator by notice in writing to the Party calling for arbitration, and the two so appointed shall choose and appoint a third (if the Parties have not agreed upon and appointed a third). If such other Party fails to appoint the second arbitrator within said twenty-five (25) business days, or if a third arbitrator has not been appointed by agreement between the Parties within twenty-five (25) business days after receipt of notice of appointment of the second arbitrator (or, in the absence of such agreement, by the two arbitrators who have been appointed), either Party, upon five (5) business days' written notice delivered to the other Party, may apply to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of Washington for appointment of the second or third arbitrator, as the case may be. (If the Chief Justice should decline, then the Parties agree to follow the procedures of the American Arbitration Association to select a second or third arbitrator). Neither Party may discuss any matter to be arbitrated with any arbitrator after such arbitrator is appointed but prior to the arbitrators' determination, without providing notice to the other Party and reasonable opportunity to participate. The Parties intend that every arbitrator be an unbiased person with experience in the subject matter to be arbitrated.
