Community Service Awards - Get your nomination form in now!
In addition, AWB recognizes companies who serve their communities, provide excellent working environments and contribute to a cleaner environment. Currently, AWB is taking nomination for our Community Service Awards. These awards recognize our members' volunteerism and contributions which make our communities better places to live and work.
The Community Service Awards will be presented during a special dinner held in conjunction with the May 21 Association of Washington Business Annual Spring Meeting in Spokane . The Award nomination deadline is Friday- April 18, 2008.
The Association of Washington Business is proud to recognize businesses and individuals who contribute to Washington's business community and the general welfare of the state.
Ron Gjerde Award
The Gjerde Award is presented annually by the Association of Washington Business which is named in honor of Weyerhaeuser lobbyist Ron Gjerde who died twelve years ago. Gjerde was a long-time member of AWB’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee. The award winner is chosen by the lobbyist community as the top lobbyist who exemplifies Ron’s dedication to serving AWB.
S. Fred Bruhn Award
The award is named in honor of former SAFECO Vice President S. Fred Bruhn, who died unexpectedly after our Spokane Spring Meeting in 1989. Fred was a dedicated AWB Board and Executive Committee member who provided many years of dedicated service and leadership to AWB. The award is presented to the AWB Board member (present or past) who has dedicated himself or herself to AWB and has provided the same service to AWB as Fred Bruhn.
Senator Jim Matson Award
The Jim Matson Award was established in honor of the late Sen. Jim Matson to recognize legislators, who over the years have consistently supported the private sector and issues important to Washington’s employers and the state’s competitiveness in the Washington State Legislature.
It is the highest award a legislator can achieve at the Association of Washington Business, Washington’s oldest and largest statewide business association.
The Matson Award is named in honor of the late Sen. Jim Matson (R-Selah) who was a veteran state legislator and member of the Association of Washington Business. It was established following Matson’s death. Matson, who owned and operated Matson Fruit Company, Selah, also served on the Association’s Executive Committee during the 1970s and 80s.
Bruce A. Briggs Community Service Award
The Bruce A. Briggs Award for Community Service is presented each year to an Association of Washington Business (AWB) member who continues to give back to his or her community.
The award was named for the late Bruce A. Briggs, founder and owner as Briggs Nursery, Olympia. Bruce was a long-time member of the Association of Washington Business and a community leader in the South Sound area. His prized donated Rhododendrons permeate local parks and public areas throughout western Washington. In Olympia, the new YMCA is located on land donated by the Briggs family.
C. David Gordon Award
The Association of Washington Business inaugurated the C. David Gordon Award to honor Washingtonians who distinguished themselves in service to the citizens of the state of Washington.
C. David Gordon served the Association of Washington Business as president from 1955-64 and 1966-1979. He is AWB’s Honorary President for Life. The Gordon Award recognizes his 22-years of dedicated service as AWB president and contributions to our state.
The first C. David Gordon Award was presented to Gordon, former president of AWB, and his close advisor C. Lee Coulter. Both men were World War II veterans and worked together for more than 20 years.
Donald C. Brunell Scholarship Award
The Don Brunell Scholarship for Future Leaders was established to inspire and aid Washington’s future business leaders. It is targeted to undergraduate, graduate or career/vocational students currently pursuing or who intend to pursue a course of education that will lead to a degree or certification in business and who is attending or planning to attend any public or private university, community or technical college or private career school. It is awarded to who best exemplifies the leadership traits, abilities and potential that will be required to maintain Washington’s competitive business advantage in the future. It is awarded annually and there is a bonus award if the award winner attended Washington Business Week summer program.
Any child or grandchild of an active member or employee of the Association of Washington Business who is currently enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate or certificate program at any post-secondary institution in or outside the state of Washington (or who will be attending within the next twelve months) is eligible to apply.
The award was started by AWB members to teach the youth of Washington State the important role of business in our society and to help them realize that business holds a promise for them as a career choice.
