Ten AWB members receive training grants from state
Washington’s State Board for Community and Technical Colleges awarded $1,099,650 in workforce training grants this winter to 10 members of AWB, benefitting 1,194 trainees. Washington’s Job Skills Program provides short-term training customized to meet businesses’ specific needs. The recipients were Achilles USA, Alcoa Intalco, Aqua Quip, Batdorf & Bronson, Haskins Steel 1A, Honeywell-Redmond Guidance, Honeywell (Renton), Kaiser Aluminum #2, Port Townsend Paper Company and Trans-System.

Eight business-minded students awarded Don Brunell Scholarships
Despite tough economic times, area high school and college students are pursuing their interests in business thanks to scholarship awards from AWB. Eight students received a Don C. Brunell Scholarship for Future Leaders, including Kathleen Garrow of Tacoma (Pacific Lutheran University), Morganne Hatfield of Sammamish (Skyline High School), Joshua Klatman of Port Orchard (South Kitsap High School), Andrew Millikan of Milwaukie, Ore. (Clackamas Community College), Mindy Moran of Kent (Washington State University), Andrew Perun of Sammamish (Michigan State University), Sidney Voorhees of Olympia (Olympia High School), and Danielle Rants of Olympia (Olympia High School). “The eight students selected for this award reflect the enthusiasm and creativity we need to solve today’s challenges and keep Washington a good place to do business,” said AWB President Don Brunell.

Twenty-one businesses receive AWB’s Better Workplace Awards
AWB awarded 21 businesses with Better Workplace Awards at its 2009 Legislative Day in Olympia. The honors recognize companies that provide family-friendly work environments, promote safety and enable employees to achieve their best. The winners are Cascade Gasket & Manufacturing (Kent – two awards)), TransCanada (Spokane), Cintas (Issaquah), Clark Nuber (Bellevue), Canyon Creek Cabinet Company (Monroe), Valley Medical Center (Renton), Fluor Hanford (Richland), Honeywell (Redmond), Pacific Power (Yakima), Andelcare (Bellevue), Fast Transact, Inc. (Lacey),  Pacific Crest Industries (Sumner), Port Townsend Paper Corporation (Port Townsend), Columbia Analytical Services, Inc. (Kelso), Volt Workforce Solutions (Federal Way), Schweitzer Engineering Labs (Pullman), University Mechanical Contractors, Inc. (Mukilteo), Group Services Northwest (Tacoma), McCarthy Finance, Inc. (Lynnwood), Wacom Technology Corporation (Vancouver), and Lane Powell PC (Seattle).

Kaiser Aluminum, Bogert International honored as Manufacturers of the Year
AWB honored Kaiser Aluminum in Spokane and Bogert International in Pasco as the winners of the 2009 Large and Small Manufacturers of the Year Awards. The awards honor member manufacturers for their innovations, contributions to their communities and commitments to their employees. Company President Richard Bogert was singled out for his development of a rapid-fire jack for military vehicles, which he manufactures in Pasco. “A strong manufacturing sector is essential to providing family-wage jobs and attracting investments in Washington state,” said AWB President Don Brunell.

Weyerhaeuser structural frame products receive Green Approved seal from NAHB
Structural frame products from iLevel by Weyerhaeuser received the first Green Approved certificates from the National Association of Home Builders.  The mark is intended to provide third-party evidence that building products meet specific scoring criteria for homes seeking certification to the National Green Building Standard™, a consensus-developed standard recently approved by the American National Standards Institute. The Green Approved mark indicates third-party documentation and approval by the NAHB Research Center that a building product contributes to compliance of specific green practices.

U.S. Reps. Hastings, McMorris Rodgers and Reichert earn U.S. Chamber Spirit of Enterprise Awards
This spring, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce presented 260 members of Congress, including Washington state’s Reps. Doc Hastings (R-4th District), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-5th District) and Dave Reichert (R-8th District), with its prestigious Spirit of Enterprise Award for their support of pro-growth legislation during the second session of the 110th Congress. Eligibility for the award is based on how Members of Congress vote on key business issues. “The Spirit of Enterprise Award identifies those lawmakers that truly stepped up to the plate and demonstrated real leadership in making this country a place where businesses can continue to grow and create jobs,” said Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber. To view a complete list of the 2008 Spirit of Enterprise recipients, visit www.uschamber.com/soe. 

Aqua Quip celebrates 50 years in business
AWB member Aqua Quip, established in 1959, is celebrating 50 years as the Seattle area’s first swimming pool supplier. Aqua Quip remains a family business with third- and fourth-generation members involved and now includes nine locations in the Puget Sound region. Its emphasis on customer service and quality products remain its highest priorities and the company inspires amazing employee loyalty. “I think my dad would be pleased and proud,” said Brian Quint, son of Aqua Quip Founder Dick Quint. Brian Quint is also an AWB board member.