2009 Policy Summit awards recognize those working to advance Washington’s economic climate
CLE ELUM— More than 200 business leaders representing small, medium and large employers from around the state took time to honor their peers Wednesday at the Association of Washington Business’s (AWB) Annual Policy Summit, held at Suncadia Resort in Cle Elum. This is the 20th year AWB has
held this event, which features state and national speakers on issues affecting Washington’s employers.
“For two decades now, AWB has looked to leaders within its own membership to help advance the mission of our organization, which is to create a positive economic climate where employers and citizens prosper. The individuals we recognize today have done this — and much more — particularly during this tough economic cycle,” said AWB President Don Brunell. “We appreciate all they have done to improve the business climate in our state, and to ensure an environment where current businesses can grow, and new businesses can develop.”
Brunell also presented the Jim Matson Award, the association’s top award to current or former legislators who consistently support issues important to Washington’s employer community. This year’s award went to Senate Republican Minority Leader Mike Hewitt of Walla Walla, himself a former small business owner.
“Mike understands first-hand the challenges faced by Washington’s employers, something he’s demonstrated time and again during his tenure in Olympia,” said Brunell. “Given our state’s economic challenges, it is particularly essential to have someone with this experience in the Legislature. We appreciate the leadership he has shown around employer issues and competitiveness,” he added. “Mike is very deserving of this honor.”
The following is a complete list of awards presented today at the 20th Annual Policy Summit:
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Jim Matson Award: Presented to Sen. Mike Hewitt, R-Walla Walla, for uncompromising support of the business community.
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S. Fred Bruhn Award: Presented to Brad Carlson, former AWB chairman of the board and owner, Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Vancouver, in recognition of outstanding service to the association while serving on its Board of Directors.
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Ron Gjerde Award: Presented to Tim Boyd, principal, The TSBG Group, for outstanding dedication to serving the business community.
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Heavy Lifter Awards: The following individuals were honored for going above and beyond the call of duty in support of the business community and assisting AWB Government Affairs staff with legislative efforts this past year: Ron Bueing, Deloitte, Seattle Don Conant, Valley Nut & Bolt Company, Olympia Greg Hanon, COMMUNICO, Sumner Brian Holtzclaw, McNaughton Group, Edmonds Tom Hosea, KeyBank, Tacoma Sandy Mackie, Perkins Coie, Olympia Llewellyn Matthews, Northwest Pulp & Paper Association, Bellevue Bruce Reid, Microsoft, Redmond Pat Schneider, Foster Pepper PLLC, Seattle Tayloe Washburn, Foster Pepper LLC, Seattle
About the Association of Washington Business
Formed in 1904, the Association of Washington Business is Washington’s oldest and largest statewide business association, and includes more than 6,700 members representing 650,000 employees. AWB serves as both the state’s chamber of commerce and the manufacturing and technology association. While its membership includes major employers like Boeing, Microsoft and Weyerhaeuser, 90 percent of AWB members employ fewer than 100 people. More than half of AWB’s members employ fewer than 10. For more about AWB, visit http://www.awb.org
