OLYMPIA – The Association of Washington Business recently took home top honors for membership retention and growth from the Association of State Chamber of Commerce Professionals (ASCP). AWB President Don Brunell accepted the awards last week at the group’s annual conference in Tunica, Miss.

“This is not the first time we’ve won these awards and our entire staff—and our membership team in particular—deserves congratulations,” said Brunell. “If you look at AWB growth over the last five years, it has been the best in the country and we take great pride in that.

“Despite challenges in the economy, we look forward to another good year next year and continuing our work on strengthening Washington’s business climate.”

This year, AWB received awards for the highest membership growth in numbers, the highest market share in numbers, and the highest retention rate in dollars. The association took second place nationally for the highest retention rate in numbers and the highest retention improvement in dollars.

The awards were based on a combination of membership numbers, primarily those from 2008. Although AWB’s overall membership was down slightly this year, a slight overlap from 2007 helped AWB win the top awards. Despite the slow economy, AWB’s membership stayed even with 2007 at just under 6,500 while most other chambers and manufacturing associations dropped.

“AWB has been fortunate to have received a number of awards from ASCP over the years, including the coveted President’s Award,” said AWB Vice President of Operations Dick Walter. “We never would have received these honors without the combined effort of AWB’s entire organization, especially our membership and member services departments.”

The ASCP consists of the top membership, marketing, communications and non-dues professionals from state chambers of commerce (and other organizations with similar missions, but varying names) from across the country. To learn more about the Association of State Chamber Professionals, visit www.statechamberpros.org/.