OLYMPIA— State Sen. Mike Hewitt, R-Walla Walla, has been selected by the Association of Washington Business to receive its 2009 Jim Matson Award. The award, voted on by AWB members who serve on its Governmental Affairs Council, recognizes a current or former state legislator who consistently supports issues important to Washington’s employers and the state’s competitiveness.

“As the Senate minority leader, Sen. Hewitt demonstrated his commitment to the state’s businesses during the 2009 legislative session by standing up for big and small companies alike at a time when many of them are hurting,” said AWB President Don C. Brunell.

“As a former small business owner, Mike understands the challenges faced by Washington’s employers, something he’s demonstrated time and again during his tenure in Olympia. We value his voice on business issues and appreciate the leadership he has shown over the course of his career as a legislator. Mike is very deserving of this honor.” 

Brunell also noted Sen. Hewitt’s strong support for the creation of the Washington Council on Aerospace, an important new body that will work to make the state a more attractive and competitive home for aerospace companies. Hewitt, a former AWB board member, was named as a member of the new council.

The Matson Award is the highest honor a legislator can receive from AWB, Washington’s oldest and largest statewide business association. The award was established to honor the late Sen. Jim Matson, R-Selah, who was a veteran state legislator and AWB member. Matson also served on the AWB’s Executive Committee during the 1970s and 1980s.

Previous Matson Award winners include:

• 2008 Sen. Dino Rossi, R-Sammamish
• 2007 Rep. Bill Grant, D-Walla Walla
• 2006 Sen. Bob Morton, R-Orient
• 2005 Sen. Jim Honeyford, R-Sunnyside
• 2004 Sen. Dan McDonald, R-Bellevue
• 2003 Sen. Jim West, R-Spokane
• 2002 Sen. Tim Sheldon, D-Potlatch
• 2001 Rep. Gary Chandler, R-Moses Lake
• 2000 Rep. Barb Lisk, R-Zillah
• 1999 Rep. Tom Huff, R-Gig Harbor
• 1998 Sen. Ann Anderson, R-Acme
• 1997 Sen. George Sellar, R-Wenatchee
• 1996 Sen. Irv Newhouse, R-Mabton
• 1995 Speaker Clyde Ballard, R-Wenatchee

Hewitt, a small business owner for 23 years, represents the state’s 16th Legislative District. He is also the previous recipient of AWB’s Cornerstone Award, an honor given to legislators who vote for business-friendly legislation and against legislation that would further erode the state’s competitiveness.

Formal presentation of the Matson Award will take place at AWB’s Policy Summit Sept. 22-24 at Suncadia Resort in Cle Elum.