Washington Business Fall 2011 | Page 15

washington business AWB Honors Top Lawmakers, Lobbyists and ‘Heavy Lifters’ AWB presented its top awards to lawmakers, lobbyists and individual members during the annual Policy Summit in September. This year’s awards went to: • The Jim Matson Award: AWB’s top political honor was given to two people this year, state Sens. Steve Hobbs, D-Lake Stevens, and Janéa Holmquist Newbry, R-Moses Lake. The award, which is generally given to just one lawmaker, recognized Hobbs’ and Holmquist Newbry’s bipartisan work this year on workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance reform. AWB Wins Association of State Chamber Professionals’ President’s Award In September, AWB was honored with its second President’s Award from the Association of State Chambers Professionals. This is the second time AWB has earned the award in just five years. The 2010 award was presented during the association’s annual conference in North Carolina, and video of the presentation was shown to those attending AWB’s Policy Summit at Suncadia Resort. AWB President Don Brunell and Dick Walter, AWB’s recently retired vice president of operations and outgoing ASCP board member, were praised for their roles in leading AWB during a remarkable period of growth and achievement. From 2003 to 2010, AWB has received more performance awards than any other state chamber, including honors for highest membership growth, highest retention rate and market share. AWB Vice President of Government Affairs