Washington Business Spring 2018 | Washington Business | Page 28

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A Celebration of Employer Excellence
The Association of Washington Business honored 18 finalists and
presented awards to six employers aligned with the group’s Mission
and Vision at its second-annual Evening of Excellence Nov. 29.
Bobbi Cussins
Nearly 200 business owners and leaders gathered again last fall for the Association of Washington Business’ red-
carpet, Oscars-style Evening of Excellence awards presentation at Benaroya Hall in Seattle. Of the dozens of award
nominees, 18 finalists were selected and six took home top awards in categories that recognize the innovation,
community spirit and environmental stewardship that makes Washington a great place to live and work.
Washington’s employers are as diverse as the state’s
geography — from high-tech manufacturing and a growing
craft spirits industry to world-class laboratories and
manufacturers of eco-friendly cleaning and skin-care
products.
What they have in common is a shared commitment to
improve lives and strengthen communities across the state.
28 association of washington business
It’s in that spirit that AWB launched its annual Evening
of Excellence awards and its red-carpet, Oscars-style theme
in 2016.
In its second year, AWB’s 2017 Evening of Excellence
was held Nov. 29 at Seattle’s elegant Benaroya Hall. The
emcee for the black-tie event was Justin Stiefel, co-owner
of the fast-growing Heritage Distilling Company founded
in Gig Harbor.