washington business
AWB announced the 2022 winners of the Washington Excellence Awards and Manufacturing Excellence Awards during a formal event in Tacoma in November .
On Nov . 17 , AWB hosted its annual Evening of Excellence at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center to honor some of Washington ’ s finest employers . This year ’ s award winners — who did not know they won until the envelope was opened on stage — represented businesses of all types , sizes and industries .
“ It ’ s our honor and privilege to recognize employers who are helping make Washington an incredible place to work , live and raise a family ,” said AWB President Kris Johnson , who emceed the event . “ Through these awards , we are celebrating their successes and thanking them for their contributions to the economy and our communities .”
A total of 13 awards were presented , including nine Washington Excellence Awards and four Manufacturing Excellence Awards . The finalists and winners were chosen by a panel of judges out of nearly 250 nominees and almost 150 completed award applications .
All finalists were invited to attend the gala , which included a champagne welcome reception , dinner and a dessert reception that featured wine and chocolate from Washington producers . In addition to celebrating this year ’ s award winners and networking with peers from across the state , attendees enjoyed a performance by singer-songwriter Savanna Woods , who was a top-20 finalist on NBC ’ s The Voice .
Nominations are now open for the 2023 awards . To learn more or submit a nomination , go to www . awb . org / awards .
At A Glance
AWB ’ s Washington Excellence Awards and Manufacturing Excellence Awards are presented each year to outstanding businesses operating out of the state of Washington .
The 2022 winners were announced Nov . 17 at a gala held at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center .
AWB is currently accepting nominations for the 2023 award program ; more information is available at www . awb . org / awards . washington excellence awards
washington achieve award
The Washington Achieve Award recognizes a Washington state business that has excelled in creating , implementing or supporting a high-caliber education and / or workforce development system aligned with closing the employment gap .
2022 winner : sprague pest solutions , tacoma www . spraguepest . com
“ At our home office , we post a photo of every employee who achieves a 20-year work anniversary with Sprague . What started out as one person in 1971 on the wall has now grown to a second wall celebrating over 35 employees .”
— Sprague Pest Solutions nomination materials
about : Sprague Pest Solutions specializes in preventive and remedial pest management and food safety consulting services . Founded in 1926 , Sprague has expanded from a single location in Tacoma to a thriving business with 19 service centers across eight states .
why they won : Sprague strives to ensure employees see their job as a career , not a temporary position . The company takes a comprehensive approach to training and development that begins on day one with paid on-boarding training and a mentorship program . Sprague offers multiple training sessions to help employees earn their Advanced Certified Entomology credential and awards a bonus to those who achieve it . The company also offers continuing education opportunities to help employees maintain their certification . Sprague ’ s two-tier leadership development program develops potential future leaders and builds leadership capabilities throughout the organization .
other finalists :
• Skills Inc ., Auburn : In addition to supplying components to the aerospace industrial sector , Skills Inc . provides educational and vocational opportunities to high school juniors and seniors through its Aerospace Internship Program , which has served over 1,000 students .
• Step by Step and Farm 12 , Puyallup : The nonprofit Step by Step recently launched its Dreams Work program , which helps mothers with young children gain the concepts , skills and work experience they need to create a better future for themselves and their families .
28 association of washington business