Business Institute of Washington  

2009 Business Stars Press Release

NEWS
For Immediate Release
Contact: Lee Keller
lee@thekellergroup.com
206.799.3805

“STAR” LEGISLATORS HONORED BY BUSINESS COMMUNITY
Business Stars awarded at lunch on Tuesday, June 2nd at Seattle Sheraton

Seattle, WA – May 15, 2009 - The Business Institute of Washington will honor five Washington State lawmakers for their private sector leadership during the 2009 Legislative Session. The awards luncheon will be held at Seattle’s Sheraton Hotel on Tuesday, June 2nd at 12 noon.

The lawmakers being honored are Senator Tim Sheldon (D) 35th Legislative District, Senator Janea Holmquist (R) 13th & Jim Honeyford ® 15th District, Legislative District, Representative John Driscoll (D) 6th Legislative District and Representative Joel Kretz (R) 7th Legislative District.

The 2009 Business Stars were selected for their work in support of a strong private sector during this year’s legislative session, with their keen recognition that a healthy business community creates jobs and fuels Washington’s economic. Legislators were evaluated on their ability to support and champion good, pro-business legislation that will ultimately benefit the economy, particularly in these difficult economic times.

Formed in 2006, The Business Institute is designed to encourage participation by employees and business in the government process through the delivery of good, non-partisan information from a business perspective.

“We are working to show employers and their employees that a clear understanding of business’ role in public policy is not only great for business, it’s great for the state of Washington”, said Erin McCallum, President of the Business Institute.

One third of the evaluation was based on whether the legislators had been a strong, public proponent of pro-business legislation within their caucus. The other two thirds of the Business Star selection criteria was defined by The Business Index, a non-partisan rating system that scores all legislation that deals with business in Washington State. Every bill introduced in the House and Senate during the 2009 legislative session received either a good, bad, or neutral rating pertaining to business issues.

Governor Christine Gregoire has also been invited to speak, as she handed out the awards in last year’s ceremony.

For more information on the awards luncheon, criteria for the awards or to schedule an interview, please contact Lee Keller at 206.799.3805 or visit www.businessinstitutewa.org.