Congratulations 2009 Legislative Business Stars

Senator Derek Kilmer (D)

26th Legislative District,
Gig Harbor

Senator Curtis King (R)

14th Legislative District, Yakima

Representative Mike Armstrong (R )

12th Legislative District, Chelan & Douglas Counties and parts of Grant & Okanogan Counties

Representative Deborah Eddy (D), 48th Legislative District
Cities of Medina, Clyde Hill, Hunts Point & Yarrow Point and parts of Bellevue, Kirkland & Redmond

During the 2008 session, Senator Kilmer made sure that economic development and business success were factored into bill discussions. He worked diligently for better workforce training programs, for fair taxation, and to reduce the regulatory burden in Washington State. Derek and his wife Jennifer live in Gig Harbor with their daughter Sophie. He is a Manager for the Economic Development Board for Tacoma-Pierce County.

Through out the 2008 session, Senator King made sure legislative proposals did not adversely impact business, particularly small businesses. He asked the right questions and made the right moves to work across the aisle on very controversial issues -- and achieved success. Curtis and his wife Lois have two grown daughters and one grandson. He and his brother run a successful commercial cabinet company in Yakima.

Representative Armstrong deserves a significant amount of credit for keeping the business viewpoint in front of his caucus during this session. He was willing to work across the aisle on a number of tough issues from burdensome regulatory oversight to healthcare. Mike and his wife Mary have three children and live in Wenatchee where he is the facilities manager for the Chelan County PUD.

Throughout the 2008 session, Representative Eddy recognized that a better environment means working with the business community to strike a balance between protecting our environment and supporting job growth and retention, not just adding paperwork and unnecessary regulations. Deb and her husband Jon live in Kirkland and have three grown children and two grandchildren. She has dedicated her professional life to serving others.