The Association of Washington Business recognized 18 businesses and non-profit organizations for their outstanding commitment to their employees. The awards, presented during AWB’s annual Legislative Day in Olympia, were given to employers of all sizes and industries throughout the state for their superior commitment to workplace safety, job training and advancement, and innovative benefit and compensation programs.
“The winners of this year’s awards represent the best of Washington’s business community,” said AWB President Don Brunell. “These are perfect examples of the kind of innovation and forward-thinking that is needed to attract the best workers to our state. Building a strong, talented workforce is one of the most important things we can do to help Washington emerge strong from the recent downturn.”
Attorney General Rob McKenna said “the training and advancement programs recognized today demonstrate that investments in staff pay great dividends. And the innovative benefit and compensation programs honored today reflect the tremendous flexibility and commitment
Washington’s businesses provide to their teams.”
The Better Workplace Awards program is open to all AWB members. An independent panel of judges reviews all the nominees and evaluates the programs based on a variety of criteria, including their impact on employee morale, increases in worker productivity, improvements in recruitment and retention and reductions in the cost of worker training. AWB also gives Continuous Commitment awards to companies that have previously won the Better Workplace Award and have continued to be innovators in their efforts to improve the employee work environment.
