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State association names Rep. Bailey for
L.E.A.D.E.R. award
Group cites Bailey's work in promotion of economic
development
The Washington Economic
Development Association (WEDA) has selected
Rep.
Barbara Bailey as recipient of its coveted L.E.A.D.E.R. award.
The award is provided in recognition of Leadership in
Economic Advancement, Development
and Effective Revitalization of Washington.
Bailey, R-Oak Harbor,
accepted the award Wednesday during the 2007 WEDA Spring Conference in
Spokane.
According to WEDA's
immediate
past chairman, Bruce Kendall, the association selects a legislator from each
of the four caucuses who displayed outstanding leadership and dedication
for their efforts to revitalize the economy of both urban and rural
communities.
Bailey was chosen for her
role in advancing
Senate Bill 5092, a measure that outlines the role and funding
formula for Associate Development Organizations (ADOs), also known in
many areas as Economic Development Councils. Nearly 40 ADOs are under
contract with the state Department of Community, Trade and Economic
Development to provide economic development services in the communities
they represent.
"Representative Bailey
understands economic development and knows that job creation and
retention ultimately occur at the local level. She was very helpful in
securing increased state funding commitments for large and small
economic development organizations at the local level," said Kendall.
"Many folks from both sides of the aisle and the governor's office came
together on this legislation and Representative Bailey played an
important role. We're very thrilled to give her this award."
Don Wick, executive
director of the Economic Development Association of Skagit County,
added that Bailey continues to be involved in local job creation
efforts.
"There are many obstacles
companies may run into when locating in a community. It's very helpful
for them to have the support of elected leaders such as Representative
Bailey when they bring jobs to our communities," said Wick. "The work in
maintaining the vitality of our local economy is so very important, and
we appreciate her support and leadership in Olympia on economic
development issues."
"I'm very honored to
be selected for this award. Our local economic development councils play an
important part in attracting new businesses and good-paying jobs to our
communities. They also work very hard in helping small businesses to
grow," said Bailey, ranking Republican on the House Community, Economic
Development and Trade Committee.
"Representative Bailey has
always been a champion of small business," noted Sharon Hart,
director of the Island County Economic Development Association.
"Investing in our office, which offers small business services, is an
excellent investment in Island County's future."
"When people are employed,
they have an opportunity to achieve their dreams and provide for their
families. It is in the best interest of our citizens to constantly look
for ways to increase jobs for families," added Bailey. "Job creation is one
of the primary roles of our economic development councils and that's why
it is important to support their efforts."
Others receiving the WEDA
award include: Rep. Phyllis Gutiérrez-Kenney, D-Seattle; Sen. Lisa
Brown, D-Spokane; Sen. Joseph Zarelli, R-Ridgefield; and Gov. Christine
Gregoire.
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PHOTO CUTLINE: Rep.
Barbara Bailey, R-Oak Harbor, receives the L.E.A.D.E.R. award from
members of the Washington Economic Development Association (WEDA) during
the group's spring conference Wednesday in Spokane. From left, Dave
Kleitsch, Economic Development Director - City of Lynnwood and WEDA
Legislative Chairman; Rep. Barbara Bailey; WEDA Lobbyist
James McMahon; and Bruce Kendall, CEO - Tacoma Pierce County Economic
Development Board, and WEDA Immediate Past Chairman.
For more information, contact:
John
Sattgast, Public Information Officer: (360) 786-7257
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