May 5, 2008

Kastama awarded as economic development “LEADER”

OLYMPIA — The Washington Economic Development Association (WEDA) presented their 2008 WEDA LEADER Award to Sen. Jim Kastama, D-Puyallup, for his vision and passion for economic development and for embracing the need for legislative action on economic development infrastructure funding. The award is provided in recognition of Leadership in Economic Advancement, Development and Effective Revitalization of Washington.

“I’m focused on the long-term, big-picture aspects of economic development in Washington,” said Kastama, who chairs the Senate Economic Development, Trade & Management Committee. “We need to be sure that businesses in Washington get what they need to thrive — including good infrastructure and a well-trained workforce.”

Kastama, who was also recognized for his work on the Washington State Economic Development Commission, played a leading role in passing Senate Bill 6855 as part of an effort to bolster the Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) and provide permanent dedicated funding to CERB for economic development infrastructure. SB 6855 created the administrative framework and program accountability for CERB programs, paving the way for permanent increased funding for CERB in the 2009 legislative session.

Other legislators named as this year's award recipients are: Sen. Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor, Rep. Phyllis Gutierrez-Kenney, D-Seattle, and Rep. Timm Ormsby, D-Spokane.

Return to Sen. Kastama's home page