“Senator Kilmer understands economic development on the policy and practical levels, and thus has earned the 2008 WEDA LEADER Award,” said Kristin Crowe of the WEDA.

This is Senator Kilmer’s second time receiving the WEDA LEADER Award, having been recognized two years ago while serving in the State House of Representatives.

Kilmer, the Vice Chair of the Senate Economic Development, Trade & Management Committee, led efforts this year in Olympia to improve workforce development, infrastructure investment, and overall business climate. Kilmer was the prime sponsor of Senate Bill 6855, part of an effort to bolster the Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) and ensure that infrastructure dollars invested by the state produce good, high-wage jobs. Kilmer also sponsored Senate Bill 6295 to expand partnerships between colleges and employers so they can work together to offer more workplace-based training programs and Senate Bill 5254 to expand efforts between employers and educational institutions to partner in addressing Washington’s workforce needs.

“It’s an honor to be recognized for the progress we’re making to grow jobs in this state,” said Kilmer, who works as the Business Retention Manager for the Economic Development Board for Tacoma-Pierce County when not serving in the legislature. “That’s been my top priority in Olympia and I look forward continuing our efforts next session.”

Other legislators named as this year's award recipients are: Sen. Jim Kastama, D-Puyallup, Rep. Phyllis Gutierrez-Kenney, D-Seattle, and Rep. Timm Ormsby, D-Spokane.

In April the Enterprise Washington’s “Business Institute” honored Kilmer as a “Legislative Business Star” for his pro-business leadership during the 2008 Legislative Session and sponsorship of legislation to help diversify and strengthen business opportunities in Washington.

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