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Bruce Kendall, President of the Washington Economic Development Association (WEDA) announced that 26th District State Representative Derek Kilmer (D–Gig Harbor) has been selected as the 2006 recipient of the organization’s annual WEDA Leader appreciation award, along with Senator Paull Shin, and a team of three legislators from the Tri-Cities area. WEDA created this honor to acknowledge the exceptional efforts of certain legislators to improve the economy of Washington State.
The award is in recognition of each legislator’s Leadership in Economic Advancement, Economic Development and Effective Revitalization of Washington State. WEDA members nominate legislators for this award following the legislative session each year. Typically, one legislator from each caucus who has displayed outstanding leadership qualities to enhance economic development receives the award. This year is the first time that one of the awards is for a team effort.
The accomplishments of these legislators had an impact on workforce development in Washington State. Kilmer introduced several bills to address workforce training needs such as a small businesses tax credit for investments in workforce training, authorizing job skills grants, and introducing the companion bill to the customized workforce training bill that was signed by the Governor.
When not serving in the Legislature, Kilmer works for the Economic Development Board of Pierce County, which is focused on growing and keeping jobs in the region.
“I’m very grateful to Washington Economic Development Association for this award acknowledging my work to build a better economic future for Washington,” said Kilmer. “The communities in our area are very reliant on the success of their small businesses. I have and will continue to make fighting for more local jobs my top priority in Olympia.”
Senator Shin was instrumental in the Senate in obtaining the passage of Senate Bill 6326 which provides new monies for customized training in workforce development. | 
