Rep. Dave Taylor, R-Moxee, received the 2011 Cornerstone Award from the Association of Washington Businesses (AWB) for his efforts to protect jobs, spur local economic development and create an employer-friendly environment in Washington state.

Gary Chandler, AWB’s Vice President of government affairs, presented the award to Taylor earlier this month at the state Capitol in Olympia.

“Last year was an important legislative year for Washington’s economy,” said Chandler. “We appreciate Representative Taylor’s leadership on these issues and his commitment to creating the right conditions for employers and free enterprise to succeed in Washington state.”

AWB’s Cornerstone Awards are presented annually to Washington state legislators who have an 80 percent or better voting record with the association. The group publishes its voting record after each legislative session as a supplement to its magazine, Washington Business. The vote record includes the member’s percentage of AWB supported votes in 2011 and 2010, as well as their lifetime AWB average and their score as calculated by the Washington State Labor Council.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by the AWB,” said Taylor. “They are an organization that works very hard to help foster an atmosphere that is friendly and accommodating to employers. Through all the budget debate over the last few years, we’ve tried to bring the importance of jobs and supporting our local employers to the forefront of the discussion. I know many folks in my legislative district who are looking for work – and I feel for them. As elected officials, we need to do all we can at the state and local level to help protect and create jobs.”

Formed in 1904, the Association of Washington Business is Washington’s oldest and largest statewide business association, and includes more than 7,800 members representing 700,000 employees. AWB serves as both the state’s chamber of commerce and the manufacturing and technology association, and is one of two chambers in the country accredited with distinction by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

PHOTO CAPTION: Rep. Dave Taylor receives the 2011 Cornerstone Award from AWB’s Vice President of government affairs, Gary Chandler, at the state Capitol in Olympia.

For more information, contact Brendon Wold, Senior Information Officer: (360) 786-7698