Three great things happened recently. Let’s take a look at the good news.
Before we start, we’re sure more than three great things happened recently. If you want to share your good news with us, send us a quick note!
OK, on to the kudos:
1) 26th Annual AGORA Award Winners
The 26th Annual AGORA Award winners were announced yesterday at The Davenport Hotel, in a setting that can only be described as rockin’. Our “Business Rock Stars” theme flowed great as our area rock stars were recognized. Here are the winners in each category:
- Small Nonprofit: Spokane Lilac Festival Association
- Large Nonprofit: Second Harvest Food Bank
- Small Business: Desautel Hege Communications
- Medium Business: Horizon Hospice
- Large Business: Spokane Industries, Inc.
- Entrepreneurial Spirit: Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery
- Community Service Award: Northwest Farm Credit Services
Congrats to all the winners! Click here to see some photos from the event.
2) Pyrotek Brings Jobs to Spokane Valley
More good news! Pyrotek, Inc., will be relocating a manufacturing line from its plant in Mexico to Spokane Valley, bringing 20 skilled, family-wage jobs to the Spokane Valley. This is a great win for our region!
We assisted Pyrotek in its relocation by helping secure $150,000 in assistance funds from Governor Gregoire’s Strategic Reserve Fund, including $75,000 in relocation assistance and another $75,000 in employee training assistance. Pyrotek had considered locations in Idaho, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. This is an example of collaboration between the Governor’s office, the Department of Commerce, Greater Spokane Incorporated and the business community resulting in a very positive outcome for our region.
GSI’s Stan Key says, “Pyrotek’s confidence in the Spokane region for this project is a strong message that our community is a great place for manufacturers.”
3) Western Systems & Fabrication, Inc. a Finalist for Secretary of Defense Support Freedom Award
The Freedom Award is the DoD’s highest recognition given to employers for exceptional support of their employees serving in the Guard and Reserve. 30 finalists were chosen from 4,049 (!) nominations. One of those 30 is a company right here in Spokane!
Although Western Systems & Fabrication, Inc. wasn’t one of the 15 chosen to receive the award, being recognized as one of the nation’s top employers for Guard and Reserve employees is incredibly notable.
Recently, we wrote about employing our nation’s veterans. Let’s add Western Systems to the list, as this company obviously does a tremendous job. Congrats!
