Washington Business Spring 2019 | Washington Business | Page 8

Inside Peter Godlewski Joins AWB’s Government Affairs Team Peter Godlewski joined AWB’s government affairs team in December, just in time to help track the thousands of bills introduced in the 2019 legislative session. Godlewski serves as government affairs director for environmental issues, which includes carbon policy, water and plastics regulations, among other issues. Godlewski most recently worked as a government relations associate for the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association, a collaboration of ports, public agencies and individuals who are focused on navigation, trade, energy, and economic development in the Pacific Northwest. He previously worked as a field representative for then-U.S. Rep. Doc Hastings, R-WA, where he managed the Yakima district office. Before that, Godlewski was a session aide for state Sen. Sharon Brown, R-Kennewick. His areas of work and research included proposed legislation involving research and development of small modular nuclear reactors. Godlewski grew up in Spokane. He has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma. He can be reached at [email protected] and 360.943.1600. Holiday Kids’ Tree Delivers Meaningful Help for Washington Families The light and goodwill from AWB’s 30th annual Holiday Kids’ Tree Project spread far beyond the Capitol in December, to families in rural Washington that could use a boost. The dollars donated by AWB members bought baby formula, groceries and school clothes for kids in rural Grant County. In Walla Walla County, the fire district distributed groceries and Christmas dinner. And Thurston County fire officials leveraged the annual donation to benefit at least 10 families, and 25 kids who needed a helping hand. “This program is just so awesome,” said Barbara Davis, business manager for Grant County Fire District No. 8, one of 18 rural fire departments that participated. Weyerhaeuser donated a 29-foot Noble fir tree to serve as this year’s Holiday Kids’ Tree, which arrived at the Capitol Rotunda on Dec. 4. Volunteers and state employees helped decorate the tree. AWB President Kris Johnson and Gov. Jay Inslee honored the volunteer work of the fire districts on Dec. 7. Olympia Police Officer Jon Hazen and family flipped the light switch on the tree, sending waves of blue light, good tidings and a happy roar of good cheer throughout the Capitol. “What you do for the community is amazing, so thank you,” said Chief Rocky Eastman of Walla Walla Fire District No. 4. AWB’s Holiday Kids’ Tree Project has raised more than $420,000 for families in need since 1989. To learn more or get involved, please contact AWB’s Bonnie Millikan at 360.943.1600. 8 association of washington business