washington business
Evidence that AWB ’ s new Mission and Vision statements — and accompanying Strategic Plan — are infusing fresh energy and perspective into the organization was on full , elegant display in downtown Seattle on the last day of November .
The first-ever Evening of Excellence awards ceremony brought leading employers from around the state to Benaroya Hall to learn who would be named the winners of a brand-new slate of awards .
AWB completely revamped its slate of awards in 2016 , focusing them on the five pillars of AWB ’ s new Strategic Plan : Achieve , Connect , Employ , Compete and Place .
It ’ s a way to highlight excellence among Washington ’ s top employers while also noting the specific ways these employers contribute to Washington ’ s prosperity and innovation , how they help build a world-class workforce and create a quality of place second to none .
“ The evening was equal amounts of love , promotion and gratitude ,” said Stephanie Hemphill , AWB ’ s director of member relations and events .
A panel of judges selected finalists from among the 68 applicants , and then chose six overall winners .
All finalists were invited to the Evening of Excellence , but until emcee Paige Davis of Lane Powell PLLC opened the envelopes , no one knew who the winners would be .
The nomination process for the 2017 Evening of Excellence is already underway . Applications will be accepted until June 30 , and winners will be announced on an elegant fall evening in downtown Seattle .
Perhaps we ’ ll see you there .
at a glance
The judges selected 20 finalists from 68 awards nominations . All finalists were invited to the formal Evening of Excellence awards presentation .
The winners were announced Nov . 30 at Benaroya Hall in downtown Seattle during a formal awards presentation that included a red-carpet photo shoot .
Nominations for the 2017 Evening of Excellence are already open . Information is at www . awb . org / awards .
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