November 27, 2023

Accra-Fab Wins AWB’s Employer of the Year

SEATTLE — Ten Washington employers received top honors Thursday at the Association of Washington Business’ annual Evening of Excellence awards ceremony.

The event, sponsored by Banner Bank, was held at Seattle’s Fairmont Olympic Hotel. Winners were recognized in categories including family-owned business, innovation in manufacturing, environmental practices, workforce development and more.

“Washington is fortunate to be home to so many innovative and dedicated employers,” said AWB President Kris Johnson. “They power our economy each and every day, strengthening our communities and investing in the future. It’s our privilege to get together once a year to highlight their accomplishments and celebrate what they do for our state.”

Seven Washington Excellence Awards and three Manufacturing Excellence Awards were presented. In addition, AWB presented a Legacy of Leadership award to Phyllis Campbell, retired chair of JPMorgan Chase’s Pacific Northwest region, and a Heavy Lifter award to longtime AWB member Doug Bayne for his service to the organization.

Employer of the Year: Recognizes a Washington state employer who has implemented innovative job retention, creation, benefits, and/or compensation plans that foster a thriving work environment.

Winner: Accra-Fab, Liberty Lake, is a manufacturer that has implemented unique programs for employees. Accra-Fab’s in-house training academy, the University of Accra-Fab, supports education and career advancement for employees across all positions. In 2022, the company started a food pantry to assist employees struggling with food insecurity. The program received overwhelming support from staff, who quickly stocked the pantry with donations, matched 100% by Accra-Fab.

Other finalists:
• TAL Building Centers, Vancouver
• ToolCraft, Monroe
• Girl Scouts of Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho, Spokane

About the Association of Washington Business
Formed in 1904, the Association of Washington Business is Washington’s oldest and largest statewide business association and includes nearly 7,000 members representing 700,000 employees. AWB serves as both the state’s chamber of commerce and the manufacturing and technology association. While its membership includes major employers like Boeing and Microsoft, 92% of AWB members employ fewer than 100 people. More than half of AWB’s members employ fewer than 10. For more about AWB, visit www.awb.org.