Wyman honors companies that give back to communities

December 16, 2015

Secretary Wyman with 2015 Corporations for Communities Award winners and honor roll recipients on the Capitol Rotunda steps. In this season of giving, four Washington companies have been honored for giving back to their local communities. They are recipients of the 2015 Corporations for Communities Award, which honors exceptional Washington businesses that make it a priority to help the community.

Secretary Wyman with representatives of the four Washington companies receiving the 2015 Corporations for Communities Award.

Representatives from Port Angeles-based First Federal, GlassyBaby (Seattle) are the two winners of the large-company category. Heritage Distilling Company in Gig Harbor and Spokane-based Peddlers Pond are the two companies receiving the small-company honors. Secretary of State Kim Wyman presented the four companies with a National Association of Secretaries of State Medallion Award during a ceremony in her office Wednesday at the Capitol. The award recognizes civic engagement, voter education efforts, government services and a commitment to giving back to the community. “I’m so proud to honor these remarkable and deserving companies with this award,” Wyman said. “We are fortunate as a state to have many businesses that help their communities by giving back,” Wyman said. “It’s great to recognize some of our many caring corporations that make a difference.” Six additional companies received honor roll certificates for their community efforts. They include Black Bear Diner restaurants, Toledo Telephone Communication Co., US Martial Arts Center, Seattle-based West Monroe Partners LLC, Windermere Real Estate Services Co. in Camano Island, and Shree Investments, Inc. in George/Moses Lake.

A closer look at this year’s four winners:

First Federal was honored for giving back to the regional communities from its Port Angeles branch. The company allots eight paid hours per employee per year for community service. It also provides a wide range of contributions and employee involvement.
GlassyBaby was nominated for its partnership with Veterans Affairs partnership programs. The company gives 10 percent of its revenue to nonprofits, a practice that goes back to 1995. During that span, it has contributed more than $3 million to nonprofits. It partnered with the Chelan Valley Fire Fund to raise money for wildfire victims.
Heritage Distilling was praised for contributing to more than 80 local nonprofits, participating in numerous events, hosting tasting events as fundraisers, and allowing employees to participate on the clock with charitable activities. In addition, its owners volunteer on several nonprofit boards in the region.
Peddlers Pond was nominated for donating time and training for the YWCA’s Women’s Opportunity Center and for the owner’s commitment to volunteering and helping educate children and teachers on a variety of IT resources. It also pays for its employees’ volunteer work.

Corporations for Communities is a recognition program within the Secretary of State’s Corporations and Charities Division.
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