Wyman honors companies that give back

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Secretary Wyman (middle) stands with representatives of companies recognized at the Corporations for Communities Award ceremony in her office.

Four companies – three from Western Washington and one from Eastern Washington – have been honored for their generosity and contributions to their local communities. These companies are recipients of the 2014 Corporations for Communities Award, which honors exceptional Washington businesses that make it a priority to help the community. Representatives from Bellevue-based John Howie Restaurants, The Barkley Company (Bellingham), The Old Cannery Furniture Warehouse (Sumner) and The McGregor Company (Colfax) were recognized by Secretary of State Kim Wyman at a Wednesday ceremony in her office at the Capitol. Wyman presented the winners with a certificate and a National Association of Secretaries of State Medallion Award, which recognizes civic engagement, voter education efforts, government services and a commitment to giving back to the community.

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“I’m proud and honored to present these four amazing and deserving companies with this award,” Wyman said. “Many businesses of all sizes make a difference by donating money, items or volunteers toward worthy causes. It makes me proud that we have so many generous companies here in Washington.” Six other businesses were recognized by Wyman for their community efforts: A Picket Fence (Sumner); Avista (Spokane); Jack's Country Store (Ocean Park); M&N Absolute Auto (Everett); NW Sleeps (Olympia); and Pioneer Grocery (South Bend). A closer look at this year’s four winners: • John Howie Restaurants was nominated for taking part in several charitable acts, events and functions, including hosting free holiday dinners for low-income and homeless people. The restaurant group has partnered with Craig Terrill and the Seattle Seahawks in the NFL Kick Hunger Challenge. • The Barkley Company, which includes Talbot Real Estate, was nominated for its corporate giving in the Bellingham community. It provided free space and renovated its local library, and has donated more than $80,000 annually to several organizations. • The Old Cannery Furniture Warehouse was nominated for its extensive community involvement. It has created, sponsored or participated in several cancer, research, autism, multiple sclerosis and other benefit events. It has sponsored the “visit with Santa and Elves” at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital, Operation Turkey Drop and Operation Ham Grenade, providing holiday meals to Joint Base Lewis-McChord families. The company encourages use of paid time for its employees to participate in these activities. • The McGregor Company was nominated by the Whitman County Library for supporting multiple library contributions that include continued sponsorship of children’s Summer Reading, Whitman County Rural Heritage collections and renovation support in a number of the library system’s 14 branch locations. The company also contributes time and financial assistance to civic, school and community endeavors in multiple towns. It has led efforts to revitalize the city of LaCrosse via LaCrosse Community Pride. Corporations for Communities is a recognition program within the Secretary of State’s Corporations and Charities Division.