Washington House Democrats

Pierce County Products Shine at First Legislative Trade Fair

Jan. 8, 2007

OLYMPIA — World-class products from Puyallup and across Washington were on display under the Capitol Dome on Jan. 8 as the Legislature opened its 2007 session. The occasion was the first ‘Made in Washington’ Legislative Trade Fair in state history.

Top producers from more than 30 legislative districts and all corners of Washington came to the Capitol Rotunda to display their wares, ranging from apples and aerospace to premium wines and a genuine handcrafted Warmoth guitar from Warmoth Guitar Products in Puyallup.

State Rep. Dawn Morrell and Sen. Jim Kastama worked with the Pierce County Economic Development Division to showcase local products that are known the world over for their quality and performance.

In addition to the Warmoth guitar, the 25th District was represented by the Puyallup Fair, premium raspberries from George Richter Farm in Fife, and high-performance manufactured products from Flex-a-lite and Cascade Plastics Co., Inc.

“Local businesses and the county economic development experts did us proud,” said Morrell (D-Puyallup). “Our Pierce County farmers and manufacturers showed they can compete with the best the world has to offer.”

“It’s great to see the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in Pierce County,” said Kastama (D-Puyallup).

Kastama, who chairs the Economic Development, Trade &  Management Committee in the state Senate, said he hopes the trade fair helps lawmakers to better understand the challenges affecting Washington’s producers and businesses.

“Washington’s political leaders need to do a better job of listening to the business leaders who are driving our economy forward with great products,” Kastama said.

For more information:

Sen. Jim Kastama,   (360) 786-7648

Rep. Dawn Morrell, (360) 786-7968

Link to Print quality photo:

    http://housedemocrats.wa.gov/members/morrell/dawn-jim-guitar.jpg