Rep. Stephanie Barnard honored with inaugural Business Champion of the Year award for leadership on jobs, innovation, and economic growth

Rep. Stephanie Barnard, R-Pasco, has been named the inaugural recipient of the Business Champion of the Year award, presented by the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce to recognize an elected official who has fostered a strong business climate and supported job creation in the region.

“I’m deeply honored to receive this award because it reflects the work I’ve fought for since day one of building a stronger business climate, advancing innovation, and creating real opportunities for job growth in our region and across Washington,” said Barnard. “Our region has always been driven by innovation, hard work, and entrepreneurship, and I will continue fighting for policies that help those strengths thrive.”

According to the chamber, the new award recognizes a leader who goes above and beyond to foster a strong business climate, support pro-business legislation, champion job creation, promote economic development, engage with the business community, and govern with fiscal responsibility.

Those priorities have been central to Barnard’s work in the Legislature.

Barnard serves as the ranking member of the House Technology, Economic Development, and Veterans Committee, where she has focused on policies related to economic competitiveness, innovation, business growth, and long-term opportunity for employers and workers across Washington.

This year, one of Barnard’s top economic development priorities, House Bill 1210, was signed into law after three years of work. The bipartisan measure updates Washington’s targeted urban area tax-exemption timelines for qualifying clean-energy transformation projects, including advanced nuclear manufacturing. The change helps keep Washington competitive for major private-sector investment and the family-wage jobs that come with it.

Barnard has also sponsored legislation aimed at strengthening economic development in other ways. House Bill 2186 would help Washington better compete for federal economic development dollars, support grant applicants, and create a pathway for matching funds. She also sponsored House Bill 2278 to support tourism promotion efforts that help local communities attract visitors and grow local economies, and House Bill 2446 to help position Washington for future growth in quantum technology, workforce development, and innovation-driven investment.

“I have always believed government should be a partner in opportunity, not a barrier to it,” Barnard added. “When we create a better climate for employers, entrepreneurs, and innovators, we create more opportunity for workers, families, and communities too. I’m grateful to the Tri-City Regional Chamber for this honor, and I look forward to continuing this work.”

Barnard said the award reflects the importance of continuing to champion policies that grow jobs, encourage innovation, and keep Washington competitive.

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Washington State House Republican Communications
houserepublicans.wa.gov