For the Reporter

U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert (R-WA) today received the 2014 Washington Trade Hero of the Year Award from the Washington Council of International Trade (WCIT) at its downtown Seattle office.

Reichert was selected for the award because of his championship of expanded trade, which makes Washington one of the most successful states for families and businesses in the country.

“It is an honor to be recognized for working with my colleagues on an issue that is so important to our great state,” Reichert said. “With so many goods and services – from our delicious apples to our computer software – in demand around the globe it is no wonder that trade supports 40 percent of jobs in our state. These well-paying jobs tied to trade help my hard-working constituents provide for their families. I thank WCIT for all of their work in helping educate others about the importance of trade and for today’s recognition.”

WCIT President Eric Schinfield added:

“The Washington Council on International Trade is pleased to present Rep. Reichert with this award to recognize his leadership in fighting for Washington state’s global competitiveness. Not only can he be counted on consistently as a ‘yes’ vote on the key trade policies that matter to Washington employers, but also a leader in Congress who educates other elected officials about the importance and benefits of issues like the Trans-Pacific Partnership, Trade Promotion Authority, Ex-Im Bank, port competitiveness and the U.S. OUTDOOR Act.”

Reichert serves on the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, the President’s Export Council, and is a co-chair and founder of the Friends of TPP Congressional Caucus.