Building Industry Group honors Ed Orcutt and Steve Stuart

Several area legislators and city and county officials were recently recognized by the Building Industry Group.

State Rep. Ed Orcutt (18th District) was named the “Person of the Year,” during the Jan. 5 “Nothing But Networking” event at the Red Lion Vancouver Quay.

“Over the years, Ed Orcutt has stood up for small business and consistently voted against harmful regulations that hurt our industry,” said AJ Gomez, chairman of the Building Industry Group. “The building industry is facing an unprecedented assault from both the Washington State Department of Ecology and the Department of Labor and Industries.”

Gomez referred to storm water regulations and labor and industries costs.

“It’s important for us to thank our top elected officials who lead the charge to reform local and state government,” he added.

The Building Industry Group, the official political action committee of the Building Industry Association of Clark County, presented its “Golden Hammer” award to Clark County Commissioner Steve Stuart for his efforts to simplify the building and development code and expedite the permitting process.

“Steve Stuart supported a fee holiday on county fees to spur economic development and voted to extend the approval expiration and impact fees vesting for projects caught up in the economic slowdown,” said Eric Golemo, a Building Industry Group trustee and board member.

Golemo, who presented the award, mentioned Stuart has also fought the Department of Ecology on storm water regulations.

“Rookie of the Year Golden Hammer” awards were presented to State Rep. Ann Rivers (18th District), and Rep. Paul Harris (17th District).

During the event, 14 top financial contributors to the PAC were also recognized.

BIACC, a trade association representing the interests of all businesses involved with land development and construction, provides member companies with educational opportunities, marketing of member services, a 401K program, and medical and industrial insurance programs.

For more information, call 281-8720 or visit www.BIGPac.org. For information about the BIACC, call 694-0933 or visit www.BIAofClarkCounty.org.