Sen. Ann Rivers has been named “Legislator of the Year” by the Associated General Contractors’ Washington chapter. The recognition of Rivers’ work to encourage job creation came today during the trade association’s 2015 convention in Seattle.

“This award is truly an honor,” said Rivers, R-La Center. “I see it as my job to do all I can in Olympia to encourage your businesses to flourish and grow.”

Rivers could not leave the Capitol, where lawmakers are in the second week of the 2015 legislative session, and accepted the award by video instead. “I was so disappointed not to visit face-to-face with the folks who are quite literally building Washington,” said Rivers.

“The past seven years has seen the construction industry decimated. The success of this organization speaks to the character and resiliency of their members. I couldn’t be prouder to partner with them to ensure that the decisions that are made in Olympia don’t include burdening them with more regulations and risky tax schemes,” said Rivers.

AGC of Washington is the state’s largest commercial construction-industry trade association, with more than 600 member companies.

“Senator Rivers is a champion of improving the state’s infrastructure to help spur economic growth,” said Jerry VanderWood, AGC government-affairs director. “Plus, she consistently works to improve the business climate in Washington. We are pleased to name Senator Rivers as our legislator of the year.”