Who:
George Will, Pulitzer Prize winner, journalist, author and TV commentator
Governor Mike Huckabee, NGA Chairman, author and potential 2008 presidential candidate
When:
7:00 p.m., Tomorrow/Tuesday, September 26thWhere:
Downtown Seattle Westin Hotel (Grand Ballroom)
1900 Fifth Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101
Washington Policy Center will honor Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and author George Will and welcome Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee at its 2006 Annual Dinner tomorrow, September 26th in Seattle. George Will is receiving the 2006 Columbia Award. Also being honored at the Dinner is retired CEO of PACCAR Charles "Chuck" Pigott, recipient of the 2006 Stanley O. McNaughton Champion of Freedom Award. The Dinner will be attended by over 950 policymakers, business and community leaders, making this Washington Policy Center's largest Dinner ever!
Washington Policy Center's Columbia Award is given to a national figure every year and this year Mr. Will is receiving it for giving highly effective voice to free market principles throughout his career in writing and commentary worldwide.
George Will's newspaper column has been syndicated by The Washington Post since 1974. Today it appears twice weekly in just under 500 newspapers in the United States and Europe. In 1976, he became a regular contributing editor of Newsweek magazine, for which he provides a bimonthly back-page essay. In 1977, he won a Pulitzer Prize for commentary. He has also written several books. The most recent being "With A Happy Eye But..:America and the World, 1997-2002." He will be introduced by Attorney General Rob McKenna.
Chuck Pigott will be honored for a lifetime improving employment opportunity and civic life in Washington State, for championing educational excellence and steadfastly supporting the development of wholesome youth. Charles Pigott became PACCAR's President in 1965 and Chief Executive Officer in 1967. Charles Pigott's leadership spurred PACCAR to become one of the most successful industrial companies in North America. Pigott is also a former President of the Boy Scouts of America (1986-1988) and former board member at Boeing. He will be introduced by former Microsoft executive and current CEO of Oki Golf, Scott Oki.
Governor Mike Huckabee will be addressing the expected 950 attendees at the Dinner and signing his latest and fourth book "Quit Digging Your Grave With A Knife And Fork," released last May. He is recognized as a national leader in the areas of education and health care reform. He served as the chairman of the National Governors Association for the 2005-2006 year. Recently he has been discussed as a potential candidate for President in 2008. He will be introduced by Lt. Governor Brad Owen.
Media are welcome to cover the Dinner free of charge. Governor Huckabee will deliver his speech at 7:20 pm and George Will is expected to deliver his speech at approximately 8:35 pm.
Past Columbia award recipients have included Zell Miller, Rudy Giuliani, Former Presidential advisor Karen Hughes and Colorado Governor Bill Owens.