WPPA Recognizes Representative J.T. Wilcox with the 2024 Compass Award
Representative J.T. Wilcox accepting his Compass Award from Chris Herman, Deputy Director of WPPA
OLYMPIA, Washington – The Washington Public Ports Association (WPPA) works on behalf of public ports across Washington, representing the interests of ports with the state legislature and beyond. Our success in promoting the work done by our port members requires leadership, vision and collaboration from state legislators who understand the vital role ports play in our state’s economy.
Since 2018, WPPA has been recognizing legislators who provide extraordinary leadership and unparalleled vision in advancing the importance and future of public ports for the residents they serve. This year, we are pleased to announce our selection of Representative J.T. Wilcox (R-2nd , Yelm), former Republican Leader, with our 2024 Compass Award.
Representative Wilcox was elected to the Legislature in 2010 and began serving as the House Republican Leader in 2018. His 2024 legislative efforts focused on improving environmental regulation and permitting and making meaningful improvements in rebuilding salmon and steelhead populations, two topics near and dear to port districts.
“Representative Wilcox is able to talk in-depth about the importance of freight mobility, trade, and economic competitiveness and that is a huge asset to ports across the state” said WPPA Executive Director Eric ffitch. “Representative Wilcox has integrated his real-world experience working in the family food and farming business with his legislative work helping to elevate small business needs, strong communities and much more.”
Compass Award winners, former Speaker of the House Frank Chopp and Representative J.T. Wilcox with Chris Herman (WPPA Deputy Director), JC Baldwin (Commissioner CDRPA and WPPA Executive Committee President), and Eric ffitch (WPPA Executive Director)
Representative Wilcox said: “In my time in Olympia, I’ve tried to represent working people and draw on my own experience in the workforce, and partnering with ports on their mission to promote trade has been one way to do that. Farms and farmers need ports, and we have always shared goals of promoting prosperity in our communities. This award celebrates that work, and I am grateful to receive this honor from WPPA.” When asked about his next steps upon leaving the Legislature, Wilcox indicated that he was not retiring but rather “hoped to do enough consulting to support his hunting and fishing habits.”
Each year, WPPA recognizes one Democratic legislator and one Republican legislator with a Compass Award. The other 2024 Compass Award winner is former Speaker Frank Chopp, the House Speaker from 1999 to 2019. Both lawmakers were presented with their awards during their Keynote Address to the WPPA membership at its 2024 Spring Meeting.
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As a state legislative and regulatory advocacy organization, the Washington Public Ports Association (WPPA) fosters public policy for ports to achieve their goals. The WPPA was formed by the Legislature in 1961 to represent public port districts throughout Washington, serving as the focus through which ports work cooperatively to develop policy direction, share information, and address issues on economic development, trade, transportation, and environmental stewardship. Public port districts offer a wide range of locally governed services, including marine terminals, barge facilities, industrial development, marinas, airports, railroads, and tourism promotion.