Yesterday, the Economic Development Council of Seattle and King County awarded Snohomish County their Economic Development Champion Award for its work to expand commercial activities at Paine Field Airport.

The annual award is given to public and private entities that are instrumental in building a stronger economy in the greater Puget Sound region.

“I am very proud to accept his award on behalf of our fantastic economic development team and our staff at Paine Field,” Dave Somers, a Snohomish County executive, said in a press release. “Paine Field remains the biggest driver of the county’s economy, and it is also the county’s biggest tourist destination. With the expected start of commercial air service later this year, we know that Paine Field will become an even more important part of our region’s economy. We are grateful to the Economic Development Council of Seattle and King County for their partnership as we work to help the residents of the Puget Sound region. Great things are happening in Snohomish County!”

The Port of Seattle was also presented an Economic Development Champion Award for current efforts to expand and modernize, and for future plans to serve rising demand.

“We’re thrilled to recognize Snohomish County today for their commitment to expanding commercial activity at Paine Field, as well as the Port of Seattle for breaking ground on Sea-Tac Airport’s modernized North Satellite and new International Arrivals Facility,” Will Einstein, chair on the board of directors of the economic development council of Seattle and King County, said in a press release. “The adage ‘great minds think alike’ fits when considering these vital infrastructure investments, which will underpin our region’s competitiveness for years to come. “

Microsoft was recognized in the private sector for its multi-year campus refresh project that will include 18 new buildings, 6.7 million square feet of renovated workspace and $150 million in transportation infrastructure improvements, public spaces and green space.