The Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce awarded former State Senator Mike Padden a Lifetime Achievement Award at its Annual Meeting on Thursday, November 6.

“Senator Padden was awarded for being a dedicated public servant, a strong voice for the Spokane Valley region, and someone whose work has shaped this community for more than four decades,” said Lance Beck, President and CEO of the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Sen. Padden first entered public service in 1981, representing the 4th Legislative District in the State House. He later served as a Spokane County District Court Judge and returned to Olympia as a Washington State Senator in 2011 — continuing his commitment to justice, public safety, and good government.

Rep. Michael Baumgartner, R-Wash, said, “When I think of the people who have truly served our state and made a huge impact on public policy, Mike Padden would be one of those luminaries.”

Through the years, Sen. Padden had chaired the Senate Law and Justice Committee, championed bipartisan efforts to strengthen laws, and encouraged local economic growth. 

“I am honored, blessed and humbled to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from The Greater Spokane Valley Chamber,” said Mike Padden. “Thanks go out to the 4^th District voters who elected me numerous times to the State House and State Senate and to the Spokane County voters who elected me to the Spokane County District Court bench.”