WHEREAS, Greg Stewart of Selah, Washington is retiring after an illustrious and unparalleled 48-year career dedicated to the state of Washington and its fair industry; and

WHEREAS, Greg is an alumnus of Centralia College and Washington State University, where he graduated with a degree in agricultural economics; and

WHEREAS, Greg served in the United States Army from 1966 to 1969, including serving a tour of duty in Vietnam; and

WHEREAS, Greg Stewart and his wife Karen have been married since November 4, 1967, and raised two lovely daughters, Tami and Stephanie; and

WHEREAS, Greg was hired in 1972 by the Central Washington Fair Association to be the Assistant General Manager; and

WHEREAS, In 1973, Greg was appointed General Manager of what was then a five-day fair, overseeing a full-time staff of three people; and

WHEREAS, The Central Washington State Fair, home of the original Washington State Fair and the 120-acre fairgrounds, now known as State Fair Park, have grown considerably under Greg's leadership; and

WHEREAS, The Central Washington State Fair has grown to a 10-day fair with the addition of the Yakima Valley SunDome, State Fair Park Raceway, Yakima County Stadium, and a full-time staff of 25, and 181 event days; and

WHEREAS, Greg is a 21-year member of the Yakima Rotary Club, the Greater Yakima Chamber of Commerce, Yakima Valley Tourism, and the Central Washington Hispanic Chamber; and

WHEREAS, In December 2017, Mr. Stewart received an award from the Yakima Latino Professional Association for his excellent leadership, vision, and community support; and

WHEREAS, Greg was Director and Vice President of Western Fairs Association from 1979-1981, on the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) Board from 1997-2003, Executive Treasurer 1997-2000, and Chair in 2002; and

WHEREAS, Greg was the first recipient out of the State of California to be on the Western Fairs Association Board and to receive the Hall of Fame award in 1995, received the Diploma of Fair Management in 1977 from Western Fairs Association, and was on the Western Fairs Association's Board from 1979-1981; and

WHEREAS, In 1984, Greg received the designation of Certified Fair Executive from the International Association of Fairs and Expositions; and

WHEREAS, In 2010, Mr. Stewart received the International Association of Fairs and Expositions Hall of Fame award, the highest honor recognized by the fair industry; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Stewart was the Director of the Mid-West Fairs Association, where members are selected by invitation only; and

WHEREAS, In 2006, Mr. Stewart served as President of the Mid-West Fairs Association, served on the Washington State Fair Association's Board from 1972-1978, and was President of the Board from 1976-1977; and

WHEREAS, Additionally, he has memberships with the Northwest Showman's League, International Association of Auditorium Managers, is a gold card member with the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association, and a board member of the Outdoor Amusement Business Association; and

WHEREAS, In October of 2018, Greg received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Washington State Fairs Association; and

WHEREAS, Enjoying his retirement, he hopes to expand on his love of traveling, boating, horses, and fishing;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate thank and commend Mr. Greg Stewart for his many years of outstanding public service and dedication to the thousands of people he touched in his career and wish him all the best in retirement; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Greg Stewart and his family.