AWB Statement on Passing of Tom Fritz

OLYMPIA — The Association of Washington Business (AWB) is deeply saddened by news of the death of Tom Fritz.

Tom was vice chair and chair-elect of the board of AWB, the state’s oldest and largest business organization. His continued service to the business community following his retirement last year as CEO of Inland Northwest Health Services

“This is a tremendous loss not only for everyone who knew and loved Tom Fritz, but also for the greater Spokane community and the state of Washington,” Johnson said. “Our hearts go out to his family and friends.”

Johnson added: “Over the years, I was privileged to work with Tom Fritz in different capacities and honored to become his friend. He was known as a leader in the health care services industry, but Tom really cared about all aspects of the community. I was delighted when he agreed to serve as AWB’s vice chair and looking forward to working with him even more closely next year when he was scheduled to become board chair.”

“Tom Fritz was a close friend and long-time business associate,” said Mike Schwenk, AWB board chair. “He was the personification of a class act. You always knew where he stood on any issue, and where you stood with him. As a result, you could count on him, trust him, rely on him. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him, and even those who never met him will miss his contributions to our state.”

About the Association of Washington Business

Formed in 1904, the Association of Washington Business is Washington’s oldest and largest statewide business association, and includes more than 7,900 members representing 700,000 employees. AWB serves as both the state’s chamber of commerce and the manufacturing and technology association. While its membership includes major employers like Boeing, Microsoft and Weyerhaeuser, 90 percent of AWB members employ fewer than 100 people. More than half of AWB’s members employ fewer than 10. For more about AWB, visit www.awb.org