FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 13, 2007

Davis Wright Tremaine Partner Jim Neill Honored by Washington State Lodging Industry

Top Industry Association Presents Neill with “Allied Member of the Year” Award

Jim Neill (center) with other honorees and distinguished guests

PORTLAND, ORE. (November 13, 2007)—Jim Neill, a partner in the Portland office of Davis Wright Tremaine LLP (DWT) and chair of the firm’s hospitality practice, was recently honored with the distinguished “Allied Member of the Year” Award at Washington State Hotel & Lodging Association’s (WSH&LA) annual convention, held October 15, at the Davenport Hotel & Towers in Spokane, Washington.

The award was presented to Neill as an acknowledgement for his input, assistance and wise counsel in articulating, addressing and resolving hoteliers’ issues with Washington’s Liquor Control Board. His active involvement in over two years of discussions, meetings, lobbying and testimony at committee hearings was integral to the passage of a bill establishing a new hotel liquor license in Washington state.

“Passing a bill of this scope and nature in one legislative session is almost unheard of, but was made possible thanks to the time and the professional and volunteer efforts and expertise of members like Jim Neill,” said Jan Simon Aridj, President and CEO of WSH&LA. “The results of Jim’s contribution will make a lasting difference to Washington’s lodging industry.”

For over 35 years, Neill has advised and defended hospitality businesses in the Northwest and throughout the country. In addition to representing businesses and associations in front of state legislatures on alcohol and gaming issues, he has: obtained over 3000 liquor licenses for restaurants, bars and hotels; coordinated the legal activities for over 80 hotel properties; and represented licensees in over 300 contested case proceedings before state liquor control agencies. Neill also currently serves as general counsel for the Oregon Restaurant Association.

About WSH&LA
The Washington State Hotel & Lodging Association (WSH&LA), incorporated in 1920, is a non-profit trade and professional association dedicated to the interests of the lodging industry in Washington state.

About Davis Wright Tremaine
Davis Wright Tremaine LLP is a national business and litigation law firm with more than 480 attorneys in nine offices: Seattle and Bellevue (Wash.), Portland (Ore.), Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Washington, D.C., Anchorage (Alaska) and Shanghai, China.

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CONTACT:
Jeff Segvich, Advertising and Public Relations
(503) 778-5460, jeffsegvich@dwt.com