WR President and CEO Renée Sunde joined fellow board member Alesha Shemwell, Director of Retail for the Bellevue Collection, for the Washington Policy Center’s annual dinner held this past week at the Bellevue Hyatt Regency.

The well-attended event is one of the largest public policy events in the country, where business leaders, young professionals, policymakers, and community activists come together to celebrate free-market solutions and working together to improve the lives of Washingtonians.

John Mackey, Co-Founder/CEO of Whole Foods Market, provided a compelling keynote address. John opened his first store, named SaferWay, in 1978 and opened the original Whole Foods Market two years later, in 1980. During his remarks, he announced his retirement after 43 years at the helm.

The Champion of Freedom Award was presented to business and community leader Hon. Kemper Freeman, Jr. The Hon. Melanie Stambaugh served as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening’s festivities.