Gov. Gregoire appoints Chris Marr to Liquor Control Board

For Immediate Release: January 27, 2011

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today announced the appointment of Chris Marr to the Liquor Control Board.

�Chris�s extensive experience in both the private sector and state government will be a strong contribution to the Liquor Control Board,� said Gregoire. �He is a proven leader whose passion for civic involvement mirrors the mission and values of the Board.�

Before being elected to the state Senate in 2006, Chris worked as managing partner of the Foothills Auto Group in Spokane. He also served on the Board of Regents for Washington State University and on the WSU Foundation�s Board of Governors. Marr has also chaired the Spokane Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Washington State Transportation Commission.

�I am honored that Governor Gregoire has asked me to use my thirty years of experience as a corporate manager and business owner to help lead the Liquor Control Board in the critical years ahead,� said Marr. �The public has indicated support for the revenue liquor sales generate for essential state and local services, improved convenience and most importantly -- ensuring public safety is not compromised. I'm excited to join the efforts already underway to address these issues.�

Marr joins board chair Sharon Foster and board member Ruthann Kurose.

The part-time board operates at 60 percent time and pay. It holds regular public meetings and work sessions with stakeholders and other interest groups, makes policy and budget decisions, and adjudicates contested liquor license applications and enforcement actions on licensees.

The Liquor Control Board�s mission is to contribute to the safety and financial stability of our communities by ensuring the responsible sale, and preventing the misuse of, alcohol and tobacco.