Governor Gregoire Meets with Sonics and Storm Owner Clay Bennett

For Immediate Release: August 9, 2006

SEATAC - Governor Chris Gregoire today met with Clay Bennett, the owner of the Sonics and the Storm, and issued the following statement:

�Mr. Bennett and I had a very honest and open discussion and I believe that he is working toward a goal that keeps the team in Washington. As I have said, my first choice would be to keep the teams in Seattle. If that is not an option, I hope that we can keep the teams in our state.

�Mr. Bennett told me that he intends to work with cities and the state to make the Sonics and Storm a business that we cannot afford to lose and I take him at his word.

�He envisions a world-class, multi-purpose facility which I believe is good for our communities and our state. Mr. Bennett assured me that he and his partners will present a business plan to the public and decision-makers so that we can work together to keep the teams in our state.�

###