2014 Executive's Small Business Awards
The King County Executive’s Small Business Awards began in 2011 and is dedicated to celebrating the importance and the accomplishments of small businesses throughout King County. The 2014 Awards will be the fourth annual event.
2014 Finalists Class Photo |
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Small Business of the Year
The U.S. Census Bureau of Labor Statistics reported there were 71,070 non-farm firms with employees in King County during 2010, and 95% of these had 50 or fewer employees. The challenges to operating a small business are infinite and often daunting, but the collective contributions of small businesses are vital to the diversity and growth of the county's economy. On behalf of all small businesses throughout the county, this award is given to the small business that best exemplifies the tenacity, perspicacity, and audacity it takes to successfully operate a small business.
- Fremont Brewing Company | Seattle | WINNER
- Pacific Bag, Inc | Woodinville | Finalist
- Snoqualmie Springs School | Issaquah | Finalist
Minority Small Business of the Year
The US Census Bureau’s 2007 Survey of Business Owners showed that minority-owned businesses accounted for 21.3% of all non-farm US businesses. King County’s percentage of minority-owned businesses was over 13%. Given this significant ownership percentage, this award recognizes the minority-owned business that has attained outstanding business achievement and exemplifies the significant contributions made by minority-owned businesses in King County.
- Accel BI | Seattle | Finalist
- Brown Pear Solutions | Seattle | Finalist
- Global Venture | Kent | WINNER
Woman Small Business of the Year
The US Census Bureau's 2007 Survey of Business Owners showed that women-owned businesses accounted for 28.7% of all non-farm US businesses. King County had the 14th highest percentage among all US counties for women-owned businesses at 29%. Given this significant ownership percentage, this award recognizes the woman-owned business that has attained outstanding business achievement and exemplifies the significant contributions made by women-owned businesses in King County.
- 8 Limbs Yoga Centers | Seattle | Finalist
- Fryer-Knowles, Inc | Seattle | WINNER
- Stockbox Neighborhood Grocery | Seattle | Finalist
Exporting Small Business of the Year
Economies grow through trade, by exporting their products and services globally. This brings in income which allows wages to rise and the tax base for critical public infrastructure and services to grow. Consistent with the President's National Export Initiative to double our nation's exports in five years, this award recognizes the small business that has achieved significant increased international sales through existing and/or new international markets..
- Concut Inc | Kent | WINNER
- Popcorn Pavilion, LLC dba KuKuRuZa Gourmet Popcorn | Seattle | Finalist
- Seattle Safety, LLC | Auburn | Finalist
Green/Sustainable Small Business of the Year
King County is a hotbed of innovation in the field of sustainability and has a rich history of environmental stewardship. This award recognizes the small business that has achieved excellence in the creation and implementation of sustainable business practices. Practices include waste and recycling programs, water stewardship, energy management, efficiency in the built environment, or any other significant effort designed to limit the way a business impacts our local environment.
- Cascadia Consulting Group | Seattle | WINNER
- Green Cleaning Seattle Eco-Maid Services | Seattle | Finalist
- Ridolfi Inc | Seattle | Finalist
Workforce Development Small Business of the Year
A skilled workforce is vital to the growth of businesses and our economy. This award recognizes the small business with outstanding practices in hiring, retaining, and developing the skills of its workers. Practices include on-the-job training or support for ongoing skill development; partnerships with other businesses, education institutions, community organizations or government agencies; internships, mentorships or other practices that allow young people to learn about and gain skills in the business/industry; or other practices that demonstrate effective and innovative hiring, retention and training.
- Community Attributes Inc | Seattle | WINNER
- Rushing | Seattle | Finalist
- SkyMania Trampolines | Kirkland | Finalist
Rural Small Business of the Year
The rural economy is an important link to the urban area and provides opportunities for residents to both live and work in the rural area. The King County Strategic Plan supports rural economic development that maintains the character of the rural area. This award recognizes the small business that has achieved excellence in one of the traditional rural industry clusters - agriculture, forestry, equine, home-based, or other.
- Big Mountain Electric, Inc | Enumclaw | Finalist
- Krainick Dairy, LLC | Enumclaw | WINNER
- Local Roots Farm | Duvall | Finalist
PRESENTING SPONSORS
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
AWARD PARTNERS:
King County Executive Dow Constantine |
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