Posted on: Friday, April 27, 2007
Small-business awards announced
Advertiser Staff
The U.S. Small Business Administration will present its annual small-business awards at a luncheon today at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki.
The luncheon is hosted by the Hawai'i Women's Business Center and will recognize Hawai'i's top small-business owners, exporters, advocates and entrepreneurs. The event coincides with National Small Business Week.
This year's winners are:
Small Business Person of the Year — Malcolm Koga and Glenn Nohara, Koga Engineering and Construction (state of Hawai'i); Stephanie Biven, Biven's Electric Inc., dba West Coast Construction (O'ahu); Russell Ruderman, Island Naturals Market Inc. & Island Naturals Pahoa (Hawai'i Island); James Kartes, Paradise Television Network (Maui); and Sharron Weber, Kaua'i Enterprises Inc., dba Tire Warehouse (Kaua'i).
SBA Family-Owned Business of the Year — Alvin Makimoto, Uptown Service (state of Hawai'i); Alan Young, Young's Fish Market (O'ahu); and Jeremy Kozuki, Home Maid Bakery (Maui).
SBA Young Entrepreneur of the Year — Anthony Yamada, David Inouye and Michael Inouye, Worldwide Business Network, dba Ideal Collectibles (state of Hawai'i); Brian Zada, BRZ Inc., dba Pretzelmaker (O'ahu); Zendo Kern, Superior Development Group LLC (Hawai'i Island); and Thomas Middleton, Pacific Lawn and Landscape (Kaua'i).
Small Business Exporter of the Year — Nobuo and Teruko Kuniyuki, Goodtimes Ltd.
Financial Services Champion of the Year — Brian Iwata, Taketa, Iwata, Hara & Associates (state of Hawai'i); and Annette Pauole-Ahukuelo, Kuha'o Business Center (Maui).
Home-Based Business Champion of the Year — Lani Weigert, Alii Chang and Marseu Simpson, The Lavender Farm Inc., dba Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm (state of Hawai'i); Barry Michael Wong, Building Specs Hawai'i LLC (O'ahu); and Susan Kim, Susan Kim Coaching LLC (Maui).
Small Business Journalist of the Year — Evan and Kari Leong, Greater Good Inc. (state of Hawai'i and Region IX); Linda Dela Cruz, MidWeek (O'ahu); and Debra Lordan, Maui Weekly (Maui).
Minority Small Business Champion of the Year — Dr. Tin Myaing Thein, Pacific Gateway Center (state of Hawai'i).
Women in Business Champion of the Year — Barbara Hastings and Barbra Pleadwell (state of Hawai'i and Region IX); Piia Aarma, Pineapple Tweed (O'ahu); and Muriel Boot, Tropical Tees and Kona Gift Gallery, Eelskin Outlet (Hawai'i Island).
