Mayor’s Small Business Awards finalists announced

“It takes integrity, solid work ethics and driven leadership to succeed in any endeavor, and I congratulate all of this year’s finalists for their accomplishments,” said Mayor Charmaine Tavares.
WAILUKU — Mayor Charmaine Tavares last week announced the finalists for the 2009 Mayor’s Small Business Awards.
Winners will be announced at the “1930s to 2009, Looking Back — Moving Forward” awards dinner on Friday, Oct. 23, at the Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa.
“Each finalist has achieved success through hard work and a strong, enduring commitment to excellence,” said Tavares.
“They deserve our gratitude for contributing to our local economy and for their efforts to help create the kind of business community that our county grows and thrives with.”
The winner in each of the six categories will receive a beautiful Haunani Mine koa-framed commemorative award, window decal and certificate of recognition. The finalists are:
Small Business: Ten Employees or Fewer — Drs. Lee & Leong OD, LLC, Karsten Lee and Michael Leong;
Maui Golf & Sports Park, Stephanie Weisel; MauiGrown Coffee Inc., James “Kimo” Falconer; and Maui TV News, Jeff King;
Small Business: 11-50 Employees — Dunes at Maui Lani, David Gleason; Island Honda, Anne Oishi; Maui Brewing Co., Garrett Marrero; Pacific Defense Solutions LLC, Wes Freiwald; and The Maui Closet Company, Debbie Finkiewicz;
Young Business Person — Andrew Crawford, Bevinco Maui; Danoucha Starkweather, Danoosha Designs; Frank “Palani” Alexander II, Alexanders Kitchens and Baths LLC; Garrett Marrero, Maui Brewing Co.; and Leo Kaniela Caires, Maui Energy Co.;
Lifetime Achievement Award — David Gleason, Dunes at Maui Lani; Mana Foods, Ed and Theresa Thielk, Christine Ozee and Sunette Fenn; Robert King, Pacific Biodiesel; and Wayne “Wayno” Cochran, Maui Surfboards.
Nonprofit Angel Award — Envisions Entertainment & Productions Inc., Jim Sanders Realty and Patrick Young Painting LLC.
The Mayor’s Community Service Award recipient will be announced at the awards dinner.
This year’s event, sponsored by Central Pacific Bank and other supporters of small business, celebrates the era that many of Maui’s time-honored mom-and-pop businesses got their start and began shaping a heritage of entrepreneurial caring, relationships in the community, hard work and excellence.
The awards program originated in 2004 as a way to recognize outstanding small businesses in Maui County.
Back by popular demand this year are emcees and TV personalities Guy Hagi and Kim Gennaula. The keynote speaker will be Jade Moon.
Fun, 1930s-style entertainment will be provided by Kelly Covington. Dinner cost is $50 per person; no-host bar will be offered.
Dinner reservations and special room rates are available by contacting the Maui County Business Resource Center at 873-8247.
For more information, call the Maui County Business Resource Center at 873-8247 or visit www.mauicounty.gov/mcbrc.