Kirkland-based AAOA Healthcare, has been named the Family Business, Best Practices Award winner by the Seattle Business Magazine. The award was presented at Seattle Business Magazine’s Annual Washington Family Business Awards.

AAOA Healthcare provides employee benefit solutions for small and mid-size employers. AAOA Healthcare was founded in 2002 by Pat Chestnut, president and CEO. Today, the family business includes his wife, Cary Johnson, vice president of Administration and stepson Alex Johnson, CFO.

“When I developed the concept for AAOA Healthcare, I wanted to build something of lasting value,” said Chestnut, “and I wanted to provide true solutions for small businesses.”

It is estimated that 60 to 70 percent of businesses in the United States are family owned and operated.

“Our family and our company are committed to our core values and providing innovative solutions to small and family run businesses,” added Chestnut, “receiving the Best Practices Award is a true honor, especially in the company of so many outstanding family businesses in Washington.”

For a complete list of 2012 Washington Family Business Awards Recipients, see www.seattlebusinessmag.com or www.aaoamerica.org.