King County Executive Dow Constantine – in partnership with award sponsors Microsoft Corp., KeyBank, enterpriseSeattle, the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County and the Small Business Partners for Prosperity – today named 21 finalists in seven categories for the first annual King County Executive’s Small Business Awards.
Three of the finalists include Kirkland businesses: Chameleon Technoligies, Inc. for minority small business; Ombrella Inc. for woman small business; and Eco Cartridge Store for green/sustainable.
“My priority is to build prosperity and get people back to work, and small businesses will lead the way as they create the majority of new jobs in our economy,” said Constantine. “I am pleased to honor small businesses by recognizing the best of them, and celebrating the entrepreneurs who are achieving excellence and putting people back to work.”
He said he was pleased with the overwhelming response to his new program, with more than 125 nominations received from 30 award partners – chambers of commerce, cities and business organizations across the county.
More than 250 representatives from throughout the county are expected to be in attendance when the winners are announced at the awards program from 7:15-9 a.m. Oct. 12 at the Meydenabauer Center in Bellevue.
Four of the 21 finalists are Certified Small Contractors and Suppliers under King County’s Contracting Opportunities Program, which works to provide greater contracting opportunities for small businesses.
The awards program recognizes small businesses throughout King County that best demonstrate innovation and excellence. The nominees are:
Small Business of the Year Finalists
Lightel Technologies, Inc.
Molly Moon Handmade Ice Cream
Trophy Cupcakes and Party
Minority Small Business of the Year Finalists
Chameleon Technologies, Inc.
General Microsystems, Inc.
Triple XXX Rootbeer
Woman Small Business of the Year Finalists
JTS Manage Services
Ombrella Inc.
PRR Inc.
Exporting Small Business of the Year Finalists
Pascal International
Paula’s Choice, Inc.
TransNET Inc.
Green/Sustainable Small Business of the Year Finalists
Eco Cartridge Store
General Biodiesel
WorldCNG
Workforce Development Small Business of the Year Finalists
Lin & Associates, Inc.
Schemata Workshop, Inc.
Seidelhuber Iron and Bronze Works
Rural Small Business of the Year Finalists
Jubilee Biodynamic Farm Inc.
Olympic Nursery
Rockridge Orchards & Cidery
