LIHU‘E — The United States Small Business Administration recently announced the winners of the SBA small business awards for 2009. Each year, SBA honors outstanding small business owners, entrepreneurs and advocates who best illustrate the important contributions of small businesses
LIHU‘E — The United States Small Business Administration recently announced the winners of the SBA small business awards for 2009. Each year, SBA honors outstanding small business owners, entrepreneurs and advocates who best illustrate the important contributions of small businesses to the local economy and to our quality of life, said a press release this week.
Among the Kaua‘i winners were Frank, Pearl, Scot and Merlyn Nonaka of Kaua‘i Producers, who won the Family Owned Small Business Award. The award recognizes a small business with at least a 15-year history and one that has been owned and operated by the family, creating jobs, increasing revenues and providing opportunities for other family members.
Pearl Nonaka, who started the business over 55 years ago, said it was her husband’s foresight which led them to where they are today.
“I don’t believe there’s any secret to a successful business except for hard work, and it’s a family corporation and we’re working together,” she said. “Just believing that you can do it, and as long as you can work hard.”
The Small Business Journalist award was granted to Randy Francisco, president of the Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce. Winners of this award were selected based on their work to increase public awareness about the challenges and issues that small businesses face and the contributions they make to our economy.
“I’m inspired by the business community and especially chamber members who really understand what it means to be part of this community,” Francisco said. “During my first year, Warren Haruki of Grove Farm, at the chamber’s membership meeting, spoke about the ‘triple bottom line’ which has been my business philosophy on Kaua‘i.”
“I just want to insure that in my advocacy and messaging on behalf of the business community, in whatever issues we face, that at the end of the day, as Kaua‘i people, we remember that whatever we do is based on our values as a community and that we do what we do with genuine aloha. I’ve used every opportunity to communicate this through whatever means are available to me for the good of Kaua‘i.”
The Women in Business Champion award went to Susan Tai of the Kaua‘i Economic Development Board, who has helped other women realize their dreams and fulfill their business potentials. The award is presented to those who, as advocates, have fulfilled a commitment to the advancement of women’s business ownership and who assist and support women in their quest to own, manage and direct their own company.
“The ripples of local, national and global activity can resonate more dramatically in smaller island communities,” Tai said. “Especially for the island of Kaua‘i, where women make up over 50 percent of the population. It is vital to provide the resources that maximize a woman’s ability to earn at least a living wage, provide for their families, and develop a sense of pride in capitalizing on her knowledge, skills, and talent.”
When asked how she felt when she was presented with the award, she was extremely gracious and believes there are many woman in the community that are worthy of the honor.
“Today’s women in business must possess a fine balance of skills and traits that enable them to distinguish themselves as leaders in the community, contributors to the economy, and architects of the new face of a more equitable business landscape,” she said.
Tai also advocates that giving back to the community is one of the keys to success within the business world.
“Public service can only strengthen your community; the need is out there, and you see the tremendous amount of financial and social good that can be done when people and businesses put their minds to it,” she said. “Especially in a small island community, if the demand is for a healthy economy, people need to lend a helping hand.”
The Small Business Exporter Award was presented to Dana Roberts of Malie, a business whose organic skin-care products are distributed around the world.
“Malie was born through our passionate love for nature and the island of Kaua‘i,” Roberts said. “It is a team effort including my husband, Shaun, and our desire to share the unique flora and fauna of Hawai‘i with the world.”
When asked what made her business so successful in just five years, she said it has to do with attitude.
“To be successful in business, how you think is everything,” she said. “Always be positive, focus on your goals and success, be persistent and work hard. The marketplace is always changing and as a company leader, you need to always be aware of this, always be learning and pay attention to what consumers want. No one can do it alone, I wouldn’t be where I am today without my team.”
Kaua‘i’s Small Business Person of the Year is Valerie Parker, president and CEO of The Parker Group, who provides comprehensive project management and technical services to DOD contractors.
The 2009 SBA Small Business Award winners will be honored with special events on all islands and capped by the 22nd Annual Statewide Luncheon at the Hilton Hawaiian Village on Friday, April 24, 2009, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Hosted by the Hawaii Women’s Business Center, the luncheon will also feature the “Winner’s Circle,” a special business expo for award winners to showcase their products and services.
Tickets to the awards event are available for $45 each through the Hawai‘i Women’s Business Center. Reservations can be made by calling (808) 526-1001 or by visiting their Web site, www.hwbc.org
