PO‘IPU — Kaua‘i’s Small Business Awards winners were honored Tuesday during Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours event at The Club at Kukui‘ula. “On behalf of Governor Abercrombie, I offer congratulations to the award winners,” said Hawai‘i Lt. Governor
PO‘IPU — Kaua‘i’s Small Business Awards winners were honored Tuesday during Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours event at The Club at Kukui‘ula.
“On behalf of Governor Abercrombie, I offer congratulations to the award winners,” said Hawai‘i Lt. Governor Brian Schatz. “What these awards represent is hope for our economy. They show we have a strong economy and a strong base on which to grow.
The U.S. Small Business Administration announced its SBA winners last month for Kaua‘i, the state and the Pacific region. Four Kaua‘i business were recognized and honored this year for their achievements.
Jane Sawyer, Hawai‘i District Director for SBA, said, “The winners are folks who look for ways to give back and create good sustainable jobs.”
Rob and Lois Silverman, owners of Good Times Grill in Lihu‘e, were chosen for the Small Business Person of the Year award for Kaua‘i County.
“The roots in Kaua‘i run so deep,” Rob said. “Thank you so much.”
The Young Entrepreneur of the Year award for the State of Hawai‘i went to 25-year-old Daniel Wright, proprietor of Tambor Acai.
“It’s nice to be recognized and get an award for something I feel passionate about,” Wright said, “so thank you.”
Melissa McFerrin of Kaua‘i Farm Bureau won the Minority Small Business Champion of the Year Award for Kaua‘i County for applying her background in marketing to advocating for local farmers.
“It’s about finding markets, making money, creating jobs, buying fresh and buying local,” McFerrin said. “Let’s just keep it going.”
Trex Hawai‘i Advanced Materials Group received the Tibbetts Award for the State of Hawai‘i, which recognizes small research and development companies for innovation.
“I won’t even try to explain what we do,” said Trex Vice President David Kane, but offered that their optical lenses are employed in intercept missile technology. “Like any business, we’ve been in trouble from time to time, but we can always go to the mayor and the council for support.”
Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. said, “We as leaders are trying to make decisions that help all people in the community.”
Council member JoAnn Yukimura and Council Chair Jay Furfaro offered kudos to Kukui‘ula for hosting the event and said these businesses are examples of the entrepreneurship on Kaua‘i.
“When one door closed because of a bad economy,” Yukimura said, “they found a way to open another and create jobs.”
Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce President Randy Francisco said facility tours of the award-winning business will be conducted.
For additional information, contact the Chamber at 245-7363.
