Mayor’s Small Business Awards

County of Maui News Release
Is there a Maui County business you believe is exceptional? Nominate it for the 2013 Mayor’s Small Business Awards. The awards honor outstanding small businesses with 50 or fewer employees, and that have had a Hawaii General Excise Tax (GET) license for no fewer than two years. The program is designed to recognize businesses that demonstrate leadership in a changing economic environment, create a quality work environment for their employees, exhibit the Aloha Spirit and exemplary customer service, develop partnerships with other sectors of the community, and demonstrate other exceptional qualities or traits. The program is being held in partnership with the Maui Chamber of Commerce.
This year’s event includes six award categories:
• Exceptional Small Business of the Year (10 or fewer employees)
• Exceptional Small Business of the Year (11 to 25 employees)
• Exceptional Small Business of the Year (26 to 50 employees)
• Outstanding Non-Profit Business (50 or fewer employees)
• Young Small Business Person of the Year (under age 40 as of February 21, 2013)
• Lifetime Achievement Award (for any individual doing business in Maui County for more than 20 years)
All finalists and winners will be honored at an awards dinner on Thursday, Feb. 21, at the Waikapu Ballroom of the King Kamehameha Golf Club. Winners will receive a Mayor’s Small Business Award Winner decal, a certificate from Mayor Arakawa and the Maui Chamber of Commerce, a commemorative plaque, and the company or businessperson’s name listed in press releases sent to the media.
“Small businesses are the true job generators and they risk a great deal to open their doors, create jobs, grow and stimulate our economy,” said Mayor Arakawa. “Maui County is fortunate to have many successful small businesses whose owners are known for their entrepreneurial spirit, innovation and ingenuity.”
Nominations should include the nomination form, nomination criteria form, two typed letters of recommendation, and a 5”x7” photograph of the nominee. All items must be received at the Maui County Business Resource Center in the Maui Mall on or before noon on Monday, Feb. 11. Photos may be in hard copy or digital format and will become the property of the County of Maui. Nominations cannot be accepted from individuals nominating themselves, County of Maui employees or Maui Chamber of Commerce employees or employee family business nominations.
Nomination forms are available online at mauicounty.gov/oed. For more information about nominations, contact the Maui County Business Resource Center at 873-8247. For details on available sponsorships or to purchase tickets for the awards banquet, call the Maui Chamber of Commerce at 244-0081.