Nominations Being Acctepted for Mayor's Small Business Awards

WAILUKU, Maui-- The County of Maui's Office of Economic Development announced that nomitions for 2010 Mayor's Small Business Awards program are now being accepted.

This year's event includes five award categories:

*Small Business of the Year [10 years or fewer employees]
*Small Business of the Year [11 - 50 employees]
*Young Small Business of the Year [under age 40]
*Lifetime Achivement Award [for any individual doing business in Maui for more that 20 years]

In addition, there is a Non-Profit Angel Award category for businesses with 50 or fewer employees that have significantly contributed to the support of non-profits. "Locasl businesses create jobs and stimulate our economy, and each year I look forward of our County's most innovative and successful examples of the entreprenuerial spirit through these awards," said Mayor Charmane Tavares. "Business owners embody the resilience and resourcefulness of Maui County's people, and these awards are an important way to highlight their committment to excellence."

The winner in each category will receive  Haunani Mine koa-framed commemorative award and stylish window decal, along with a certificate  and a listing in all award-related press releases. Finalists and winners will be announced at the "Got choice...Think Local" awards dinner on October 22, 2010 at the Wailea Beach Marriot Resort and Spa.

Nomination forms are available by calling or visiting the Maui County Business Resoursce Center [MCBRC], located at Maui Mall across from IHOP [ph. 873- 8247] and at all Central Pacific Bank locations on Maui. The form is also available online at www.mauicounty.gov/mcbrc.

Complete nomination form, along with two supporting letters of recomendation, must be received at the MCBRC no later than 4pm on Friday, September, 17, 2010. The mailing address for MCBRC is 70 Kaahumanu Ave., Unit B-9 Kahului, HI 96732.

The Mayor's Small Business Awards originated in 2004 as a way to recognize outstanding small businesses in Maui County. For more information, call Maui County Small Business Advocate Anna Ribucan at 873-8247.
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