Spotlight! On Business Award Recipients Announced

Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber Celebrates Member Businesses’ Achievements

TACOMA, Wash. – Seven Spotlight! On Business award recipients were announced at the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber’s awards luncheon held at Hotel Murano today.

The Spotlight! On Business Awards recognizes the accomplishments and civic contributions that Chamber member businesses make to the community.  The selection committee, made up of volunteers, based their choices by following five criteria:  staying power, growth in employees, evidence of contributions to community-oriented projects, innovativeness of product or service and response to adversity.

2013 Spotlight! On Business Award Recipients:

Small Business (1 – 25 employees):  South Sound Magazine Recognized for showing how a small business stands out through their product quality that they showcase by adhering to strict journalism guidelines. South Sound Magazine’s constant goal of informing their readers with valuable news and content at the forefront shows their readers and advertisers their sense of integrity, quality and strength as a small business.

Medium-sized Business (26 – 50 employees):  Eisenhower & Carlson, PLLC Recognized for their quality of work, their diversity of clients, and their firm’s demonstrated commitment to their community. Eisenhower & Carlson, PLLC have experienced measured and steady growth through its history now employing 46 attorneys, paralegals, and staff members.

Large Business (51+ employees):  Hotel Murano Recognized for their success which has brought economic growth to Tacoma. Hotel Murano’s unique museum quality art collection; dedication to providing visitors and guests with world-class service; their ability to participate in city wide conventions due to meeting and convention space; and their extensive national and international press recognition has helped bring much new business to the city and county.

Non-Profit Organization:  Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity Recognized for adapting in response to the downturn in the economy with innovative, environmentally friendly building standards that are a benefit to homeowners and the surrounding community. Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity recently adopted a program that provides critical home repairs to low-income owners, who could not otherwise afford the materials and services, to alleviate serious health, life and safety concerns.

Minority-Owned Business:  Burkhart Dental Supply Recognized for its sixth generation family leader and a majority shareholder, President Lori Burkhart Isbell, who is the first female President at Burkhart Dental. Under Isbell’s leadership, the University of Washington Dental School diversity scholarships was established, Burkhart Dental Supply was named one of Seattle Business magazine’s 100 Best Companies to Work for in 2012 and the Exceptional Client Experience program was created.

Veteran-Owned Business:  Summit Strength & Conditioning Recognized for growing their client base of 25 to over 200 clients through the commitment of fitness trainer/owner John Jarman’s and his trainers have to serving their clients. John Jarman served in the United States Marine Corps, and has 21 years of experience in the fitness industry.  The vision and strength of Jarman’s business plan all contributed to the success and growth of his training facility.

Harborstone Credit Union Presents the Business Supporter of the Military: GEICO Insurance

Recognized for GEICO Insurance agency owner Rick Stevens’ long term support of the military and business community. Since 1985, Stevens has been a lifetime member of the Association of the United States Army serving as President three times. He is also currently participating on the Pierce Military Business Alliance Board of Directors and Chairs the Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee.

The Chamber applauds the award recipients and finalists for their contributions to the community and Pierce County’s economy:

AlphaGraphics Tacoma

AmericanWest Bank

America's Credit Union

Bethel School District

Burkhart Dental Supply

Canterwood Golf & Country Club

Eisenhower Carlson PLLC

GEICO Insurance

Hotel Murano

IgniteU365

McLendon Hardware, Inc.

Northwest Spay & Neuter Center

South Sound Magazine

Stewart & Son Computer Services, LLC

Summit Strength & Conditioning

Tacoma City Grocer IGA

Tacoma Youth Marine Foundation

Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity

The Swiss Restaurant & Pub

TWOKOI Japanese Cuisine

Veterans Advocacy Support & Training (VAST)

Venti Productions, LLC

The Chamber extends its gratitude to Spotlight! On Business Awards Presenting Sponsor Business Health Trust, Awards Sponsor TAPCO Credit Union, Media Sponsor Clear Channel Outdoor, Entertainment Sponsor Hardcastle Entertainment, Inc., Business Supporter of the Military Award Sponsor Harborstone Credit Union and Gift Sponsor Harry & David, for their support in making the event possible.

Picture, (l. to r.) Monique Trudnowski, Emcee, Adriatic Grill Italian Cuisine & Wine Bar, Josh Dunn, South Sound Magazine, Maureen Fife, Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity, John Jarman, Summit Strength & Conditioning, Stan Kott, Hotel Murano, Jason Whalen, Eisenhower Carlson, Rick Stevens, GEICO Insurance, Greg Biersack, Burkhart Dental Supply and Carlyn Roy, TAPCO Credit Union, Awards Sponsor.