(Ventana Construction owners Anne and Clarence Higuera; WSB photo, March 2013)
Just announced by the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, the winners of this year’s Westside Awards, which will be presented next Thursday:

The Westside Awards Breakfast honors three local businesses and one individual who demonstrate success and innovation that contribute to this thriving economic region:

Westside Business of the Year – Ventana Construction
Ventana Construction just reached its ten year milestone emerging from a challenging economic time, especially for contractors. From business inception to now, Owners Anne & Clarence Higuera have consistently executed quality projects while being incredibly involved in their community. They have been Chamber Members for years and active in activities from schools to non-profit Board Member to Native American cultural outreach. Their business holds regular workshops for those interested in learning about remodeling and they have one a number of prestigious awards including being named the 2013 Houzz.com “Best Of Remodeling” Winners and Anne even recently authored an article that highlighted West Seattle Architecture for a national publication.

Westside Emerging Business – Sozo Wine
A new business providing community food through wine sales. Stefan has been connecting local restaurants with the Sozo brand to fund meals for those in need. Purchasing one Sozo product provides 1 to 10 meals and the purchases can choose the charity which benefits. Sozo wine is served in West Seattle restaurants and provides support to the West Seattle and White Center Food Banks. They are raising awareness through partnerships with nonprofits, corporations, restaurants, and cause partners.

Westside Not-For-Profit of the Year – Nature Consortium
As a West Seattle grassroots nonprofit connecting people, arts and nature, Nature Consortium teaches urban youth about planting a garden, allows the community to find glorious sanctuary in the forest at their annual Arts in Nature Festival and leads volunteer groups into the woods to clear the way for future towering trees especially in the West Duwamish Greenbelt. As many West Seattlites know, the greenbelt is very important to air quality, reduction of noise pollution and natural enjoyment. Under the vision of Executive Director, Nancy Whitlock, Nature Consortium has thrived for more than 15 years.

Westsider of the Year – Lauren Englund

Lauren had a vision for a bee garden and mobilized huge resources to get it done with her kindness, joyfulness, inspiriation, energy, time, passion, and more! Her motivation is truly for a happier, more inclusive community. Lauren took on a very large project, the P-Patch Bee Enclosure at High Point and managed to include small, local businesses such as architect, graphic designers, builders as well as associations such as the bee keepers and environmental groups, and the HPNA. She won a grant from the Department of Neighborhoods. She engaged schools, libraries, soccer teams, and most importantly, included and involved members of immigrant communities who are often marginalized. Lauren organized the bee project with the same dedication, clarity and consistency that she would show at work. (She is a pharmacist.) The Bee Enclosure will educate, inspire and delight kids and adults for years to come because Lauren arranged funding and support well into the future.

Join Us for Breakfast to honor these amazing businesses and individuals:
The Keynote will be delivered by Randy Gardiner, 2012 Seattle Business Magazine Manufacturing Executive Award Winner as well as President and CEO of Red Dot Corporation. Mr. Gardiner is a 3rd generation West Seattleite and will speak about the origin and growth of Red Dot from its humble beginnings as a sideline business out of a West Seattle radiator shop in the 1950’s. Mr. Gardiner is passionate about businesses taking an active role in workforce development and will provide insight from his corporation’s practices in workforce development.

When: Thursday June 6 7:30-9:00 am
Where: Salty’s on Alki
Tickets: $55 per individual or Table of 10 for $450

Contact Lynn Dennis, Interim Staff at info@wschamber.com or Nancy Woodland, Board Member, at nancy@westsidebaby.org with questions.