2014 Westside Awards: Congratulations to General Biodiesel, Second Gear Sports, West Seattle Food Bank, Josh Sutton

The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce has announced this year’s Westside Awards recipients, who will be honored at a breakfast event one week from today. From WSCofC CEO Lynn Dennis and chair Nancy Woodland:

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

The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce received more than 80 nominations, setting an all-time record of participation. We are thrilled to share the news about our 2014 Westside Award Winners. As is to be expected, this decision was difficult because we have so many truly outstanding businesses, non-profits and individuals working in and supporting the West Seattle community.

Award Winners

Westside Business of the Year – General Biodiesel

General Biodiesel’s mission to help community businesses with free pickup of used greases, and provide alternative fuel source is awesome. Biodiesel is a fuel than can be used as an alternative to petroleum diesel in most vehicles.

Yale and Laura Wong launched General Biodiesel in 2006 to help reduce the nation’s reliance on foreign fuel. Reducing our carbon footprint they create a fuel source from discarded cooking oil. Their high quality product is used by city vehicles with great success. General Biodiesel engages the latest automation and efficiency utilizing green technology generating 10 million gallons of fuel per year plant. With diversity in ownership and staffing, General Biodiesel is a cutting edge company, environmentally aggressive in recycling and addressing a major fuel issue of our times while keeping promises to investors while producing profit during difficult time.

Yale’s positive energy and enthusiasm is a testimony on how his business is a success story. He is a good mentor to his employees, good business associate and great friend. General Biodiesel and Mr. Wong individually offer support to numerous non-profits including the community food banks, the Wing Luke Museum, Susan G Komen for the Cure and the Japanese Citizens League.

Westside Emerging Business – Second Gear Sports

Second Gear Sports is a sportswear/gear consignment shop created by the Bremen family to serve the community and the environment from the Morgan Junction. Mark Bremen and his family demonstrate a belief that engaging in sports -personally or as a family or member of team – is good for your health, your relationships and your soul. At Second Gear Sports, you will find the highest levels of welcoming customer service and professionalism. They balance the consigners’ needs for optimal compensation with the customers’ needs for the highest quality products sometimes bending over backwards to help a customer purchase an item of interest. Second Gear Sports gives back to the community, supporting local schools, community events and organizations, from the Mountaineers to the Girl Scouts.

Westside Not-For-Profit of the Year – West Seattle Food Bank

West Seattle Food Bank is committed to providing food security and community connections to our neighbors in need. Last year at least 37,000 families received food support from the West Seattle Food Bank while 3400 children were served through their Baby Pantry. Since 1981, they have been about neighbors helping neighbors. They have spectacular community outreach and a passionate staff. Their community open houses allow others to see the well-oiled machine they are as they strive to serve the increasing number of people in the community who need support to put food on their tables, even meeting many where they are with in-home delivery.

Westsider of the Year – Josh Sutton

Josh is the Director of the West Seattle & Fauntleroy YMCA and is our Westsider of the Year because of his lasting impact on our community. Through his work at the West Seattle Y, Josh is known and respected by multiple generations of West Seattleites. He generously volunteers his time as a West Seattle Rotarian and Director of the Junction Association and is always available for lengthy and deep discussion about issues impacting our community.

One of his own staff members says, “Leading an organization with a large and diverse staff so well for so long is testament to Josh’s ability to include and inspire people. While I admire his intelligence and compassion, it’s his unmistakable laugh and sense of humor that make Josh a uniquely adept team builder, and a lot of fun to work with!”

Join Us for Breakfast to Honor these amazing businesses and individuals.
The Keynote will be delivered by Mayor Murray.

When: Thursday April 3 7:30-9:0 0am
Where: Salty’s on Alki, 1936 Harbor Ave. SW
Tickets: $55 per Chamber Member or $65 for Non- Membor Individual or Table of 10 for $450

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

15 Replies to "2014 Westside Awards: Congratulations to General Biodiesel, Second Gear Sports, West Seattle Food Bank, Josh Sutton"

  • miws March 27, 2014 (9:44 am)

    Congrats to all! :-)

    .

    Mike

  • norminws March 27, 2014 (10:45 am)

    Congrats to Josh from Marcy and Jimmy (and their Dad), former summer daycare kids (80’s/90’s) with fond memories of you and the “Y” program!

  • Chas Redmond March 27, 2014 (11:52 am)

    Very worthy selections all. Congrats to General Biodiesel, great job, great ethic! Congrats to Second Gear Sports, great new concept and approach! Congrats to West Seattle Food Bank – an incredible institution which gets even more support with every drive! And Congrats to Josh, a tireless, effective, and, yes, very droll leader. Great choices West Seattle Chamber – congrats yourselves.

  • Maria Groen March 27, 2014 (12:20 pm)

    A great group of honorees! A special shout out to Josh Sutton for working in his YMCA leadership role and countless volunteer roles to make West Seattle a great place to live.

  • WS Gal March 27, 2014 (2:19 pm)

    I heart Josh Sutton!! Who doesn’t?!? Wow- great list of winners!

  • West Seattle Food Bank March 27, 2014 (3:15 pm)

    Thank you very much West Seattle Chamber for this very appreciated Award. We couldn’t provide the 1.38 million pounds of food to our clients without the incredible support of this amazing West Seattle community that we are a part of.

  • Charell Estby March 27, 2014 (4:33 pm)

    Congratulations to all of the honorees! Second Gear – WOW! Love you guys!

  • Second Gear Sports March 27, 2014 (5:00 pm)

    We can’t thank everyone enough for the support. We feel honored to receive such positive feedback and we are so lucky that West Seattle has so lovingly embraced us. We commit to doing everything we can to continue to “emerge” and exceed expectations! Ellen and Mark Bremen

  • LyndaB March 27, 2014 (7:51 pm)

    Congrats to Josh. I remember him taking our Earth Service Club at WSHS to Longfellow Creek years ago. I remember him finding a leech. :)

  • m March 27, 2014 (10:24 pm)

    So thrilled to have found my way to Second Gear Sports awhile back. They’ve filled a much-needed void in our community. And the customer service is awesome!

  • Patrick Sutton March 28, 2014 (3:06 am)

    So proud to say congrats to my big brother! I would add that he too started out at the West Seattle Y as a summer day camper. And a summer camp leader, and a day camp counselor, and so on…

    A great organization that has touched so many people in the community, and Josh has literally dedicated the majority of his life to serving it.

  • Acivicista March 28, 2014 (10:25 am)

    I like Second Gear’s convenience too. Means I don’t have to leave WS to go to one of the other gear consignment shops on Cap Hill, Fremont and Woodinville which I have been using for 25 years. The shop concept is hardly new, but it is “ours” and close. Thanks for bringing us that convenience!

  • SuttonSister5 March 28, 2014 (12:07 pm)

    I second Patrick’s congratulations to our brother. I am often amazed by the level of commitment he has shown in making West Seattle a great place to live, work & raise a family. Well done, little bro.

  • WSMom March 28, 2014 (10:24 pm)

    Thrilled to see Second Gear Sports winning. What a great addition to the community and the owner and staff are absolutely wonderful.

  • SuttonSister2 March 29, 2014 (7:01 am)

    On every visit home to West Seattle I am struck by its vibrancy. You contribute so much to that. Very proud of you, bro.

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