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.
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