Two Renton Businesses Vie For King County Small Business Awards

King County Executive Dow Constantine – in partnership with award sponsors Microsoft Corporation, KeyBank, enterpriseSeattle, the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County and the – today named 21 finalists in seven categories for the first annual King County Executive’s Small Business Awards.

Two Renton businesses are in the final running: Lightel Technologies, Inc. is one of three finalist in the Small Business of the Year category, and Paula's Choice, Inc. is a finalist in the Exporting Small Business of the Year group.

“My priority is build prosperity and get people back to work, and small businesses will lead the way as they create the majority of new jobs in our economy,” said Executive Constantine. “I am pleased to honor small businesses by recognizing the best of them, and celebrating the entrepreneurs who are achieving excellence and putting people back to work.” 

The Executive said he was pleased with the overwhelming response to his new program, with more than 125 nominations received from 30 Award Partners – chambers of commerce, cities and business organizations across the county. More than 250 representatives from throughout the county are expected to be in attendance when the winners are announced at the awards program on Wednesday morning, October 12, from 7:15 – 9 a.m. at the Meydenabauer Center in Bellevue. 

Four of the 21 finalists are Certified Small Contractors and Suppliers under King County’s Contracting Opportunities Program, which works to provide greater contracting opportunities for small businesses.

The awards program recognizes small businesses throughout King County that best demonstrate innovation and excellence. The nominees are: 

Small Business of the Year Finalists

• Lightel Technologies, Inc.  (Renton)

• Molly Moon Handmade Ice Cream  (Seattle)

• Trophy Cupcakes and Party  (Seattle)

Minority Small Business of the Year Finalists

• Chameleon Technologies, Inc.  (Kirkland)

• General Microsystems, Inc.  (Bellevue)

• Triple XXX Rootbeer  (Issaquah)

Woman Small Business of the Year Finalists

• JTS Manage Services  (Seattle)

• Ombrella Inc.  (Kirkland)

• PRR Inc.  (Seattle)

Exporting Small Business of the Year Finalists

• Pascal International  (Bellevue)

• Paula's Choice, Inc.   (Renton)

• TransNET Inc.  (Issaquah)

Green/Sustainable Small Business of the Year Finalists

• Eco Cartridge Store   (Kirkland)

• General Biodiesel   (Seattle)

• WorldCNG  (Kent)

Workforce Development Small Business of the Year Finalists

• Lin & Associates, Inc.  (Seattle)

• Schemata Workshop, Inc.  (Seattle)

• Seidelhuber Iron and Bronze Works  (Seattle)

Rural Small Business of the Year Finalists

• Jubilee Biodynamic Farm Inc.  (Carnation)

• Olympic Nursery   (Woodinville)

• Rockridge Orchards & Cidery   (Enumclaw)

*Editor's Note: Information for this report was provided by the King County Executive.