By Staff Reports

(Maui) – The Mayor’s Office of Economic Development and the Maui Chamber of Commerce honored the winners of the 2014 Mayor’s Small Business Awards on Wednesday, February 26, 2014 at the King Kamehameha Golf Club.

The awards were presented in seven categories by Mayor Arakawa and Pamela Tumpap, President of the Maui Chamber of Commerce.

“Small businesses are Maui County’s most important economic engine, and these awards celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit that is alive and well in Maui County,” said Mayor Arakawa. “Business owners take many risks, work long hours and put their personal assets on the line to provide our community with goods and services, as well as much-needed employment. I congratulate each of this year’s winners, and wish them continued success.”

The winners were:

Young Small Business Person of the Year: James “Jason” Stenger Jr. of Alpha, Inc.

At 32, James “Jason” Stenger has established Alpha, Inc. as a leader in Maui’s construction industry. The company specializes in site work, water well drilling and renewable energy systems. Heavy equipment is required, which takes a large investment. Beginning with a single piece of equipment, Jason slowly reinvested profits back into his company, purchasing more machinery over time to bid on bigger jobs. Despite the recession, he built the company gradually and it is thriving. Revenue increased by 350 percent in the last two years, and is expected to reach record levels in 2014.

Outstanding Nonprofit Business of the Year: The Maui Farm, Inc.

The Maui Farm, Inc. has been “Empowering Families, Cultivating Lives” for more than 20 years. They are a nonprofit organization providing farm-based, family-centered programs that teach essential life skills for self-sufficient living. They are expanding their resource development to reduce their reliance on government funding and have created new programs to meet growing community needs using their campus, facility and two-acre farm. They also have partnered with over 25 community organizations to offer expanded farm-based educational programs.

Exceptional Small Business of the Year (10 or fewer employees): Valley Isle Marine Center, Inc., Mark Tracy

The Boating and Marine Supply industry has razor-thin margins and is extremely sensitive to economic turns; however, Valley Isle Marine Center continues to invest in its business and create jobs. In business for 44 years, they have two Maui locations and another in Hilo (opened in 2012). Their employees are important to them, thus the company offers competitive pay, a wide array of benefits, flex time, use of company vehicles and boats, and training to ensure employees are knowledgeable about the latest industry technology.

Exceptional Small Business of the Year (11-35 employees): A Saigon Cafe, Jennifer Nguyen

The success of A Saigon Cafe is attributed to owner Jennifer Nguyen’s mother who said “Give quality service to each customer, use the freshest ingredients, and take things one day at a time.” Jennifer followed this advice and her business has grown exponentially through word-of-mouth referrals. Open seven days a week from 10 a.m.—10 p.m., Jennifer keeps things fresh with produce from her own two-acre farm and the select ingredients she picks. One can always count on quality service and a great meal at A Saigon Cafe.

Exceptional Small Business of the Year (36-100 employees):  Marmac Ace Hardware, Bill & Maureen Marrs

Bill and Maureen Marrs founded the business in 1971 and sought to open another store for more than 10 years. Despite great adversity and a recession, they achieved that dream when their new Maui Lani store was opened, creating 20 new jobs for Maui County residents. Marmac Ace Hardware is a warm and friendly place whose people share their Aloha Spirit and exemplify the national motto of “the helpful folks.” Their stores offer many items that cannot be found in big-box competitors, and the Marrs have been contributing to the community for over 43 years.

Lifetime Achievement Award Winner: Trilogy, Jim & Rand Coon

Trilogy is a 40-year-old company led by sailors Jim and Rand Coon. Their business practices address conservation and improvement of Maui’s environment, which has won them numerous awards and helped them support many local charities. They have spread the Aloha Spirit to thousands of people from across the globe and created what employees call their “dream job.” Today, they are a 4^th generation business with children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren participating– all possible under the amazing leadership of Jim and Rand Coon.

Annette Pauole-Ahakuelo Honorary Award for Molokai: Something for Everybody, Owner Wailani Tanaka

Something For Everybody is a store on Molokai that sells clothing, footwear and accessories for men, women and teens in all sizes and styles. They carry household goods and Made-on-Molokai items such as jewelry, music, T-shirts, hats and accessories. Started out of a garage, the business kept growing. Owner Wailani Tanaka sensed they were filling a niche that was needed on Molokai, and soon she was looking for space in Kaunakakai. Something for Everybody has been in business for a little over a year. Wailani has shown the spirit of entrepreneurship that “Auntie Annette” inspired in so many people.

The awards dinner was held in partnership with the Maui Chamber of Commerce, and sponsored by Gold Sponsor Maui Electric Company; Silver Sponsor Akina Aloha Tours, Bronze Sponsor First Hawaiian Bank, and Supporting Sponsors VIP Foodservice and Munekiyo & Hiraga, Inc.