From left: Matt Hamabata and Roberta Chu of The Kohala Center; Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz; Barbara Garcia of Ke Ola magazine and Rep. Cindy Evans. (Photo special to Hawaii 24/7)

MEDIA RELEASE

Hawaii Island was well represented at the recent 2012 Hawaii Business magazine SmallBiz Success Awards. The Big Isle was the sole neighbor island boasting award finalists.

The Kohala Center was tapped for Best Small Non-Profit and the statewide Martin & MacArthur earned a Lifetime Achievement award.

Ke Ola magazine was chosen as one of three finalists for Best New Business while Kona Red was one of three finalists for Best New Innovation.

There were more than 100 statewide nominations in six categories: new business, community service, family owned, innovation, export-oriented and lifetime achievement. Winners were chosen by a panel of 10 judges representing a variety of business sectors.

West Hawaii Rep. Cindy Evans was present for the festivities along with Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz.