Finalists attribute success to regional business environment
Fifteen local companies were recognized at the third annual Southwest Washington Business Growth Awards on May 10 at the Hilton Vancouver Hotel and Convention Center. A wide range of businesses were represented, and many of them attributed the growth and sophistication of their Southwest Washington clients to their overall success in the region.
From a nouveau bowling alley to an independent neighborhood toy store, from banks to technology leaders, these businesses have increased their bottom lines and keep innovating their way to the top of their industries. The judges, retired professionals from the local chapter of SCORE, had their work cut out for them.
John Warta, chairman and CEO of Pacific LightNet Inc., was the event’s keynote speaker, introduced by La Center-based attorney Jeffrey Mayhook. Presenting law firm Bullivant Houser Bailey helped Vancouver Business Journal Publisher John McDonagh recognize the winners.
The evening was sponsored by Bank of Clark County, Biggs Insurance Services/Liberty Northwest, Peterson and Assoc., On Line Support and Infinity Internet. More than 200 people attended the event, which featured a showcase of the finalists’ products and services as well as a multimedia presentation by Ed Vidinghoff Photography.
– Jessica Swanson, editor
The money tree
Twenty years ago, the ornate Pachira Macrocarpa – dubbed the money tree – was developed by Wang Ching-fu. A temporarily out-of-work truck driver, Ching-fu got the idea to plait five plants together while braiding hair for his wife in her Taiwan salon. The ornamentals were snapped up by the Japanese. Last year, exports reached 1,800 seagoing containers and 1 million trees. This fanciful five plant plait innovation lead to the saying "The five fortunes come home, richer at each juncture."
— Government Information Office, Republic of China (Taiwan)
