Special recognition can mean a lot for a small business, both in terms of company morale and exposure. For the 10th year in a row, the Whatcom/Bellingham Chamber of Commerce will name one small local business “Small Business of the Year” at the organization’s annual awards dinner. There are four nominees this year, representing a diverse range of local industry. We would like to highlight a little bit about each of the nominees this year.

Bellingham Explorer:

Bellingham Explorer bills itself as a “Digital Hip Magazine celebrating Northwest Washington”, with an emphasis on local entertainment and food options. The magazine also produces content about Northwest lifestyles. Bellingham Explorer highlights the Bellingham business scene through articles covering local organizations such as The Bureau of Historical Investigation and Bellingham Repertory Dance. They also sponsor local events such as the 2014 Halloween Costume Ball at the Best Western Lakeway Inn and Conference Center.

San Juan Airlines:

San Juan Airlines, which merged with Northwest Sky Ferry in May, offers cheap flights across the region, with daily scheduled flights from Bellingham and Anacortes to the San Juan Islands. The airline also offers chartered flights to many destinations in British Columbia and other parts of Western Washington. In addition, San Juan Airlines provides information on cross-border travel, offers package delivery services, and coordinates with ground transportation at several of their destinations.

Speedy Automated Mailers:

Speedy Automated Mailers was created in owner John Sleeth’s basement in 1987 and has since grown to provide services ranging from data processing to printing. The business operates out of locations in Bellingham and Mount Vernon, and does business throughout Western Washington and lower British Columbia. The company works with many local businesses, distributing print periodicals, as well as online products.

State Street Insurance:

State Street Insurance has been operating in Bellingham for over 30 years. Founder Scott Richardson holds strongly to the belief that insurance agents should be advocates for their clients, rather than just middlemen in acquiring coverage. The company works to ensure that client policies protect them and their families, while remaining affordable for the client’s needs and budget. The staff is also active in several local and national organizations for networking, charity, and business advocacy.

Even if you aren’t planning on voting for the award itself, or attending the dinner, you can still show your support for one of these businesses! Just vote on the BBN poll at the bottom of this article, and leave a comment explaining why your chosen business deserves this year’s award!

Summary

Article Name

Bellingham Small Business Of The Year Nominees

Description

The Whatcom/Bellingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry has announced their annual small business of the year nominees. Here are their bios.

Author

Tobias Osterhaug