Historic ‘Iolani Palace set the stage for The Fourth Annual Pacific Edge Magazine Business Achievement Awards Gala on September 25. Members of Hawai‘i’s business elite donned black tie and eveningwear to convene at the former capitol building in recognition of the year’s outstanding local businesses and professionals. Guests arriving on the red carpet were greeted with flashbulbs in front of a step-and-repeat before mingling over a selection of wine and champagne, courtesy of Johnson Brothers of Hawaii, and local brews from Kona Brewing Company. Hors d’oeuvres by Fresh Café were also in circulation.
Maleko of Star 101.9 and HNLNow returned as master of ceremonies to lead the dinner program and awards presentation. In a special address by Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s communications director, Jesse Broder Van Dyke, Pacific Edge Magazine founders Jamie and Naomi Giambrone accepted an official proclamation on behalf of the mayor and the city and county of Honolulu honoring them for their dedication to serving and promoting Hawai‘i’s thriving business community. Brother and sister duo TJ and Maia Mayeshiro of KoAloha Ukulele performed while Hale ‘Aina Caterers rolled out the first of two gourmet courses. Cake Works macarons and a variety of Kope Coffee beverages were served after the program.
In addition to their awards, winners received certificates of congressional recognition issued by U.S. Representative Tulsi Gabbard. Selected by an independent panel of distinguished business leaders, both the award recipients and finalists represent excellence across a wide variety of industries, filling unique niches while demonstrating an aptitude for innovation and a shared passion for business.
Congratulations to the 2014 award recipients:
- Lifetime Achievement Award:
- Ivan Lui-Kwan, director at Starn O’Toole Marcus & Fisher
- Young Professional of the Year:
- Rechung Fujihira, founder & CEO of BoxJelly
- Business Executive of the Year:
- Matt Gilbertson, owner & president of MGA Architecture
- Sales & Marketing Executive of the Year:
- Scott Creel, senior marketing manager at Ala Moana Center
- Commitment to Green Award:
- Inovi Group
- Corporate Social Responsibility Award:
- RevoluSun
- Best Social Media Campaign:
- Social Flutterby
- Best New Business:
- InkOff.MD
- Family-Run Business:
- Tanioka’s Seafoods and Catering
View photos from the event here.