The annual SBH Business Awards will be presented at the annual business banquet, Friday, May 15 at the Waialae Country Club from 5:30-8 pm.

Until last year, from 1984, the SBH awards had been given during the annual business conference in January. Last year, the Directors felt it was better to carve out a special day and event to honor the business awardees and mid-May is now that time.

The awardees are chosen from SBH members and community leaders from nominees received by the Board of Directors and voted upon annually. The Directors also made several changes in the names of some of the awards to reflect SBH's new "Smart Business Hawaii" branding and to honor founder, Lex Brodie.

Awards for 2008 to be presented on May 15 include:

SBH Lex Brodie Business of the Year - First Hawaiian Bank, Inc (celebrating 150 years of service in Hawaii).

SBH Jean Fukuda Civic Leadership Award - Debi Halcro, Valenti Print Group for her service and leadership in behalf of many educational, business and charitable community organizations.

SBH Young Entrepreneur of the Year - Emily Pick, My Gym

SBH George Mason Outstanding Business Reporting (co-winners): David Shapiro and Sean Hao, both of The Honolulu Advertiser

Smart Business Success All Stars:
• Kedric Dean, Collection Management Services of Hawaii
• Arla & Walt Harvey, East Oahu Realty, Inc.
• Shelly Wilson, Wilson Home Care.

The awards banquet and program is open to the public. Entertainment and Silent Auction included. Sponsorships available (contact Malia at
306-3161). Advance reservations are required. Cost for the entire event including free parking is $100 per person for SBH members and their guests. Contact Darlyn and Smart Business Hawaii at 396-1724.

-GIR-