For its exemplary community service projects over the past year, the Bellevue College chapter of Rotaract received a Rotary International Changemaker Award at Rotary’s District 5030 conference in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho recently. It’s the first time any Rotaract chapter has received a Rotary award in district history.

Eileen Cho, president of the chapter and a student at Bellevue College, said: “It’s a huge honor. This award really capped a hugely successful year, where we helped a lot of people.” Rotaract, part of Rotary International, is a leadership and community service organization for students and young professionals.

The 40 active members of BC’s chapter organized several projects to benefit communities in foreign countries. Most recently, they collected 300 pounds of donations, including school and art supplies, clothes, soccer balls and other items, which were handed out to needy Peruvian children by six members who traveled to the country. They also spent time on the trip painting buildings at schools and orphanages.

Earlier this year, club members staged a bake sale that raised money for “End Polio Now,” Rotary’s polio eradication program. The money, which was matched by the Bellevue Rotary Club, went to vaccinate children. Also this past year, members collected food for local food banks and volunteered to help athletes train for the Special Olympics.

On May 8 and 10, the club will hold another bake sale to raise money for mosquito nets for several villages in Papua New Guinea, helping to prevent malaria. Another upcoming fundraiser hopes to raise $750 to purchase backpacks, walking sticks, school supplies, vitamin supplements and textbooks for blind children in Nepal. And the club organized an event called “The Ability Experience,” to be held May 17-18 on campus, that seeks to educate students and the public about global health and disability issues.

For more information, check out the club’s latest video at http://vimeo.com/39957928, or visit its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/rotaractatbc.

That’s most people’s idea of a success story, but Beck had hit a wall.

She was working harder than ever, she said, but it was still a struggle. The recession had hit, competition was increasing and she started to wonder if all the work was worth it.

She remembers thinking, “Either I have to grow or I should probably just sell.”

She did not sell, and three years later her revenues are up to $2.3 million, her staff has nearly doubled and on Thursday (April 26) the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) honored her as the Washington State Small Business Person of the Year. The award was presented at the SBA annual Small Business Awards Gala at Boeing’s Museum of Flight.

Clients, caregivers matched with care

Beck – who rediscovered her passion for working with elderly people after a 20-year career in corporate finance – has worked tirelessly to create not only a successful business, but a business where she would like to be an employee. She expends an enormous amount of time and energy on hiring the right people, matching clients with caregivers, and putting policies and procedures in place to ensure that both clients and caregivers enjoy their Andelcare experience.

While some clients enjoy 24/7 care from an Andelcare employee, others might hire a companion for a couple hours a week to go shopping, have their hair done or help with cooking or personal hygiene. Each client is different and requires different services, Beck said. Likening herself to a matchmaker, Beck said her goal is for both client and caregiver to look forward to their time together.

Small business advisor “a godsend”

With an attitude of “let the baker bake,” Beck has brought in experts to help her manage various aspects of her business, from CPAs to IT providers to a payroll service. But the person she credits with being key to the phenomenal growth she has seen over the past three years is Michael J. Franz, a certified business advisor with the Washington Small Business Development Center (WSBDC) program in Seattle.

The WSBDC is a partnership between the SBA, Washington State University, other institutions of higher education and economic development agencies. Confidential one-on-one advising is provided at no cost to clients who want to grow or start a small business. Franz is part of a network of 32 WSBDC advisors located in 26 centers across the state.

“He’s been a godsend,” Beck said. “I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without Michael.”

Excels in all criteria

For his part, Franz has called Beck a “hero” of the small business community. She has a genuine concern for the elderly and her employees, he said, and she has built a multi-million dollar business that reflects her values, is setting industry standards and is sustainable.

Business sustainability is one of the criteria for the SBA Small Business Person of the Year award. Other criteria include growth in employees, financial growth, innovation of product or service offered, response to adversity and community service.

“Marla was just over the top in all of those areas,” said Nancy Porzio, SBA district director in Seattle. “If there is an ideal business person it is Marla Beck.”

Not just for new business owners

Beck said she initially was skeptical of meeting with a WSBDC advisor because she assumed the focus was on new businesses or first-time business owners. She’d been in business seven years and was grossing more than a million dollars a year, so she wasn’t a rookie.

On a referral from Emmy Jordan, senior vice president for business development at the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce, Beck made an appointment with Franz and was pleased to discover that he met her where she was. Together they created an action plan that focused on what she wanted to achieve.

“I really needed an advisor whom I could trust and know that he’s only looking out for my best interests,” she said.

Beck said they took the tortoise approach, moving slowly but steadily and being smart about where she spent her resources.

Long-term goals, short-term objectives

One pitfall of being a small business owner is that so many things need doing that it’s hard to prioritize or attend to the big picture. Franz helps her keep focused on her long-term goals and the short-term objectives that will get her there.

Not only is he a thoughtful, intelligent, experienced sounding board for her ideas, she said, but he is constantly sending her more information that he thinks she might find useful.

“He’s very curious about what’s new and what’s changing and what the trends are,” she said.

Delegating and reenergizing

In the beginning, Beck was the business, and controlled every aspect of it. As the business has grown, she said, she’s had to give up total control. That was scary at first, she said, but Franz continued to encourage her to delegate more and trust the process. The result has been worth it, she said.

Leading Andelcare is “hugely more satisfying” now than it was three years ago, Beck said. Because of the procedures and processes she has in place, her recent growth has reenergized rather than depleted her.

“The larger I get, the more I get to concentrate on what I like to do and what I’m good at,” she said. Not every small business owner can say that, but Beck has a plan – and an advisor – and she’s sticking with them.

One of many awards; national contest next

This award is the latest in a string of recent honors for Beck and Andelcare. In 2011 the Better Business Bureau recognized Andelcare as the Western Washington Business of the Year and the Puget Sound Business Journal selected Beck as one of the Women of Influence. In 2009, 2010 and 2011 Andelcare received Better Workplace awards from the Association of Washington Business, which commended Andelcare for workplace safety, job training and advancement, and innovative benefit and compensation programs.

For more information about Andelcare, go here.

Small Business Person of the Year winners from 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam will converge on Washington, D.C. in May, when one of them will be selected as National Small Business Person of the Year during the SBA’s celebration of National Small Business Week, May 20-22.
The WSBDC has been providing one-to-one business advising, at no cost, to entrepreneurs and small business owners across the state for more than 30 years. The WSBDC network includes 32 certified business advisors working in 26 locations across the state and four international trade specialists working in Spokane and South Seattle.

Thursday, April 26, 2012, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will recognize Godwin as the 2012 Washington state Financial Services Champion of the Year for her company’s positive impact on scores of small business owners and impressive results from years of contributions and advocacy efforts.

Godwin is known as the “velvet brick” for her direct yet sensitive approach when mentoring entrepreneurs. She volunteers as an accounting consultant for the NW and South Sound Women’s Business Centers, contributes to Femme Finance radio program on 1150 KKNW, in Bellevue, and gives back to the community by teaching business and financial workshops.

“Godwin does more than guide and direct,” said Seattle SBA District Director Nancy Porzio.  “Through her efforts to remove the mystery behind financial concepts, she helps companies resolve their issues and become more bankable.”

“Our financial services champion is a genuine and candid advocate who helps company owners better manage their bottom lines and positions them to more readily obtain financing,” said Assistant Associate Administrator Calvin Goings.

“We proudly recognize Audrey L. Godwin as the SBA’s 2012 Financial Services Champion of the Year,” said SBA Seattle District Director Nancy Porzio.
About the SBA Awards

An independent panel of judges selected the winner based on several criteria, including assistance given small businesses to obtain financing, advocacy for changes in the financial services industry, encouragement of the flow of investment capital to small businesses. Information on SBA’s National Small Business Week 2012 celebrations in Washington, D.C. can be found at www.sba.gov

Publisher’s Note:  Congratulations Audrey!  You should be a member of the Eastside Business Directory!

Gregorek and Associates, PLLC

Here is the information from their listing in the Eastside Business Directory:

Summit Asset Strategies Wealth Management

Alison Dudziak of Realty Executives Brio in Bellevue

Alison Dudziak and Realty Executives Brio is the Eastside Business Directory Business of the Day!

Here is the information from their listing in the Eastside Business Directory:

Realty Executives Brio

Victoria British Columbia, and the last 3 in Bellevue WA. My experience has allowed me to become extremely talented in Residential sales allowing me to obtain the highest price in the interest of my seller and the lowest price for the interest of my buyer. I am a self motivated sales professional with abilities to communicate with my clients and understand their property needs and preferences. I am responsible for preparation of contract documents, purchase and sale agreements and ensure that the legal formalities are completed prior to closing. I live in Bellevue with my husband and three teens and an array of animals. I welcome the opportunity to meet you and help plan your next real estate move.

Here is the information from their listing on the directory:

CoroWare

Here is the information from their listing on the Directory:

The Gift Gourmet

Cypress celebrates Washington wines every day by offering over 70 of the best Washington Wines available by the glass or bottle, along with a full menu. In addition to hosting winemaker dinners focusing on outstanding small family winemakers, Cypress staff educates guests and encourages exploration of Washington wines. For its efforts, Cypress has been honored with the Washington State Wine Commission, 2012 Award of Distinction.

Kimmerly’s scientific dabbling began long before he started making wine. He obtained a Ph.D. in Biochemistry in 1988.  He found himself Assistant Director of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Human Genome Center for a while, until he found his true passion: fermenting grapes.

A favorite of Kimmerly’s wines is the “Effervescing Elephant” sparkling. This wine has won slews of awards, including a 2012 Gold Medal win from the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition last month. Made méthode champenoise, with all three traditional Champagne grapes – pinot noir, pinot meunier, and chardonnay – this isn’t just one of the best sparkling wines available from the USA, but a fascinating story as well.  The label depicts a beautiful painting by Boon Rod, an eleven-year-old male elephant from Thailand, who is a part of the Asian Elephant Art & Conservation Project, a non-profit group from New York, NY. AEACP raises money for elephant conservation in Southeast Asia by selling artwork painted by elephants. Ten percent of sales of this wine benefit AERACP.

Kimmerly will be featuring the “Effervescing Elephant” along with three other wines: 2007 Columbia Valley “Burgess Vineyard” Syrah (also a SF Chronicle 2012 medal winner), a new release 2011 Columbia Valley Gewurztraminer, and a limited release 2009 Red Mountain Barbera. All will be paired with Westin Bellevue Executive Chef Renatto Medranda’s exquisite creations from foie gras ravioli to Madagascar vanilla poached baby pear with steel cut oatmeal ice cream.

The dinner is $75 per person for five courses and four paired wines. Full menu and details can be found at  www.masqueradewines.com. Cypress Lounge and Wine Bar celebrates Washington Wines every day with a list of over 70 of the best Washington Wines available by the glass or bottle, along with a full menu. For its efforts, Cypress has been honored with the Washington State Wine Commission, 2012 Award of Distinction. Cypress is located at the Westin Bellevue, 600 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue. For more information, or to make a reservation for the Masquerade winemaker dinner at Cypress, email Maia.Segura@westin.com or call 425-638-1075 by Friday, March 30th.

Each year the Commission seeks to recognize restaurants that exhibit exceptional support of Washington State wines and high professional standards in wine service. The restaurants and their dedicated staff were honored at the Washington Athletic Club, among 50 Washington State wineries, regional media and fellow restaurant industry members also in attendance.

The Metropolitan Grill (Seattle, Wash.) received the Washington Wine Restaurant of the Year award, which includes a unique custom blown glass sculpture designed by local artist Granite Calimpong.

“Long an icon of the Seattle fine dining scene, The Metropolitan Grill has become an iconic supporter of the Washington State wine industry, as well,” said Kent Waliser, Chairman of the Washington State Wine Commission. “We are very proud to honor their dedication in serving as an ambassador for our industry with their loyal customers.”

Thomas Price, Wine Director for The Metropolitan Grill, said, “We are truly honored and humbled by this incredible award. Washington State has earned its rightful place among the world’s greatest wine regions, and we are thrilled to share this treasure of the local community with our customers from around the world.”

One of the Pacific Northwest’s most established and acclaimed steakhouses, The Metropolitan Grill has been a fixture in Seattle’s fine dining community for almost 30 years. Their philosophy is to strive to provide the most comprehensive selection of Washington State wines, and wines of the world, in the region. The Met has a team of eight sommeliers that are certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers, providing knowledgeable and friendly service while making informed and relevant recommendations. With 650 Washington State wines amongst their list of more than 1600 wines from around the world, Washington State wine accounts for 60% of The Met’s wine sales. For their continuing dedication to increasing their support of Washington State wine and creating one of the most well-educated wine service teams in the state, The Metropolitan Grill has been selected as Washington Wine Restaurant of the Year.

Budd Gould from Anthony’s Restaurants won the Walter Clore Honorarium award for demonstrating dedication to the advancement of the Washington State wine industry.  Nelson Daquip, Wine Director at Canlis Restaurant (Seattle, Wash.), was honored as Sommelier of the Year for his outstanding wine knowledge and unbridled professionalism.

The Winemaker’s Choice Award went to The Barking Frog at Willows Lodge (Woodinville, Wash.).  This award is determined by an anonymous group of Washington State winemakers who select the restaurant they feel is most supportive of the industry.

The Washington Restaurant Association award, recognizing an outstanding member of the association, was presented to Adriatic Grill (Seattle, Wash.).  The Seattle magazine award for restaurant leadership in the business community was presented to Tulalip Bay Dining (Tulalip, Wash.).

Other distinguished awards included:

Most Innovative Wine List – RN74 (Seattle, Wash.)
Best Restaurant Event Featuring Washington Wines – Legendary Swirl at El Gaucho (Seattle, Wash.)
Best Out-of-State Washington Wine Program – Anthony’s Old Mill (Bend, Ore.)

The Washington Wine Grand Award – These restaurants are considered the true industry leaders in support of the Washington State wine industry:

Anthony’s Pier 66, Anthony’s at Columbia Point, Anthony’s Hearthfire Grill, Anthony’s Restaurants, The Barking Frog at Willows Lodge, Canlis Restaurant, Daniel’s Broiler, El Gaucho – Bellevue, El Gaucho – Seattle, Sun Mountain Lodge, The Grape Adventure, The Herbfarm, The Marc Restaurant, The Metropolitan Grill, The Triple Door, Tulalip Bay Dining, Valley Café of Ellensburg, Visconti’s of Leavenworth, Washington Athletic Club, and Waterstreet Café & Bar.

Washington Wine Award of Distinction – These restaurants have shown dedication and commitment to the Washington wine industry:

Adriatic Grill, Aqua by El Gaucho, Bella Italia, Bin on the Lake, Bistro San Martin, Blackfish Wild Salmon Grill & Bar, Bon Vino’s Bistro & Bakery, Café Flora, Chandler’s Crabhouse, Cypress Lounge & Wine Bar – Bellevue, Etta’s, Ivar’s Mukilteo Landing, John Howie Steak, Katya’s Restaurant & Wine Bar, Local 360, Masselow’s, Palisade Waterfront Restaurant, Pike Brewing Company, Purple Café & Wine Bar – Bellevue, Purple Café & Wine Bar – Kirkland, Purple Café & Wine Bar – Seattle, Purple Café & Wine Bar – Woodinville, Ray’s Boathouse, Ristorante Italianissimo, RN74, Rover’s Restaurant, Salty’s at Redondo, Salty’s on Alki, Seastar Restaurant & Raw Bar – Bellevue, Seastar Restaurant & Raw Bar – Seattle, Sullivan’s Steakhouse, Swing Wine Bar, The Fireside, Urbane, Visconti’s Italian Restaurant, Washington State Convention Center, and Wild Ginger at The Bravern.

Washington Wine Certificate of Recognition – These are restaurants that are building support of the Washington State wine industry:

Blueacre Seafood, Breadline Café, Churchill’s Steakhouse, Coho Café, Elliott’s Oyster House, Fonte Café & Wine Bar, Harborside, Il Fornaio, Ivar’s Acres of Clams, Ivar’s Salmon House, Matt’s in the Market, Mission Street Bistro, Poco Wine Room, Pomegranate Bistro, Ponti Seafood Grill, Seatown Seabar & Rotisserie, Smash Wine Bar & Bistro, Spencer’s for Steaks & Chops, The Capital Grille, The Fort Worth Club, The Lincoln Center, The Scotch and Vine, Toulouse Petit Kitchen & Lounge, and Volterra.

For additional details on the Washington Wine Restaurant Awards, please visit washingtonwine.org/restaurantawards.