Supporting Hawai`i's Small Businesses

Governor Lingle delivered the keynote address at the Hawai`i Island Chamber of Commerce Small Business Administration (SBA) Awards and General Membership Meeting.

The Governor updated Chamber members on legislative initiatives as well as the Administration's continuing efforts to create jobs, stimulate the economy, help small businesses, improve accountability in education and create a stronger future for the people of Hawai`i.

Governor Lingle also spoke about the need for state and county leaders to focus on economic growth and job creation as their top priorities, saying "Unless you can get the economy growing again, we won't have the revenues coming in to address all the other issues that are so important to all of us."

Each year, SBA honors outstanding small business owners, entrepreneurs and advocates who demonstrate the qualities, skills and performance to place them as leaders in their industry. Commendations signed by both Governor Lingle and Lt. Governor Aiona were presented to this year's award-winning small-businesses.

Nominees for SBA Awards are evaluated on job creation, growth in annual revenue, innovation, staying power, response to adversity and contributions to their community.

Click here for video of the Governor's remarks from Big Island Video News.