Blaine businesses recognized at Whatcom gala

From l.; Blaine business leaders Seppi and Shawna Morris, co-owners of Living Pantry, and Gary and Kristen Slavin, of The Gateway 1890 Taphouse and Grill, were recognized during the Whatcom Business Alliance event gala on March 23.

Photo courtesy Gary Slavin

Posted Wednesday, April 5, 2023 6:28 pm

Whatcom Business Alliance and Business Pulse held the 36th annual Whatcom Business Awards gala at Semiahmoo Resort on March 23. The event celebrated the accomplishments of the Whatcom business community. Below are the recognized business members and businesses.

• Start-Up Business of the Year: Armory Pickleball. Start-up business finalists included: BrightStar Care of Bellingham/Mount Vernon, Gateway 1890 Taphouse & Grill and Jack’s BBQ.

• Small Business of the Year: Vander Giessen Nursery. Small business finalists included: Living Pantry, Rover Stay Over and Gary’s Plumbing.

• Business Person of the Year: Marv Tjoelker, Larson Gross CPAs. Business person finalists included: Drew Schmidt, San Juan Cruises; Jim Haupt, Hotel Bellwether; and Dick Skeers, Skeers Construction.

• Jon B. Strong Employee of the Year: Claire Adams, Bellingham Cold Storage

• Public Service Award: Bill Elfo, Whatcom County Sheriff

• Whatcom Lifetime Business Achievement (presented in memoriam): Bob Bray, Dairy Distributing