Winner – Northwest Renewable Energy Institute
Thirty years after its founding in 1979 by Arch Miller, the International Air and Hospitality Academy in Vancouver unveiled its latest initiative, the NW Renewable Energy Institute, in the hopes of driving growth in the emerging field of alternative energy-generating technology.
Less than a year later, the program already is poised to become a crucial learning center for the Pacific Northwest's job-creating "green" industry, offering monthly starts for its six-month-long renewable energy program.
By the end of 2010, NW-REI expects to teach as many as 576 students the technical skills necessary to service, repair and maintain wind turbines, according to the school's marketing director, Colleen Piller.
"Our cycle is different. When unemployment is high, people go back to school," Piller said. "So there's a lot of opportunity out there."
Finalist – Mini-Mozarts' Preschool LLC
Like many of the youngsters taught here, Mini-Mozart Preschool on Main Street in Vancouver is growing by leaps and bounds.
According to co-owner Thomas Lindsley, who owns and operates the preschool and music studio with his wife, Janet, and instructor Melinda Dishaw, Mini-Mozart plans to take over around 500 square-feet of adjoining office space to accommodate more students this fall.
Opening in September 2009 with three students, Mini-Mozart now has eight preschoolers, 45 private music lesson students and is the new home of the approximately 60-member Vancouver Girls Choir.
With instruction focused on engendering a love of music with children of all ages, Lindsley credited Mini-Mozart's quick growth to word-of-mouth among parents. "If you have a good idea, people will come."
Finalist – Navidis Olive Oil &Vinegars
"Try before you buy" is a business principle familiar to those buying a car, a pair of shoes or even a cone of ice cream. So why not olive oil as well?
That seems to be the driving philosophy at Navidis Olive Oil and Vinegars, which since last December has offered patrons store to sample over 40 kinds of olive oil, vinegar and teas.
"People are constantly discovering new ways to cook with olive oil as an easy way to get healthy," said Navidi, who along with her husband, Ken, owns and operates Navidis on N.E. Cedar Street in Camas. "And especially in these tough times, that's a good thing."
