Winner – REDpoint
In a profession dealing with not only patient but employee injuries, REDpoint International's Versatilt is getting billed as a breath of fresh air to healthcare providers.
According to Valerie Vance, vice president of REDpoint, many healthcare employees often lift more than a ton over the course of a workday. The Versatilt is a wheelchair tilting device which allows patients to receive care without leaving their chairs.
"This device was our boot-strap during the economic storm, allowing us to move forward instead of stopping." Vance said.
With the Baby Boomer generation entering their twilight years, and with recently-passed legislation allowing broader access to healthcare, Vance said these inventions are becoming more crucial.
"We are so excited to be nominated," she said, "And we will continue to push forward intuitive, thrilling health solutions."
Finalist – Burgerville
Burgerville in 2009 continued their longstanding practice of presenting seasonal selections for their customers, with one new ingredient every month – including rosemary, asparagus and spinach.
"I love the idea of customers trying local spinach for the first time because of this," said Alison Dennis, director of sustainable systems for Burgerville, owned by The Holland, Inc. of Vancouver.
Last year was filled with innovations for Burgerville, including the introduction of a fully "green-produced" packaging, drive-thru lanes for bicyclists and the Nomad – a restaurant on wheels which debuted in Portland's South Waterfront Park in 2009.
"We invite all of our customers to make environmentally-friendly choices," Dennis said.
Finalist – G2 Outdoor Living, Inc.
G2 Outdoor Living, Inc. CEO Garrett Hergert began his landscape career at age 5 – growing his own vegetables in the family garden.
25 years later, Hergert's business specializes in outdoor spaces, light construction and water features. Going beyond typical landscaping activities, G2 also designs waterfalls, outdoor kitchens and interpretive projects which tell stories.
"By performing most of our work in-house," Hergert said, "We can take a concept to final completion."
Last year, this quality was recognized by the Washington Association of Landscape Professionals, with G2 earning seven Grand awards as well as a 2009 Building Excellence Award from BIA of Clark County.
