The winners were announced at the AGORA Awards ceremony at The Davenport Hotel. Winners were selected by an independent team of volunteer judges based on a list of criteria including company growth, marketing strategy, employee environment, response to adversity, customer service, community service and contribution to economic development and job creation.  Winners don't have to be members of Greater Spokane Incorporated.

Nonprofit 501(c)3: Women's and Children's Free Restaurant

Women's and Children's Free Restaurant follows many of the best practices found in large private sector businesses.  These are people with the vision to utilize every possible resource, to produce high quality meals for an average of 30 cents a piece and attract volunteers to serve participants with dignity and respect.

Women's and Children's Free Restaurant builds a supportive community for women and children in need by providing meals and nutrition education to women and children in a safe environment.  Once a week, they have a Fresh Market Program to distribute produce and dairy products.

Nonprofit 501(c)6: Downtown Spokane Partnership (DSP) / Business Improvement District (BID)

The DSP has worked to breathe new life into the heart of the city through a revitalization program designed to create and sustain economic growth.

The DSP / BID maintains and encourages urban revitalization to stimulate further economic impact in the heart of Spokane.  The organization drives awareness to create and sustain a healthy, vibrant city center, ensuring that economic vitality reaches out to surrounding neighborhoods and the entire region.  The city's urban core has benefited nearly $3.7 billion in new development and renovation since 1999.

Small Business: Just American Desserts

Eva Roberts, Owner of Just American Desserts, is passionate about her role, her company and all the people who are involved in each and every aspect.  After 23-years in business, Eva is proud of their continued accomplishments and the employee's passion for the company.

Just American Desserts, a specialty bakery producing gourmet cakes, cheesecakes, cookies and holiday desserts, serves the Spokane community with three retail locations.  The company is a leading supplier of high-quality gourmet desserts for area restaurants, hotels, caterers, event facilities and resorts.

Medium Business: Beacon Hill 

Beacon Hill's professionalism and attention to detail put's them a notch above the competition.  They continually deliver seamless events and catering; even under extreme and unpredictable circumstances.

Beacon Hill Events is a family owned business and provides exceptional catering and a distinctive venue for their clients and guests.  The company hosts weddings, corporate meetings and other special occasions and is committed to producing delicious food, providing attentive service, and always searches for unexpected touches that make for a remarkable event.

Large Business: LeMaster Daniels, PLLC

LeMaster Daniels stood out among the competition, conveying passion for their profession and their community. The company's success is built on the communities they serve and the people who call them home.

LeMaster Daniels provides a broad array of advisory services to complement its core tax and accounting offerings.  The LeMaster Daniels team develops specialized expertise to deliver consistent value to its clients, partners with its clients to share a common vision, and gives back to the community in which its employees live and work.

Entrepreneurial Spirit Award: Dry Fly Distilling, Inc.

Dry Fly Distilling, Inc. has taken the hands-on approach and their yes can-do attitude can be seen in all aspects of their business.

Dry Fly Distilling, Inc. is a producer of premium Washington Wheat Vodka, Washington Dry Gin, and Washington Wheat Whiskey.  The company is the first production distillery in Washington State since 1918 and the onset of prohibition.  99.9% of the raw ingredients are grown in Washington State.

C. Michael Archer Community Service: Klundt Hosmer, Inc.

Klundt Hosmer's contribution to great community causes clearly comes from their hearts - they take pride in helping to make Spokane a better place to live and work.  In 2008, the company donated more than $75,000 in services to more than 16 groups and events.

Klundt Hosmer provides branding and visual communication services in print, web and interactive.  The company's creative team has produced thousands of visual communication projects, won hundreds of professional awards, and has experience in a wide-range of industries.

About the AGORA Awards
In ancient Athens, the AGORA was the center of all business activity, the market place, hence the program name.  This program recognizes those businesses in our community and region that exemplify leadership to support a strong economy and quality of life. Greater Spokane Incorporated directs much of its focus and activity to enhance the growth of existing business, and through that growth, the prosperity of the region.

All finalists were interviewed by an independent team of volunteer judges. All finalists were also eligible to be selected as the AGORA Award winner in the C. Michael Archer Community Service or Entrepreneurial Spirit award categories.  Click here for more information.

About Greater Spokane Incorporated
Greater Spokane Incorporated is committed to accelerating regional economic prosperity throughout the Spokane region.  Your Regional Chamber and EDC, GSI is funded by more than 1500 private-sector member investors; Washington State; Spokane County; and the cities of Spokane; Spokane Valley; Liberty Lake; Cheney; Airway Heights; Medical Lake; Newport and Millwood.  For more information, visit www.greaterspokane.org or contact us at 509-624-1393 or 1-800-SPOKANE.

###