Port of Seattle Honors Small Business “Champion”

Keeney’s Office Plus Awarded for customer, community commitment

The Port of Seattle presented the first annual Small Business Champion Award to Keeney’s Office Plus, a family-owned Seattle business founded in 1947. The award was given at a reception honoring local businesses.

Keeney’s joined the Port’s Small Business initiative in 2005, serving a single Port department. Because of their demonstrated commitment to customer service and cost control, the small business was soon working with all of the Port’s major departments. Keeney’s president Lisa Keeney McCarthy credited the organization’s growth to an ongoing commitment to the customers that walk through their doors. “We’ve stayed committed to the basics – taking care of our customers,” she noted.

CEO Tay Yoshitani made increasing small business opportunities at the Port one of his priorities when he took the helm of the Port in 2007. According to a recently released economic impact report, the Port spent $53.6 million on service and construction contracts with small businesses located within the state.

“Small businesses create jobs and generate dollars for our region, said Commission President Bill Bryant. “The excellent service Keeney provides its customers deserves our praise and recognition.”

The ceremony also included recognition for the Port’s Marine Maintenance team, which consistently exceeds the Port’s small business involvement goals.

“There are many deserving small businesses working with the Port doing amazing work. Each one deserves kudos and recognition,” noted Elaine Ko, Director, Office of Social Responsibility.

For more information about how the Port of Seattle creates jobs and economic growth for the Puget Sound visit the Port's Website.