Biz Wrap: Luedi Receives Spirit of Aloha Award

Last week we reported on several Hawaii Island companies that received awards from national travel websites.

The awards kept coming this week with Keck Observatory recognized for its social media campaign, while Punalu`u Bake Shop won a certificate of excellence award from TripAdvisor. Also this week, Mayor Billy Kenoi bestowed his annual Spirit of Aloha award on the manager of the Fairmont Orchid.

Here’s a look at what’s happening.

W. M. Keck Observatory Wins Social Media Award

W.M. Keck Observatory won Pacific Edge Magazine’s award for Best Social Media Campaign in the state Thursday.

The Waimea-based organization beat out finalists from around the state, including another Hawaii Island nominee, AS Designs of Hilo, which was nominated for its social media campaign with Lava Lava Beach Club.

Keck Observatory operates the two biggest telescopes in the world on the summit of Mauna Kea.The awards were announced at a ceremony at Aloha Tower Marketplace on Oahu Thursday night.

Luedi Receives Mayor’s Spirit of Aloha Award

Christof Luedi, regional vice president and general manager of the Fairmont Orchid, recently received the Mayor’s 2013 Spirit of Aloha award.

The award is presented annually to a person who embodies the true meaning of aloha. In presenting the award to Luedi, Kenoi stated, “Chris is someone who is of here, not from here. He celebrates the values we are proud to call Hawaiian ….”

Born and raised in the Swiss Alps, Luedi has more than 25 years of experience in the luxury hospitality industry across the US. He is also an avid waterman with a passion for outrigger canoe paddling. 

Plant It Hawaii For Sale

Plant It Hawaii, a fruit tree nursery near Kurtistown, is on the market for $1.86 million. Situated on a 20-acre property, the company includes an office building, warehouse and several greenhouses.

Owners Susan and Bob Hamilton, who bought the nursery in 1978, plan to retire, according to a report in the Pacific Business News.

The company has a staff of 10 employees. Hilo Brokers Ltd. is representing the business in the sale.  

Punalu`u Bake Shop Receives TripAdvisor Honor

Punalu`u Bake Shop recently received TripAdvisor’s 2013 Certificate of Excellence award for the second year in a row.

The travel site issues the award to only the top 10% of the more than 2.5 million companies reviewed on its site. To qualify for a Certificate of Excellence, businesses must maintain an overall rating of four or higher out of a possible five, as reviewed by travelers on TripAdvisor.

Known for its varieties of sweet breads and malasadas, the bakery is also in the planning stages of expanding its location.

***Updated on Monday, June 3, to correct misspelling in headline.***

If your business has an opening, closing, promotion, retirement, new product release, special event, award, new location or expansion, please let us know. Email us at newsdesk@BigIslandNow.com.