San Francisco Chamber Of Commerce Announces Finalists For The 2013 Ebbies

SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The San Francisco Chamber of Commerce today announced the finalists for the 2013 Excellence in Business Awards (the "Ebbies"), San Francisco's preeminent awards competition honoring excellence in business, presented by Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

"The 2013 finalists are model organizations that represent the vision and innovation unique to San Francisco," said Bob Linscheid, President & CEO, San Francisco Chamber of Commerce.  "The Chamber applauds all of this year's finalists for their success and continued commitment to our city."

Finalists for the Excellence in Business Award, presented by United Airlines, are: BDO USA LLP, Salesforce.com and Walgreens. The Excellence in Business Award is presented to a San Francisco-based company that has shown remarkable profitability and stability, and which exemplifies excellent corporate citizenship in giving back to the communities in which it operates and in a corporate culture that enhances the lives of its employees.

Finalists for the Small Business Award, presented by the Pacific Gas & Electric Company, are: Beyond Pix Studios, Edible Excursions and Local Mission Group. The Small Business Award is presented to a local small business that exemplifies the diversity of products and services that give San Francisco's neighborhoods their special flair and/or is an example of the entrepreneurial spirit, and that demonstrates an investment in the city's future.

Finalists for the Economic Development Award, presented by Kaiser Permanente, are: Pacific Community Ventures, San Francisco International Airport and WeWork. The Economic Development Award is presented to a company or organization that is substantially contributing to the economic vitality of the city by creating new jobs and opportunities, advancing a new industry or revitalizing a sector or neighborhood of the city.

Finalists for the Emerging Growth Award, presented by Recology and Wells Fargo, are: Bizo, Nextdoor and Smith + Fong Company Inc (Plyboo). The Emerging Growth Award is presented to a local emerging-growth company that has demonstrated a capacity for creativity and innovation, experienced growth and established itself as a leader in its industry.

Finalists for the Innovation through Technology Award, presented by Comcast, are: International Museum of Women, San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center and Splunk. The Innovation through Technology Award is presented to a technology-led business and/or organization that looks to IT to solve problems and increase efficiency. Criteria include the industry the business operates in, what new technology has been implemented and the issue or goal it has addressed and the impact that the technology has had on all aspects of the business and the communities the business serves.

Finalists for the Building San Francisco Award, presented by Degenkolb Engineers and Hathaway Dinwiddie Construction, are: Kelly Cullen Community, The Presidio Trust and SFJAZZ Center. The Building San Francisco Award honors a bricks-and-mortar project developed in San Francisco that will enhance, or is compatible with, the Chamber's interest in economic development, housing, transportation and quality of life.

Finalists for the Change Leader Award, presented by Bain & Company, are: Carolyn Betts, Founder and CEO of Betts Recruiting, Beth Sutkus Thompson, Executive Director of KIPP Bay Area Schools and Andrew N. Scott, SE, Principal and Director, Degenkolb Engineers, San Francisco, California. This award honors a rising star, next generation executive in the San Francisco Bay Area who is a proven advocate for change and has the ability overcome difficult situations to transform a company's performance and/or revamp industry rules.

Winners of the 2013 Ebbies will be announced at the awards gala on Thursday, October 3rd at the Westin St. Francis Hotel.  The 2013 Ebbies is made possible with the generous support of Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Dignity Health and California Pacific Medical Center.

More information on the 2013 Ebbies is available at: www.sfchamber.com/eventsprogs/events/ebbies/. More information on the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce is available at www.sfchamber.com.

Founded in 1850, the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce is recognized as the pre-eminent business organization for advocacy, networking and economic growth. The Chamber delivers on its mission to attract, develop and retain business in San Francisco by representing companies and organizations that make San Francisco a preferred destination for businesses and visitors – a great place to live and work.

SOURCE San Francisco Chamber of Commerce