Merrill Gardens, a Seattle-based owner and operator of senior housing communities, including Merrill Gardens at Gig Harbor, took top honors in the “Best In The Northwest Washington Family Business Awards,” sponsored by Pacific Lutheran University’s Family Enterprise Institute.

Merrill Gardens and parent R.D. Merrill Company were selected as recipients in the large business category, based on innovative business strategies, company performance, and contributions to the community.

The awards, in their 10th year, are designed to recognize and honor the best in family businesses and preserve and promote family enterprise in the Pacific Northwest. More than 350 businesses from Washington State were nominated. Past winners in this category include the Frank Russell Company and Windermere Real Estate.

“This award is a great honor. When my great grandfather R.D. Merrill founded our company over 100 years ago, he envisioned a family business that would last for generations and we are very proud to carry on his vision,” said Charlie Wright, chairman of R.D. Merrill Company and Merrill Gardens.

“R.D. Merrill and Merrill Gardens represent a unique blend of family based perspective and the best of entrepreneurial success,” said Catharine Pratt, Associate Dean, Pacific Lutheran University School of Business and Director, Family Enterprise Institute. “It is a challenge for any firm that has existed for over 100 years to be continually growing and proactive about a prosperous future.”

The Merrill companies began in the 1890’s when R.D. Merrill formed timber partnerships in the Pacific Northwest. He led the way in providing improved living conditions for loggers and valued the relationship between the forest and the environment.

In 1993 fourth generation family member Wright pursued opportunities to diversify the company, He found what he wanted in the senior housing industry. The company purchased its first retirement community that year and ten years later Merrill Gardens has grown to become the fifth largest senior housing operator in the United States with 66 communities in 14 states. The company has 2,600 employees and posted revenues of $124 million in 2002.

Family businesses headquartered in Washington are eligible for the awards. Five categories (small, medium, large, heritage and new) are chosen for honors based on innovative business strategies, succession planning, family values, community contributions, and business performance including growth and viability.

Sponsors include the Family Enterprise Institute of Pacific Lutheran University’s School of Business, Dorsey & Whitney LLP, KeyBank, MassMutual and Puget Sound Business Journal.