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The Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce has named Larry Nakata, president of Town & Country (T&C) Markets, as its 2007 Business Person of the Year. Nakata will be honored at a luncheon banquet. “He represents the values and integrity that run through the entire T&C company and reach out into the greater community,” said Chamber President Larry Sears Sr. “We couldn’t think of a more deserving candidate.”
Nakata took over the family-run grocery business seven years ago following the sudden passing of his cousin, Don Nataka. Now, T&C has six stores in the Puget Sound region — including its signature Bainbridge location on Winslow Way — and 930 employees. T&C will also be celebrating its 50th year in business in August. “I’m really grateful for this award,” says the somewhat shy and reserved Nakata. “But it’s more than about me. It’s about our presence in the community, it’s about our history and the thousands of people who came before me.”
Also receiving consideration this year were: Junkoh Hurai of Bainbridge Gardens, Kit Hutchins of Churchmouse, Gerard and Joanne Bentryn of Bainbridge Island Vineyards, Judi Neumann of Bainbridge Cooperative Nursery School, Jerry and Anna Perez of Mora’s Ice Cream, Andy Kosick of Eagle Harbor Insurance, Robert Brainerd of Brainerd Carpet Cleaning, Shelly Long of the Stephens House, and Cathy Nickum and Althea Paulson of the Bainbridge Buzz. |
