Chamber Honors Local Business
May 10, 2007

By Jamie Forsythe
Staff Writer
Fife Free Press/Milton-Edgewood Signal

Businesses recognizing other businesses isn't something that happens every day. However, it recently occurred in the Fife area when the Fife Regional Chamber of Commerce honored two local companies with a Small Business of
the Year Award, "In Pursuit of Excellence."

Over 30 companies were nominated and the winners were Mill Ridge Village in
the category of companies that gross under $2 million, and Rushforth Taylor Construction won in the grossing over $2 million category. There was also an environmental steward category, but no winner was selected since the nominees did not return their applications.

Staffs from both companies were surprised to say the least during the chamber's regularly scheduled monthly luncheon when the awards were presented.

"I was not only surprised, but very excited to have such an honor bestowed on Mill Ridge Village," remarked Edwina
Alexander, executive director of the retirement community located in Milton. "It's not only a compliment to
myself and my staff, but also to the residents and their families that put their trust in us to care for their
loved ones."

Mill Ridge Village is owned by Federal Way based Village Concepts, a family owned and operated company that opened its first retirement community in 1975. Mill Ridge has been operating for 11 years and currently has 90 residents in 84 apartments.

Alexander said the residents, who are very active in the local community, were ecstatic to hear about Mill Ridge Village's honor. Mill Ridge is committed to serving the community and frequently helps with sponsorships and fundraisers,according to Alexander. "We're recognized as being a caring and knowledgeable resource in the community," she commented.

One of the criteria for award recipients was overcoming a challenge this past year. For Mill Ridge, Alexander explained, that entailed increasing its visibility in the community.