Homebridge Financial Services announced last week that Maui native Faith Armanini is one of the firm’s top producers for the month of March.

Armanini is a mortgage loan originator for the firm’s Maui office in Wailuku. She has over 20 years of experience in the mortgage industry.

Prior to Homebridge, Armanini worked for HomeStreet Bank as a loan officer for five years and was consistently one of the top producers in the state. She previously owned and operated Ali’i Mortgage for 12 years.

Armanini attended the University of Colorado Boulder and graduated with a zoology degree at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. She can be reached at 276-8802.

*****

The UPS Store opens in Maui Mall

If you have something to be packed and shipped, the new UPS Store in the Maui Mall may be just the ticket.

Opened on March 8, the locally owned and operated store offers those pack-and-ship options, plus printing and small-business services, according to an announcement.

“We are excited to be the only UPS Store in Kahului serving the Maui community at our new location,” said owner Joel Groomes. “Maui Mall seems like a very central fit for us.”

The store is currently hiring associates who will deliver The UPS Store’s special brand of customer service.

“We pride ourselves on paying attention to detail and helping others. It’s what makes our job so enjoyable and brings back loyal customers time after time,” said Groomes.

Those interested in applying to work there should contact store6931@theupsstore.com or call (808) 877-8830.

The store is open daily 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays.

*****

Surf shop chosen retailer of the year

The Surf Industry Manufacturers Association honored Hi-Tech Surf Sports of Kahului with its Hawaii Retailer of the Year nod at its March 20 meeting in Santa Ana, Calif.

The Maui surf shop offers stand-up paddleboard and skateboard gear in addition to all things surfing. Rental gear is also available.

Owner Kim Ball said in a recent email that this was the first time his store had been selected.

Established in 2003, the SIMA Awards is the only awards program that gives members and surf specialty retailers the opportunity to recognize fellow surf industry companies for their outstanding contributions to the surf industry.

Hawaii nominees for the award included three Oahu-based firms: Hawaiian Island Creations, Town and Country and Surf N Sea.

*****

PWF makes list for best places to work

Hawaii Business Magazine unveiled its list of best places to work for 2019 and Pacific Whale Foundation, leader in advocacy, research and education for the protection of whales, dolphins, turtles and other marine animals living wild in their natural habitat, was on it.

“PWF is progressive and sustainably minded. We are relentless about walking the talk!” according to Kristie Wrigglesworth, Pacific Whale Foundation’s acting executive director.

For 39 years, PWF has led internationally recognized research, education and conservation programs in support of its mission to protect the ocean through science and advocacy and inspire environmental stewardship, according to a news release.

With more than 170 employees at its Maui-based headquarters, the eco-focused nonprofit engages professions that range from marine biology and teaching to customer service and graphic design.

The rankings are based on employee surveys conducted and analyzed by Best Companies Group, an independent research firm specializing in identifying and recognizing great places to work worldwide, including in the U.S., Canada and the U.K.

Pacific Whale Foundation was honored during the Best Places to Work Awards 2019 at Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort in Honolulu on March 28.

*****

Mixed plate eatery opens at The Wharf

If you have a hankering for local food or dim sum, a new restaurant in Lahaina offers up plenty of both.

Dim Sum & Mixed Plate held a “soft” opening March 18 at its midlevel perch at The Wharf Cinema Center on Front Street. Owner Jongkonnee Nishimura is no stranger to the location. She operated the Pad Thai Restaurant until recently in the same spot, according to an announcement.

But while the location is the same, the menu is different. Nishimura now offers a wide variety of local favorites — like BBQ chicken, beef teriyaki, shoyu chicken and loco moco — along with dim sum, which is a Chinese dish of small steamed or fried savory dumplings that are filled with either chicken or pork.

Dim Sum & Mixed Plate is located at the back of The Wharf Center, near the bus stop and parking lot, and provides quick takeout service. The eatery is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily with two hours free validated parking in The Wharf’s parking lot.

*****

Local lawyer tops in satisfying clients

The American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys recently named personal injury attorney Joseph L. Wildman as one of its 10 best personal injury attorneys for customer satisfaction in 2019 in Hawaii, according to a news release.

AIOPIA is an attorney-rating organization that publishes an annual list of Top 10 attorneys in each state. Attorneys are selected based on client and/or peer nominations as well as AIOPIA’s research and independent evaluation.

One of the most significant aspects of the selection process involves the attorney’s relationships and reputation among his or her clients, according to the release. The annual list was created to be used as a resource for clients during the attorney selection process.

Wildman can be contacted at 242-4049.

* Local Business in Brief is published on the second Monday of the month and welcomes news releases and announcements regarding businesses in Maui County. To submit material or for more information, contact citydesk@mauinews.com or (808) 242-6343.