by Frank Whitman, Marianas Business Journal

Guam - Anna Wang Kao, founder and president of Genghis Khan Furniture Co., was named the 2010 First Hawaiian Guam Business Businesswoman of the Year at the fifth annual Businesswoman Maga'haga Awards Gala April 24 at the Hyatt Regency Guam.

Kao was selected from nine nominees in this year's annual award program which recognizes businesswomen who have made significant contributions to their industries and have demonstrated a strong commitment to their community. She is featured in a commissioned photo study on the cover of Guam Business May-June issue which was released at the gala concurrently with the announcement of her name as the awardee.

Among the honors she has received, Kao was a 2006 Businesswoman of the Year nominee and the government of Guam's 2000 Bureau of Women's Affairs Outstanding Woman of the Year nominee. She has a bachelor's in accounting and statistics from Min Chuan College in Taipei. She and her husband, Robert, have two children, Michael and Heidi, both of whom reside in California.

The other eight 2010 Businesswoman of the Year nominees were: Marcia "Ruri" Erra Ayuyu, general manager, JCA Inc. doing business as McDonald's of Saipan; Marie E. Mesa, executive vice president of people, GTA TeleGuam; Mary A.Y. Okada, president and CEO, Guam Community College; Ana Liza C.W. Reed, owner, LA Painting and Construction Co.; Tes C. Reyes, assistant general manager and marketing director, Agana Shopping Center; AnnMarie "Rhea" C. Rios, assistant general manager, Market Wholesale Distributors Inc.; Rowena T. Subijano, president/insurance broker, MCMV Insurance Services and realtor, Century 21 Realty Management; and Mary L.G. Paulino Torre, president, Guam Hotel and Restaurant Association and president, MARQ Consulting Services.

Proceeds from the gala will fund scholarships at the University of Guam, Guam Community College and Northern Marianas College. Since the 2006 inception of the Businesswoman of the Year award program, First Hawaiian Bank and Guam Business have presented 24 scholarships totaling $66,200 to students from the three tertiary institutions.