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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Buckeye Beans Owner Recognized

From Staff And Wire Reports

Jill Smith, co-owner of Buckeye Beans and Herbs Inc. in North Spokane, Friday was named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Eastern Washington University College of Business and Public Administration.

Smith founded the company in 1983, forging an enterprise that currently produces more than 130 soup, bread and chili mixes and specialty shaped pasta products. Sales in 1996 are expected to exceed $8 million.

Smith holds a master’s degree in education from Whitworth College and taught art classes at the college prior to launching her business.

Inc. Magazine in 1993 and 1994 ranked Buckeye as one of the nation’s 500 fastest-growing companies. The company employs 50 people at its factory in Hillyard.

, DataTimes