• Patty Briguglio, president of MMI Associates, Inc., a Raleigh-based public relations firm, has been named the 2009 Woman Business Owner of the Year by the National Association of Woman Business Owners.

The award recognizes the accomplishments of a NAWBO member who uses creative initiatives to overcome obstacles, create jobs, grow a successful business and help her community.

• Rich Van Tassel, president of Royal Oaks Building Group, LLC, a company that builds homes throughout the Triangle, was ranked number 37 in Business Leader magazine’s 2009 “Top 100 N.C. Small Businesses” list.

The list ranks companies based on revenue growth, percentage of business conducted within North Carolina and the total number of employees. A company’s community involvement and its participation within industrytrends are also considered.

All winners will be featured in the magazine’s June issue.

• Mulkey Engineers & Consultants received the 2008 Employer of the Year award from the Women’s Transportation Seminar North Carolina Triangle chapter.

The award recognizes promoting the chapter’s mission of advancing women in transportation. It also acknowledges Mulkey’s support of continuing education for its employees as well as student internships, scholarships, grants, career fairs, job shadowing and volunteering at schools.

Mulkey has offices in Raleigh, Cary, Charlotte and South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. For more, visit mulkeyinc.com.

Business

• Brightleaf Customer Care chose Cary-based PRStreet for its marketing and public relations.

Brightleaf offers comprehensive packages that include home inspections, repairs, diagnostic service calls, emergency service, vacation inspection and storm damage protection for homeowners who don’t have time to oversee these projects themselves. For more, visit brightleafcustomercare.com.

PRStreet was founded in 1992 and serves a variety of clients throughout the U.S. For more, visit PRStreet.com.

• From June 15 to June 27, Harmony Pilates Studio will be offering free classes at its new location at 219 N. Salem St., Suite 103 in Apex.

Instruction includes pilates, yoga, dance and fitness classes for kids through seniors. For more, visit Harmony.