Each year the Visalia Chamber of Commerce honors those businesses and individuals who consistently go above and beyond to support our community. This year is no exception - dozens of businesses were nominated for these prestigious awards which date back to 1952 when C.T. Buckman was the recipient of the first Man of the Year award (C.T. was the grandfather of our honorary CEO, Stan Simpson of Buckman-Mitchell Inc.).
This year’s esteemed winners include:
Man of The Year – William Penn Nash, Jr., an 87 year-old Stanford graduate, former scoutmaster and small business owner.
Woman of the Year - Karen Cooper, MSW, executive director for Family Services of Tulare Countyfor the last 20 years and a governor-appointed member of the California Domestic Violence Advisory Council.
Small Business of the Year – Pacific Employers, president and owner David Miller has been providing labor and safety consulting services for the last 44 years.
Medium Business of the Year – Peninsula Messenger Service, meeting the needs of the community thru courier services to Visalia and the surrounding areas.
Large Business of the Year – Family Healthcare Network, utilizing more than 660 employees speaking seven different language to serve the health care needs of Visalia and the surrounding communities.
AgriBusiness of the Year – McKellar Farms, Inc., growing andproviding fresh, locally-grown produce and products to the Valley. President and owner Bob McKellar’s historic family farm home is used for weddings, relaxing, and communing with nature.
Chairman’s Award – Armondo Apodaca, a 37 year veteran of the restaurant industry and the familiar face at The Depot Restaurant.
Ambassador of the Year – Ed Smith, a career services representative at San Joaquin Valley College, the outgoing chairman of the ambassador committee and active Rotarian.
Winners were chosen by a committee and judged on a point system.
The 2008 Small, Medium and Large Business Nominees:
Small Business Finalists
Direct Media, Inc.
K-TIP
Manco Abbott
Marketing Over Time
Pacific Employers
The Laundry Lady Cleaners
Medium Business Finalists
Peninsula Messenger Service
Triad Solutions, Inc.
Visalia Harley-Davidson
Large Business Finalists
Family Healthcare Network
Jo-Ann Stores
Labor Ready
Winners were announced at the Visalia Chamber of Commerce’s 55th Annual Awards Celebration held on June 27, 2008 at the Fox Theater in Visalia. Greg Mancini emceed the tropical-themed evening complete with Polynesian dancing and a drum ensemble presented by local Visalia resident Buddy Jones
For more information or to obtain biographic information on the winning companies, contact the Visalia Chamber of Commerce, 559-734-5876.