San Benito citizens and businesses to be awarded at 85th
gala
The San Benito County Chamber of Commerce has chosen four
businesses and two citizens to be honored at its 85th Annual Dinner
Dance at San Juan Oaks Jan. 21.
The two citizens chosen for the 2006 Citizens of the Year
include two longtime residents with a history of volunteer work.
Barbara Nicoara, the 2006 woman of the year, serves on the board of
directors of Hazel Hawkins Hospitals Foundation and as campaign
chair helped raise more than $500,000 for the Mabie Northside
Skilled Nursing Facility. She co-chairs the San Benito County
Diabetes Collaborative and is a founding member of the Oriana
Chorale group.
San Benito citizens and businesses to be awarded at 85th gala
The San Benito County Chamber of Commerce has chosen four businesses and two citizens to be honored at its 85th Annual Dinner Dance at San Juan Oaks Jan. 21.
The two citizens chosen for the 2006 Citizens of the Year include two longtime residents with a history of volunteer work. Barbara Nicoara, the 2006 woman of the year, serves on the board of directors of Hazel Hawkins Hospitals Foundation and as campaign chair helped raise more than $500,000 for the Mabie Northside Skilled Nursing Facility. She co-chairs the San Benito County Diabetes Collaborative and is a founding member of the Oriana Chorale group.
Jim Sleznick, the 2006 man of the year, worked for the National Park Service for 35 years prior to retiring in 1995. He served as the superintendent for the Pinnacles National Monument for nine years. Since his retirement, Sleznick has remained active in the community in San Juan Bautista. He is a member of the Rotary Club, a Chamber of Commerce volunteer and helps with the San Juan Elementary School Garden Program. He is also a member of the Hazel Hawkins Hospital Foundation Board and works with Community Pantry.
The Chamber selected Damm Softwater Service, Inc., as the 2006 retail business of the year not only for its service but also for its involvement in the community. The business, owned by Mary Damm and her sons John and Adam, sells and rents water treatment equipment and water cooler equipment, but they stay active in the community as well. The business has been involved with a long list of community groups including Leadership San Benito County, the United Way of San Benito County and Baler Football.
The 2006 Service Business of the Year is Bishop Lusink Insurance. The insurance agency offers a plethora of personal and business insurance options from auto and health insurance to worker’s compensation. The company, owned by Katherine Vais-Bedolla, offers several carriers so customers get the best rates for their needs. The business is involved with the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce, the Hollister Downtown Association and the local YMCA among other local organizations.
Johnny’s Bar and Grill, whose owner Charisse Tyson boasts has the “best burger” in the county, has been selected as the 2006 food service business of the year. The restaurant plays host to at least seven fund-raisers a year to help people and organizations in need. Organizations that have benefited from past fundraisers at Johnny’s include Community Pantry, Pet Friends, Second Chance and the American Red Cross as well as other local groups.
The 2006 Manufacturing Business of the Year is Graniterock. Chosen in 2005 as one of the best companies to work for because of its exemplary training and education program for employees, the company promotes community involvement for its employees. Known as “Community Action Volunteers” employees decide what charities and organizations deserve donations. Graniterock is the largest contributor to the United Way of San Benito County and is active with other local groups such as Leadership San Benito County, the Hollister Downtown Association and the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce.
The awards celebration is open to the public and tickets are available for $50 a person at the San Benito County Chamber Office, 650 San Benito St., Ste. 130 in Hollister. The “85th Anniversary Gala, A Salute to our History,” will be at the San Juan Oaks Golf Club, 3825 Union Road, in Hollister, Jan. 21 at 6 p.m. For more information, call 831-637-5315.
