For its sponsorship role and dedication to the community, San
Benito Land Title was named the 2002 Business of the Year by the
San Benito County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at the chamber’s
annual awards and installation banquet Wednesday.
For its sponsorship role and dedication to the community, San Benito Land Title was named the 2002 Business of the Year by the San Benito County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at the chamber’s annual awards and installation banquet Wednesday.
Chamber President Robert Ornelas said the selection process led to a passionate discussion among the board members, but the title company came out the winner.
“You ask anyone of the employees there and they tell you it feels like a family,” Ornelas said. “Fifty organizations benefit from San Benito Land Title’s community support.”
San Benito Land Title opened in 1988 and is the county’s largest title company with 17 full-time employees, of whom all but three were in attendance.
“I truly have to say I am overwhelmed,” said company president Wayne Hone as he accepted award after award. “I have to say this was possible with the help of my employees and all their teamwork. I have a good team.”
Representing the City of Hollister, Councilmember Pauline Valdivia presented Hone with a certificate of recognition as did representatives of Assemblyman Simon Salinas and state Senators Jeff Denham and Bruce McPherson.
Hone took the opportunity to address local community leaders, saying the county is facing challenges.
“We have to pull it together,” he said. “By planning for the future and to allow (the county) to prosper.”
Next to Hone and giving a thumbs-up sign was his wife Dee, who was recently named Woman of the Year by the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce.
“This is definitely our year,” she said.
But what made the evening perfect for Wayne Hone was winning a BMX bike for his granddaughter in a raffle at the banquet.
“This was the highlight of the evening,” he said.
An unexpected award was given to Barbara Cosio by Ornelas or her dedication and community spirit and commitment.
“She is always on time and she always has a smile,” he said, directing Hispanic Chamber Vice President Neal Zook to escort Cosio to the podium amid a standing ovation.
A tearful Cosio said it took her by surprise when she saw her daughter and grandson enter the San Juan Oaks Golf Club banquet room to present her with the award and a bouquet of flowers.
“If it was not for such an understanding boss (Hone) who give me all the time I need, I wouldn’t be able to do it at all,” she said.
Cosio never thinks twice about a project or looks for an award when called upon.
“I just do it,” she said. “Besides, I love my community and would help out anyway.”
“Barbara loves helping out and loves to help others succeed,” Hone said.
The installation of the 2003 board members was slightly different than in the past. Superior Court Judge Steve Sanders officiated over the ceremony, first directing them to put their right hand over their heart as he swore them in.
Among the nearly 100 guests was Watsonville Mayor Richard de la Paz, who was impressed with the caliber of community leaders in the Hispanic Chamber.
“I’m very impressed with the level of diversity and community support for the Hispanic chamber,” de la Paz said. “It shows people can work together as a whole community undivided.”
