The San Benito County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau has announced winners of the people and businesses of the year to be honored at the organization’s annual dinner dance Jan. 26.
The chamber announced the winners in a press release Tuesday.
The winners this year are:
• Woman of the Year: Juli Vieira
• Man of the Year: Refugio Chavez
• Ambassador of the Year: Gordon Machado
• Retail Business of the Year: San Benito Bene
• Service Business of the Year: Gavilan College Hollister
• Professional Service of the Year: Creative Design
• Hospitality/Food Service Business of the Year: The Knife and Fork Cafe
• Non-Profit Service Business of the Year: Hazel’s Thrift Shop & Treasures
The following is the announcement, along with biographies of the winners provided by the chamber:
The San Benito County Chamber and Board of Directors would like to thank all of the nominees who were considered for these awards. All these individuals tirelessly give of their time and talents to make San Benito County a special place to live. After much consideration the winners were chosen and will be honored at the Chamber’s 92nd Annual Dinner Dance & Awards event to be held at San Juan Oaks on Saturday, January 26, 2013. Tickets are now available at the Chamber office (243 Sixth Street, suite 100). The theme this year is:
“An Evening in Paris” celebrating the Man, Woman, Ambassador and Businesses of the Year.
Woman of the Year: Juli Vieira
Juli is fourth generation raised in San Benito County; her family has been here since the mid-1800’s. Juli attended local schools and participated in Brownies, 4-H, and Jobs Daughters. She is very lucky to be the mother of two wonderful children. Juli has served on the United Way of SBC BOD from 1998-2004. She was named the SBC United Way’s Philanthropist of the year in 2002. Juli was a chairman and served numerous boards and organizations such as; United Way of SBC, San Benito County Fair, Habitat for Humanity, and volunteered for 14 years at the hospital and was a member of the auxiliary. She has also served on many committees, such as the Organizational Committee for the Hollister Downtown Association, and the YMCA Capital Campaign Committee. She has received awards in Western Fairs Blue Ribbon Award, Leadership of San Benito, California Young Farmer of the Year, and State President California Young Farmers Educational Association. Juli has been lucky to always work locally so she could stay closely involved in the community. She states, “We live in a unique town with endless possibilities.”
Man of the Year: Refugio J. Chavez
Refugio J. Chavez was born in San Juan Bautista in 1946. His family home was located at the end of Third Street, which now serves as the San Juan Pre-School.
In August of 1967, Refugio was deployed to the Vietnam War and placed with Company D 2nd Battalion 12th Cavalry. He served in the infantry division and was a “ Tunnel Rat”. He received a Purple Heart Medal and the Air Medal, The Vietnam Service Medal, The Vietnam Campaign Medal (W device 60) along with numerous awards in the VFW. In 1970 he married his wife Esperanza Chavez. As his family began to grow he secured a job with PG&E in 1973 where he worked for 38 years before he retired. Refugio has donated his time to many projects in the county, such as: an active member of the San Juan Bautista VFW 1970- present, Junior Vice Commander VFW Post #06359-2010-2012, created a led a Cross Fit Exercise Program-2010-2012, volunteered as assistant Cross Country Coach for Anzar High School-2006-2009, San Juan Little League Coach 1979-1989, San Juan Boy Scouts Advisor 1983-1984, and a volunteer Firefighter for the City of San Juan Bautista Fire Department 1981-1982. He rings the Mission Bells every Sunday morning for the 8:30 a.m. mass and has been doing this since 1997 to present. Refugio especially enjoys his walks to St. Francis retreat where they pray and give thanks to life.
Retail Business of the Year: San Benito Bene
San Benito Bene opened its doors on July 23, 2011. San Benito Bene is a locally inspired gift boutique that proudly features artisanal goods, products and crafts- most of them produced right here in area workshops, studios, households, and even working barns. It’s an artistic environment with a hometown friendliness that lets you smell, see and taste products from San Benito County and the surrounding region. San Benito Bene stocks homegrown, award winning olive oils, apricot/fruit products, gourmet chocolates, savory spices, local honey, garlic condiments, moisturizing bath & body care products, extraordinary artwork, woodcarving cards. Etc… San Benito Bene is a one-stop shop.
Service Business of the Year: Gavilan College Hollister
Gavilan College was established in 1919 in San Benito County. Its original name was San Benito County Junior College. In 1963, a new community college district was drawn that included both San Benito and southern Santa Clara counties. Successful passage of a local bond in 1966 provided the needed funds to construct the present campus at Santa Teresa Boulevard in Gilroy. In 1997, Gavilan College returned to its “home base” at the Briggs Building, opening an off-site campus with an enrollment of about 300 students. Our Business is an educational facility, providing education to a diverse group of students.
Professional Services of the Year: Creative Design
Creative Design was established on June 4, 1997. The purpose of starting the business was to share their creative talents and experience through their advertising and marketing services to friends, family and businesses within our community. Creative Design offers full service graphic and printing services for all stages of design from concept through completion producing: ads (newspapers, theatres, and on the internet), corporate identity branding (including internet, photography, video, and custom graphics for presentations), promotional gift items, and website design and development. Creative Design offers these services to share their knowledge and experience with others to help them strengthen and enhance their business development.
Hospitality/Food Service Business of the Year: The Knife & Fork Cafe
The Knife & Fork Café was originally Main Street Bistro until Shelia & Bob Stevens established The Knife & Fork Café in 2007. During the recession Shelia and Bob Stevens saw an opportunity to open a restaurant and help out their other business, She’s Apparel and Shoes. Bob and Shelia had never opened a restaurant or owned a restaurant. The café serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu is well rounded. The café is located downtown and has a beautiful patio for guests to enjoy. The Knife & Fork Café has a fashion show every first Friday of every month.
Non-Profit Business of the Year: Hazel’s Thrift Shop & Treasures
Hazels Thrift Shop & Treasures was established in 1950 as a rummage sale to not only provide funds to the hospital but also help the less fortunate have items at a reasonable cost. The Hazels Thrift shop sells gently used clothing, books, appliances, toys, linens and more to benefit the Hazel Hawkins Hospital. Profits go directly to the hospital. Since 1950 the Auxiliary has given $2,285,605.00 to the hospital, and awards $30,000 per year to scholarship recipients.
Ambassador of the Year: Gordon Machado
Gordon is a native son of Hollister and has spent his life involved on our community. His participations include both City and County civic and community organizations. He served 12 years on the City Council, including a 2-year term as a Mayor, and is still serving on the commissions and committees of both governing bodies. Gordon is the founder of the Hollister Downtown Association and is an active member of other organizations serving our community. He is currently the President of the Hazel Hawkins Hospitals Board, with 12 years of tenure. Gordon is also the owner of Rustic Turtle Embroidery.
