San Benito County’s man, woman and businesses of the year will
be honored Saturday, Jan. 18 at the Chamber of Commerce’s 82nd
annual dinner-dance.
San Benito County’s man, woman and businesses of the year will be honored Saturday, Jan. 18 at the Chamber of Commerce’s 82nd annual dinner-dance.
Tickets are sold out for the annual event at San Juan Oaks Golf Club.
Dee Hone, the chamber’s Woman of the Year, was selected for her dedication and volunteer work to local organizations which has created a positive effect on the lives of county residents, said Theresa Kiernan, the chamber’s executive director.
Man of the year Gary Goularte was selected for his many years of service to a number of community organizations, mostly youth-oriented groups from Boy Scouts to Special Education.
K&S Market was chosen Retail Business of the Year. The Hospitality/Service Business of the Year is Round Table Pizza and Pride of San Juan is the Manufacturing/Agricultural Business of the Year.
“The winners are picked by the past recipients of the award who review the applications and by looking for certain things, the group then selects the person or business they feel should get the honors,” Kiernan said.
Kiernan said 330 guests are expected to attend the event, slightly fewer than last year.
“The number of tickets we sold for the dance is a little bit lower than last year because last year we crammed everybody in,” she said. “San Juan Oaks told us we had to be sensible about it.”
The chamber is looking to at least match the $1,500 raised last year for its scholarship fund, Kiernan said. The chamber also received $8,000 in sponsorships for 2002 at last year’s event, she said.
Kiernan said the chamber has a few new items up for auction this year, such as a special landscaping package.
“This is the opportunity for someone to redo their yard,” Kiernan said.
