2019 Salute to Business Luncheon Press Release and Media Advisory

We are proud to share our Press Release and Media Advisory about our 2019 Salute to Business Luncheon.

PRESS RELEASE

Press Contact: Greg Newman, Executive Director
Telephone: (559) 299-7363

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.clovischamber.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 25, 2019

Begin the New Year by Celebrating Local Leaders at the 2019 Salute to Business Luncheon

For Immediate Release

January 25, 2019 – Clovis, CA.

The Clovis Chamber of Commerce is starting off the New Year by honoring community leaders at their 2019 Salute to Business Luncheon on Tuesday, January 29.

The outgoing Clovis Chamber Board Chair, Jimmy Dunn of California Health Sciences University, will reflect on the many achievements of 2018 before passing along the gavel to the incoming Chair, Matthew Grundy of Habitat for Humanity. Expect a lively update for the New Year of Chamber networking and educational programs and events. Discover our roster of exciting events and programs for 2019. Learn about the Clovis Chamber App, The Chamber Review digital magazine, and the Clovis Community Lifestyle Guide, all designed to help our members experience business success.

Meet the 2018 honorees:

Dwight Kroll, Director of Planning and Development for the  City of Clovis, will receive the Einar Cook Leadership Award. This honor is bestowed upon the individual that effectively transforms their vision for the Clovis community into reality. Just look around Clovis and witness how Dwight’s urban planning genius has helped Clovis grow by leaps and bounds. His influence can be seen in the expansion Centennial Plaza and the SoFi district, and the pathways that connect buildings in Old Town Clovis.

Pat V. Ricchiuti, of P-R Farms, will be honored as the Businessperson of the Year. Pat is regarded as a foremost agriculture leader that is a long-time supporter of local community-based schools and organizations. Pat graduated from Fresno State in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Business and Plant Science. Just seven years later, he was named California Young Farmer of the Year. As a pivotal leader in local, state, and national agriculture associations, Pat received a wide range of awards throughout his nearly 40-year career. Today, Pat serves as President of P-R Farms, Inc., Palomate Packing Company, Inc., ENZO Olive Oil Company, and ENZO’s TABLE. His companies attract wide recognition: P-R Farms, Inc. is the Agricultural Business of the Year by Baker, Peterson and Franklin, CPA, LLP and “Industry of the Year” by the Clovis Chamber of Commerce. Pat’s spirit of contribution goes beyond his chosen field of agriculture-He supports our Central Valley residents as longtime Trustee for Fresno State’s Bulldog Foundation and a 20-year Board of Trustee for Valley Children’s Hospital. With his wife, Vinci Petrosino Ricchiuti, Pat received additional notable accolades for his educational philanthropic work, including awards from Fresno State, Clovis Schools, and St. Agnes. In 1985, Pat V. Ricchiuti was the Executive Director Award recipient for Clovis Chamber of Commerce. We now congratulate him as the Businessperson of the Year recipient to add to his long and deserving list of tributes.(**TECHNICAL RETRACTION: We have recently updated our previously published (January 8, 2019) biography statement for Pat Ricchiuti due to technical errors in career milestone dates. Please refer to this updated bio for accurate information on Pat Ricchiuti, our Businessperson of the Year Honoree.) 

Republic Services will be honored as Business of the Year. High quality solid waste, green waste, recycling, transfer and disposal services are the star features of Republic Services for 40 years and counting. Their curbside pickup for residential and commercial customers extends throughout the Central Valley, from Clovis, Fresno, and beyond. Republic Services stands out for keeping safety paramount. General Manager, Keith Hester, is proud of his 95 exemplary employees for their emphasis on quality of service and their support of many community charities.

Ellie Huston will receive the Chamber Ambassador of the Year with a special Lifetime Achievement Award. Known by some as the “Duchess of Clovis”, Ellie’s involvement as a Clovis Chamber Ambassador began over 30 years ago when she first owned Fashion Crossroads in Old Town Clovis. She has held a seat on the Clovis Chamber Board of Directors for over 25 years, as well. Her extensive involvement in the Clovis community includes her volunteer work for Clovis Tourism Advisory Committee, Hind’s Hospice, and B.O.O.T. Ellie’s personal leadership makes a profound impact on many Clovis locals.

The Director of the Year will be announced during this luncheon.

The Clovis Chamber of Commerce gives special thanks to the Presenting Sponsor, the Fresno/Clovis Convention & Visitors Bureau. The Chamber also wishes to thank Gold Sponsors for this event: Republic Services, Wawona Frozen Foods, Donaghy Sales, Moore Than SEO, and MSI Media Solutions, Inc. along with Silver Sponsors, the City of Clovis, Clovis Community College, Cook Land Company, California Health Sciences University, Quiring General, and House of JuJu.

The luncheon event has SOLD OUT and we thank our attendees.

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MEDIA ADVISORY