Chamber to honor citizens, businesses

The 71st Annual Shafter Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet is set for Jan. 24, where those citizens and businesses who have made a difference will be honored.

There are several different categories and awards to be given. The evening will start with a no-host hors d'oeuvre and cocktail hour, followed by dinner.

Also at the banquet, Mayor Cathy Prout will present the State of the City Address.

Awards will be given in a number of categories, each person or business nominated by another community member. Past winners have included Mayor Cathy Prout, Stan Wilson, Ronald Pierce, and Jon Johnston. Companies who have been honored include Target, Express Pharmacy, Bakersfield Pipe and Supply.

This year's award winners include the Agriculture Award winner South Valley Farms and Dixieland Lumber as the Business Award winner. The recipient of the Commercial Remodel award this year is McDonalds. Phillip Jimenez, the Shafter Recreation and Parks District Manager, is the recipient of this year's Community Service Award.

The Corporate Citizen of the Year Award winner is California Resources Corp., which has been very active in several community service projects during the year. Joann Carrillo will receive the Education Award. Margaret Ramirez is the winner of the Education Support Staff award.

The Special Recycle Award is going to Darren Williams. This year's winner of the Young Person award is Marco Rodriguez. Shafter High Football Coach Jerald Pierucci is the winner of the Youth Development Award.

Grimmway Academy, which opened its charter school in Shafter this year, will be honored with the Innovative Education Award.

Tickets are available at the Shafter Chamber office at City Hall, for either individual tickets or an entire table. For more information, contact the Chamber office at 661-746-2600.