This year’s esteemed winners include:

Man of The Year: Allan D. Fisher –  A boy scout, proud grandfather, public speaker, classic film collector, author of three published books and an all-around pillar of success in Tulare County. 

Woman of the Year: Sherry Tietjens – Local business owner, real estate agent, governor-appointed member of the 24th District Agricultural Association and appointed liaison to state and national government leaders.

Small Business of the Year: K-TIP AM 1450 – Owners Mimi and Larry Stoneburner serve Tulare and Kings Counties with syndicated talk radio while providing an unequaled source of local news, weather and information.

Medium Business of the Year: A & W Restaurants – Owners Bob and Karen Cary and son (partner) Craig Van Horn are proud to have been voted Visalia’s best fast food provider multiple times by the California Restaurant Association.

Large Business of the Year: CIGNA Healthcare – Utilizing nearly 800 employees to provide healthcare products and services to individuals and employers throughout the world while improving the health, well-being and security of the individuals they serve.

Agri-Business of the Year: World Wide Sires, Ltd. – The world’s leading cattle genetics marketing organization representing the majority of the U.S. artificial insemination cooperatives to promote efficient global livestock production. 

Chairman’s Award: Matt Seals –  Longtime Chamber member and construction manager of Seals/Biehle General Contractors, a Visalia-based firm.

Winners were chosen by a committee and judged on a point system.
The 2009 Small, Medium and Large Business Nominees:

Small Business Finalists
KJUG FM (Westcoast Broadcasting)
K-TIP AM 1450
The Laundry Lady Cleaners
Miracle Ear Hearing Center
One-Hour Martinizing

Medium Business Finalists
A&W Restaurants
Able Industries
Armstrong Property Management
Quail Park Retirement Village

Large Business Finalists
CIGNA Healthcare
Costco Wholesale
In-Shape Health Clubs
Marriott Hotel
Visalia First Assembly of God

Agri-Business Finalists
Bravo Farms Cheese
Cacciatore Fine Wines & Olive Oil Corp.
World Wide Sires

Winners were announced at the Visalia Chamber of Commerce’s 56th Annual Awards Celebration held on June 18, 2009 at the Visalia Holiday Inn Hotel & Conference Center.

For more information or to obtain biographic information on the winning companies, contact the Visalia Chamber of Commerce, 559-734-5876.