Fresno Chamber creates legacy award, honors this late businessman, philanthropist
The Fresno Chamber of Commerce added a special recognition to this year’s Valley Business Awards to mark the 40th anniversary of its signature honorific.
The late Bob Smittcamp was named the Leon S. Peters Legacy Award recipient during a news conference Tuesday.
Smittcamp, who died in 2021 at the age of 79, was the co-owner of Wawona Packing Company, and the former chairman and CEO of the international food service company Lyons Magnus. He also was one of Fresno’s best known philanthropists.
In 2018, he donated $10 million to Community Medical Centers to recruit neurosurgeons to the Valley. The honors college at Fresno State bears his family as do the annual scholarships that are provided to its students. The Smittcamp family also was the lead donor for university’s alumni house, which opened its doors in 2000 and also bears the family’s name.
“The decision to honor Mr. Smittcamp with the first every legacy presentation of the award is a special tribute, emphasizing the historical importance of the occasion,” said Scott Miller, president/CEO of the chamber.
“The fact of the matter is that this award represents the Central Valley’s greatest examples of people who have used significant success in business to benefit the whole community. Mr. Smittcamp’s name absolutely belongs on that list.”
John Harris: 2024 Leon S. Peters Award
John Harris was given this year’s Leon S. Peters Award proper.
Harris is the owner of Harris Ranch, a farming and agribusiness that he started in 1981. It has grown to include a sprawling Hacienda-style resort and restaurant in Coalinga that is home to the world’s largest Tesla charging facility.
Harris is also well know in the world of horse racing.
As a philanthropist Harris has supported Fresno State’s Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, the Craig School of Business, the Bulldog Foundation, Henry Madden Library and the Kremen School of Education and Human Development. He has also served on the Kenneth L. Maddy Board of Directors.
Other Valley Business Award recipients
Several other awards were presented to Valley businesses, including:
The Harold Zinkin Entrepreneur of the Year Award, given to Brent Wilson, Dutch Bros Coffee franchisee president and CEO.
Community Champion of the Year Award, given to Noble Credit Union.
Rising Star of the Year Award, given to Dad’s Cookies.
Student Entrepreneur of the Year, given to Patrick Palmer, owner or Little Valley Goods.
