9 Merced businesses honored for excellence
Nine Merced County businesses and organizations were honored for their contributions to the communities they serve.
The Merced Sun-Star’s Excellence in Business awards ceremony ended Thursday with a luncheon at Hilmar Cheese Co. after a months-long nomination and selection process aimed at shining a light on the best of Merced County.
Awards were presented in a variety of categories, including manufacturing, health care, charitable work, finance and real estate development, among others.
Joe Marchini of J. Marchini Farms Inc. won the Judges’ Special Recognition award for his decades of contributions to agribusiness in Merced County and California. John Gottschalk of Gottschalk Music Store received the Hall of Fame award.
David Bankson, president and CEO of Label Technology Inc., accepted the Excellence in Manufacturing award on behalf of his company. Bankson noted the economic struggles Merced County has experienced in recent years, saying “so often we see negative headlines.”
“So, it’s very encouraging to see events like this that recognize the businesses and people who are doing the right thing,” he said.
The program launched in early June with a community-wide nominations process. Excellence in Business was the brainchild of Sun-Star Publisher Valerie Bender and was modeled after a similar program coordinated by The Fresno Bee that recognizes businesses in that region.
A panel of judges included Mark Hendrickson, director of Merced County commerce; District Attorney Larry Morse II; Courthouse Museum Director Sarah Lim; Wells Fargo branch manager Rosy Flores; and Jennifer Krumm, former COO of the Greater Merced Chamber of Commerce.
Joseph Kieta, editor of the Sun-Star and The Modesto Bee, and Cathy Allison, vice president of human resources, also were judges.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to be able to honor these excellent businesses for their contributions to the community,” Kieta said. “It was a very positive and uplifting program, and we thank all who attended for their contribution to the success of this event.”
2015 Excellence in Business Award Winners
Manufacturing - Label Technology Inc.
Health Care - Atwater Medical Group
Charitable, Nonprofit Work - National Alliance on Mental Health, Merced County
Professional Services - Merced College Business Resource Center
Small Business Ownership - Guardco Security
Finance - Justi Smith Insurance
Real Estate Development - Loren Gonella, Gonella Realty
Hall of Fame Winner - John Gottschalk, Gottschalk Music Store
Judges’ Special Recognition - Joe Marchini, J. Marchini Farms Inc.
This story was originally published September 24, 2015 at 6:34 PM with the headline "9 Merced businesses honored for excellence."