Three Top Redlands Businesses Honored

Redlands' Tire Guys - Goodyear, Welsh Insurance Services and Visiting Angels were recognized as leaders in their community by State Sen. Mike Morrell Nov. 21 at the University of Redlands during the 4th Annual Top Chamber Business Awards. All members of the Redlands Chamber of Commerce, the companies were three of 50 total recognized last week at the annual event throughout California's 23rd Senate District. The event started four years ago when Morrell was the California State Assembly, District 40 representative and Morrell and his office wanted to recognize the contributions of local businesses. "I was in business all of my adult life, so it's always good to be amongst our own and have people that actually make this state thrive," Morrell said in his welcome speech, where he gave a brief background of business taxes and job creation in the state. "Business owners are the ones that make the economy go, and we have to expand business so we can hire people and we are committed to that. This is one of things we do to get this on the radar and promote business." After an invocation was given by Lynne Kennedy, Rancho Cucamonga councilwoman-elect, and the Pledge of Allegiance was given by Menifee City Mayor Scott Mann, guests mingled with Sen. Morrell and enjoyed a catered lunch. Redlands Chamber's Executive Director Kathie Thurston introduced the three business nominees while Redlands City Councilman-elect Paul Barich was also present on stage to honor the nominees. "I'm bursting with pride this afternoon as I have the great privilege to announce the honored winners of the Redlands Chamber of Commerce Top Chamber Business 2014," Thurston said. Jim Ferguson, president and CEO, received the award for Tire Guys - Goodyear. Tire Guys have "created a real niche in the market," Thurston said. "They give generously to the community and have supported the Chamber since they've opened their business." Scott Welsh with Welsh Insurance Services was honored with an award, but was not able to attend the awards ceremony. "Scott has proven to be not only a successful small business owner, but an extraordinary community leader," Thurston said. "He has taken it upon himself to join the Redlands Bicycle Classic and has now brought an international race to Redlands the past 21 years, infusing our economics by extraordinary means." The third nominee from Redlands was Visiting Angels, with owner and operator Sara Hector accepting the award. "Sara Hector and Visiting Angels have thrived during the economic challenges of the past years. Not only has she thrived, but she's also expanded into a brand new business as well," Thurston told the crowd. Hector has recently opened a gym focusing on health and fitness. The Redlands Chamber named Tire Guys - Goodyear its Top Business of 2014.