Fresno, CA – Karen Musson of GAR Tootelian has been announced as the 2020 recipient of the Leon S. Peters Award by the Fresno Chamber of Commerce. Mrs. Musson was chosen as the 2020 recipient of the award based on outstanding leadership through devotion of her time and talents to better the community. The selection of this prestigious honor is based upon the recipient’s accomplishments, personal and public service, which must exemplify the spirit of an enlightened, responsible free enterprise system.

“Karen Musson truly exemplifies what the Leon S. Peters Award is all about,” said Chamber President/CEO Nathan Ahle. “GAR Tootelian has been a leader in our ag community for decades, and Karen has been at the forefront of that leadership. She and her family also give tirelessly of their time, talent and treasure to ensure Fresno is a better place to live, particularly for the youth of our community. She is greatly deserving of this honor.”

The Leon S. Peters Award honors those who share the characteristics of its namesake, a man who overcame great hardship to become one of the Valley’s top business leaders. From a simple beginning, Mr. Peters worked to become a great success while also using his creativity and vision to give back to our community through service on numerous boards and donations totaling millions of dollars in the name of a variety of causes. He was revered as a businessman, a civic leader, and a philanthropist who devoted his life to the community while living and working according to the highest ethical standards.

The award will be officially presented at Valley Business Awards Luncheon held on February 12, 2020, at the Fresno Convention Center.

Past recipients of the Leon S. Peters award include: Matty Matoian, Jim Pardini, Bill Smittcamp, Stan Oken, Ray Steele Jr., Richard “Dick” Caglia, John E. Horstmann, Dr. Peter Mehas, Dr. Peter P. Peters, Joe Williams, Lou Herwaldt, Bill Jones, Sid Cox, Bud Richter, O. James Woodward III, Samuel Reeves, Octavia Diener, Robert Oliver, Frederick Ruiz, Anne Speake, Larry A. Shehadey, Claude Laval III, Robert Carter, Richard Johanson, James Hallowell, Lou Gentile, Earl Smittcamp, Helen Smades, William Lyles, Martin Nelson, Joe Levy, Frank Caglia, B. Franklin Knapp, James B. Mayer, Robert Duncan, and Lewis B. Eaton.

The Fresno Chamber of Commerce is one of the largest business organizations in the Central Valley, with approximately 1,200 member businesses representing over 78,000 employees. The Chamber’s mission is to “promote and support the success of the regional business community thorough effective advocacy, education and relationship building.”

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Fresno, CA (September 25, 2019) – The Fresno Chamber of Commerce and Moss Adams are proud to announce the winners of the 2019 Agriculturalist of the Year and the Ag Business of the Year.

The 2019 Agriculturalist of the Year is awarded to an individual who exemplifies leadership and integrity in the Central Valley’s agricultural business community: Mark Borba.

Mark Borba is a fourth-generation farmer who grows almonds, tomatoes, garlic, melons, lettuce, wheat and cotton. He co-owns Borba Farms, with his brother, Ross, which is a family owned and operated farm established in 1976, with Central Valley roots dating back to the early 1900’s. Borba has dedicated himself to the service and advocacy of Fresno County farmers and ranchers. He has spent much of his personal time educating members of the community and elected officials about agriculture and water issues. Mark has dedicated countless hours to various organizations throughout our community and has been honored multiple times for his work. Borba previously served as Chairman of the Board at Community Medical Centers, Fresno, Chairman of the California Cotton Growers Association and served on the board of the Maddy Institute.

“Each year we are honored to recognize an outstanding leader in our area with the Agriculturalist of the Year Award,” said Nathan Ahle, President and CEO of the Fresno Chamber of Commerce, “Mark Borba is an amazing addition to the list of past winners, with over four decades of farming in the Valley and his tireless efforts in helping the ag community and making Fresno County a better place to live.”

The 2019 Ag Business Award is awarded to an organization which exemplifies a leading for-profit ag organization whose achievements and impact have significantly contributed to the ag industry and the Central Valley: Bowles Farming Company.

Bowles Farming Company was founded in 1965 by brothers George and Henry Bowles, and their sister, Amy Bowles Lawrence. It’s now owned by members of the Bowles and Lawrence families, giving them six generations of sustainable agriculture and family farming. Sustainability is part of everything they do; they understand the importance of responsible farming practices. The 11,000 acre farm, headquartered in Los Banos, harvests almonds, tomatoes (both processing and fresh market), cotton, and much more in the California Central Valley. Bowles Farming Company proudly produces the world’s only verified pima cotton, Pimacott. Cannon Michael is the President and CEO of Bowles Farming Company. Cannon is an advocate for California agriculture and intelligent water policy. Environmental stewardship, ethical treatment of workers and sustainable production are all extremely important to Cannon and the Bowles Farming Company team.

“Moss Adams is thrilled to honor Bowles Farming Company as our Ag Business Award recipient. They exemplify a leading for-profit ag organization whose sustainability, achievements, and impact have significantly contributed to the ag industry and our community,” said Moss Adams Senior Marketing Specialist Amy Pendergrass.

The Fresno Chamber’s Agriculture Awards Luncheon will take place Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at the Fresno Convention Center – New Exhibit Hall.

The long-standing celebratory event features the Agriculturalist of the Year Award, presented annually by the Fresno Chamber of Commerce; the Ag Business Award, presented annually by Moss Adams; and a State of Agriculture Address by the Fresno County Farm Bureau.

Tickets for the Agriculturalist Awards are available on the Chamber website at www.FresnoChamber.com, or emailing info@fresnochamber.com.

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The Fresno Chamber of Commerce is one of the largest business organizations in the Central Valley, with approximately 1,200 member businesses representing over 77,000 employees. The Chamber’s mission is to “promote and support the success of the regional business community through effective advocacy, education and relationship building.”