Pleasant Hill chamber revives Business Person of the Year award

The Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce is reviving its prestigious Business Person of the Year award, an event that will honor local business leaders at a dinner on Thursday, Aug. 20, at Back Forty Texas BBQ on Coggins Drive. This revival marks the return of a cherished tradition that has been on hold since the pandemic, aiming to celebrate the significant contributions of local entrepreneurs and business leaders to the community.

The restoration of the Business Person of the Year award is particularly meaningful for the Pleasant Hill community, as it reconnects with a legacy that dates back to 2000. The award has been a cornerstone of the chamber's efforts to recognize and celebrate the achievements of local entrepreneurs, fostering a sense of pride and unity among residents and business owners. The return of the award signifies a renewed commitment to celebrating the economic and social contributions of local businesses, highlighting their vital role in shaping the community.

The Business Person of the Year award has a rich history, with Len Shapiro being the first recipient in 2000. Since then, it has recognized various business leaders, including Zachary's Pizza in 2017, before pausing due to the pandemic. This year's event will not only celebrate the return of this distinguished tradition but also highlight the ongoing contributions of local businesses to Pleasant Hill's economic and social fabric. The event will feature a cocktail hour, networking reception, seated dinner, and a year-in-review presentation, culminating in the announcement of the winner.

Three nominees have been selected for the 2026 award: Angela Kalinowski of WiseGirl Restaurant and Back Forty Texas BBQ, Gerardo Wence of Wence's Restaurant, and Karen Trinh of Nurture Path Development Center. The dinner will take place at Back Forty Texas BBQ, located at 100 Coggins Drive, and tickets can be purchased on the chamber's event listing at business.pleasanthillchamber.com. The event will also feature the installation of new board members, ensuring a smooth transition of leadership for the upcoming year.

Residents and business owners interested in attending the event or learning more about the nominees can visit the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce's website for updates and details. The chamber office is located at 2255 Contra Costa Blvd., Suite 307, and is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For further information, residents can contact the chamber at (925) 687-0700. The event marks the close of the 2025-26 chamber year and will celebrate the ongoing contributions of local business leaders to Pleasant Hill's community.