The Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce has announced that Los Gatos resident John Chiala has won its 2013 Business Person of the Year award.
It also announced that Willow Street Wood-Fired Pizza has earned its Business of the Year award.
Chiala has owned Los Gatos Meats, 575 University Avenue, since 1991. Willow Street will celebrate its 20th anniversary this year, having operated in town since October of 2013.
Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ronee Nassi explained nominations were open to the public for both awards, with the latter having to be a chamber member to be considered.
Once the nominations were received a committee of chamber board members reviewed them as well as the nominees from the last few years who were not chosen but were still eligible, she said.
The potential winners were then presented to the full board and Chiala and Willow Street were selected, she added.
“Both John and Willow Street are great examples of businesses that our community can be proud that they call Los Gatos home,” Nassi said.
Chiala has been honored by the Los Gatos Lions Club, has been the Grand Marshall of the Holiday Parade and was selected as the Youth Friendly Business of the Year.
A longtime Los Gatos business person, he contributes to the community with donations of time and talent and gives unselfishly to the betterment of the local business community and citizens, Nassi added.
“Willow Street is a wonderful asset to Los Gatos,” she continued. “Their generosity and support are well known by community and charitable organizations not just in Los Gatos but beyond.”
From opening in the morning to host meetings like Silicon Valley Real Estate Association (SILVAR) to their “Giving Back” program, support of Jazz on the Plazz and the Chamber’s Holiday Carriage Rides, “Willow Street goes above and beyond for our community and is a wonderful example for others,” Nassi said.
The chamber will formally recognize Chiala and Willow Street during its July 18th annual dinner at La Rinconada Country Club, 14595 Clearview Drive.
The event’s speaker is Dan Rusanowsky, the voice of the San Jose Sharks.
Los Gatos Mayor Barbara Spector will install the 2013-14 Board of Directors.
Tickets for the event are $70 for chamber members and 80 for non-members and can be purchased by visiting the chamber website, www.losgatoschamber.com, or by contacting the chamber office, 408-354-9300. Please RSVP no later than July 12.
