The Spirit of Small Business Award winners sang “Happy Birthday” to Fess Parker, “King of the Wild Frontier,” as he celebrated 83 years. “Isn’t it fantastic to be in Fess Parker’s house?” Alberto Alvarado said. “And to be with Fess Parker himself.”Parker portrayed Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone in popular television series in the 1950s and 60s. He told his story of small beginnings and later successes. “The good thing about small business, like the family unit in the Great Depression, is everyone learned how to work,” Parker explained. He encouraged family business. “Do it with your family, you’ll enjoy it.”
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The Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce nominated Jim McCoy for the Spirit of Small Business Award, which he received last week in Santa Barbara. Pictured above are (l-r): Connie Tushla (C of C President), Jim McCoy, Marie McCoy and John Blamchard (C of C CEO). Photo by Susan Branham |
Jim McCoy gets Spirit of Small Business award
August 22, 2007
Santa Paula News
By Susan Branham
Santa Paula TimesSanta Paulan Jim McCoy, owner of McCoy’s Automotive, long known for his hard work and service to the community, has been honored with a prestigious award. Last week in Santa Barbara, McCoy was awarded a Spirit of Small Business Award for a Veteran Owned Company. The Pacific Coast Business Times 5th Annual Spirit of Small Business Awards Luncheon took place at Fess Parker’s DoubleTree Resort. Fess Parker, the Keynote Speaker, was celebrating his 83rd birthday.“It is great to stand before you today, in the spirit of business,” Alberto Alvarado, Director, Los Angeles District Office, US Small Business Administration, told the assembly in the banquet room. “Thank you for your pioneering spirit. We look to you small business owners to create jobs. You’re the backbone of the community.”Eight small businesses were selected to receive Spirit of Small Business Awards. “We solicit nominations from the community,” Henry Dubroff, Chairman and Editor of the Pacific Coast Business Times, explained. “We had over 150 nominations from Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties.”Jim McCoy, in addition to his business success, has served as councilmember and mayor of Santa Paula. Both he and his wife, Marie, have worked tirelessly in community organizations during their 47 years in business in Santa Paula. The Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce nominated Jim McCoy for the award. Luncheon guests enjoyed a video interview of each of the winners. McCoy recounted his history in business following his military service, and credited his wife with helping him attain success. “My wife Marie is the most understanding person of my life,” he said. “We’ve been married 50 years this year.” Their shared attitude and optimism reflect the spirit of small business. “I enjoy going to work, and seeing old friends and new friends,” McCoy told the audience. “I’m optimistic everyday. My glass is half full, not empty. That’s the way I live.”
