Peggy Kelly, chosen Citizen of the Year; Hospital Business of the Year

At the annual Christmas mixer at First Western Bank, Francisco Avila, Executive Director of the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce, announced the recipients of this year’s annual awards for Citizen, Business and Building of the Year. Citizen of the Year is Peggy Kelly, a freelance journalist; Business of the Year is the Santa Paula Memorial Hospital, with Mark Gregson as CEO, and Building Beautification Project of the Year is Anna and Frank Manzano.“The Chamber gets exited about honoring outstanding members and businesses of our community for so much of a community is wrapped up in the quality of its economics and business environment,” said Kay Wilson-Bolton, chair of this year’s selection process.“The selection committee evaluated the numerous nominations in light of the person or entity’s impact on the community. The committee of five was chaired by Joyce Carlson and comprised of past recipients and community leaders. Those being honored will be able to choose their presenters at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting on January 26, 2002 at the Community.