The Fresno Chamber of Commerce proudly announced the distinguished recipients of the Valley Business Awards, including the 2024 Leon S Peters recipient, John Harris, owner of Harris Ranch and the first-ever legacy recipient, Bob Smittcamp, renowned philanthropist and former CEO of Lyons Magnus, who passed away in 2021. The announcement was made by Fresno Chamber President & CEO Scott Miller at a surprise press conference held at Harris Ranch Resort in Coalinga.
“The 40th Anniversary of the Leon S. Peters Award adds a special significance to this year’s presentation. The decision to honor Mr. Smittcamp with the first every legacy presentation of the award is a special tribute, emphasizing the historical importance of the occasion. The fact of the matter is that this award represents the Central Valley’s greatest examples of people who have used significant success in business to benefit the whole community. Mr. Smittcamp’s name absolutely belongs on that list with Mr. Harris and the other legendary individuals who came before,” said Scott Miller, President & CEO of Fresno Chamber of Commerce.
The 2024 recipient of the prestigious Leon S. Peters Award is John Harris, owner of Harris Ranch, a well-known agribusiness and horse racing figure. Harris, born into a farming family, graduated from UC Davis in 1965 and later served as a U.S. Army officer. As owner of Harris Farms since 1981, he has overseen various entities, including the Harris Ranch Inn & Restaurant and Harris Farms Thoroughbred Horse Division. Mr. Harris has made a personal commitment to California State University, Fresno, including his philanthropic support for the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Craig School of Business, Bulldog Foundation, Henry Madden Library, Kremen School of Education and Human Development, and has served on the Kenneth L. Maddy Board of Directors and is a part of the President’s Circle of Excellence.
As a special tribute for the 40th anniversary of the Leon S Peters Award, the past LSP award recipients have decided to recognize the exceptional achievements of respected community businessman and leader Bob Smittcamp and award him with the 40th Anniversary Legacy Leon S. Peters Award as a posthumous recognition for this legacy. Smittcamp, a prominent figure in the business and philanthropic community, co-owned Wawona Packing Company and served as the former chairman and CEO of Lyon Magnus.
In addition to donating $10 million to advance neurosciences at Community Medical Centers in 2018, Smittcamp was an avid supporter of Fresno State, his alma mater, benefitting various types of programs and scholarships, and giving generations of students the opportunity for excellence in higher education.
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 through effective advocacy, education, and relationship building.”
Leave a Reply