On Tuesday, Dec. 10, The Business Journal hosted its 11th annual Best of Central Valley Business Awards dinner. Some of the Valley’s biggest names in business were in attendance at Pardini’s Catering to celebrate their achievements and be featured as one of the Valley’s top honorees, voted on by readers of The Business Journal.

Today, The Business Journal highlights the nine first-time Best of Central Valley Business Award recipients. Congratulations to all winners.

 

Best Company to Work For: Community Health System

 

1st finalist: London Properties
2nd Finalist: DeYoung Properties

Written by: Ben Hensley

Community Health System and Clovis Community Medical Center (CCMC) took home dual-awards in this year’s Best of Central Valley Business Awards, with the hospital taking the title of “Best Hospital” and its parent organization, Community Health System, named the “Best Company to Work For” for the first time in the 2024 Best of The Central Valley Business Awards.

It was the first time the network has been named Best Company to Work For, a category historically dominated by the real estate and banking industries. This was the first time a health care organization was bestowed the title. Community Health System has more than 10,000 employees.

“We are truly honored and humbled at the nomination for Community Health System as the ‘best place to work,’” said Carla Milton, senior VP, chief human resources officer at Community Health System. “As the region’s largest private employer, this recognition highlights our collaborative environment where we foster professional growth, innovation and a strong sense of community, making it a truly fulfilling workplace.”

Milton added that the recognition highlights the dedication and hard work of the team at Community Health System, whose passion and commitment both enhance the workplace culture and ensure high-quality care for patients within the system at Clovis Community and Community Regional medical centers.

In addition to its regional hospitals, Community Health System also includes Fresno Heart & Surgical Hospital and Community Behavioral Health Centers in its portfolio of inpatient hospitals. Community Health System also partners with UCSF, one of the top-three medical schools globally, recruiting physicians from around the country and world.

 

Best Residential Real Estate Company: Realty Concepts

 

1st Finalist: Fortune Associates
2nd Finalist: Russel G. Smith Inc.

Written by: Dylan Gonzales

Realty Concepts has been voted as the best residential real estate company for the first time.

It was a big year for Realty Concepts, with the company acquiring Guarantee Real Estate — the 2023 winner of the award for best residential real estate company.

CEO JP Shamshoian took over the company from his father, John, in 2014. It has always been a family-owned company with a strong connection to the Central Valley, with John founding Realty Concepts in 1991.

“We love the Central Valley, and we’re proud to be owned and operated out of here,” JP Shamshoian said. “We have 575 agents now doing close to $2 billion a year in sales, and we have really found a niche as being the locally owned company in town that really prioritizes professionalism and a strong family culture.”

Shamshoian touched on what he loves most about working in the Central Valley.

“The connectivity of our community and the people who I get to work with every day,” Shamshoian said. “These are people who I grew up with and care about deeply. And so I’d say that it all comes down to the people for us.”

After closing 2024 with its first “best of” award, Shamshoian and Realty Concepts are already looking forward to an exciting 2025.

“In 2025, we’re starting an escrow company. So we’re excited about the future,” he said.

 

Best Business Bank: FFB

 

1st Finalist: Chase Bank
2nd Finalist: Community West Bank

Written by: Dylan Gonzales

For the first time since the debut of the “Best of” awards in 2014, the category of best business bank will have a new winner as FFB Bank ascends the throne.

FFB was founded in 2005 with the intention of being a single-branch bank. Twenty years later, FFB remains a single branch bank with a lone location in north Fresno.

Formerly known as Fresno First Bank, the company changed its name in 2022 to create a more national profile.

“The team is very excited about our new name, and we are looking forward to continuing to grow our franchise in a prudent manner moving forward,” stated Steve Miller, FFB Bank president and CEO, in a news release in 2022.

“Changing the brand and making it more universal is the logical, necessary step for us to take,” Miller said. “We have an opportunity to continue to grow in Fresno while also expanding beyond California’s Central Valley. We think that this is the right thing to do for our current and future customers, our shareholders and for our people.”

 

Best Tech Company: Central Valley Networks

 

1st Finalist: PC Solutions
2nd Finalist: Breadcrumb Cybersecurity

Written by: Ben Hensley

There’s been five different winners in the past five years for the Best Technology Company, with this year’s honors awarded to Central Valley Networks for the first time in the Best of the Central Valley Business Awards.

The first-time winner is one of the Valley’s leaders in computer networks and VoIP (voice over internet protocol) services, bringing quality computer services and tech solutions to small businesses and residents locally.

Matthew Paredes is president of Central Valley Networks.

Central Valley Networks’ win comes on the heels of a 2023 Best of the Central Valley Business Awards cycle that did not see the company place as a 1st or 2nd finalist.

“Our focus is helping you understand technology and find cost effective solutions to help you meet your needs,” the company’s website reads.

Founded in 2006, the company’s team sports more than 30 years of experience in a wide variety of industries including professional and legal services, financial services, health care, nonprofit and more.

 

Best Shopping Center: Fig Garden Village

 

1st Finalist: River Park Shopping Center
2nd Finalist: Marketplace at El Paseo

Written by: Ben Hensley

For the first time in a decade, the former champ has been dethroned, as 2024’s recipient of the Best Shopping Center award goes to Fig Garden Village, knocking River Park Shopping Center off its decade-long streak as award recipient.

Fig Garden Village, located on the corner of Shaw and Palm avenues in Fresno, is one of Fresno’s oldest shopping centers and an Old Fig neighborhood fixture. It was built in 1956. Fig Garden Village is home to more than 30 stores from nationwide chains like Eddie Bauer and Banana Republic to local stops like the Elbow Room and Wassabi Off the Hook.

“We are honored that our beloved Fig Garden Village is nominated for the Best of Central Valley Business Awards,” said Keith Gmazel, vice president of Property Management at Brookfield Properties, owner and operator of Fig Garden Village. “This is a testament to our ongoing commitment to our community to be a gathering place where people want to spend their time.”

While well-established in the Fresno retail marketspace, the shopping center continues to evolve and add new tenants; this year Fig Garden welcomed a new Wetzel’s Pretzels. The shopping center was also home to Fresno’s first Capriotti’s restaurant, alongside other retailers and restaurants.

“We are far more than a place to shop and dine and we are grateful to be recognized for this award,” Gmazel said.

 

Best Local Radio Station: Kiss Country 93.7

 

1st Finalist: KMJ 580
2nd Finalist: Soft Rock 98.9

Written by: Ramon Castanos

Cumulus Media-owned Kiss Country 93.7 is a first-time winner in the Best Local Radio Station category for the Best of Central Valley Business Awards.

Chris Miller, Kiss Country’s marketing director, underscores the station’s unwavering commitment to the Fresno community, which he believes led to its win this year. He explains that the station’s strong ties are evident in the numerous organizational fundraisers it has spearheaded, such as those for Valley Children’s Hospital, Go Red for Woman, Clovis Rodeo, and many more.
“For example, we’ve got our annual Coats for Kids campaign, where we’re collecting coats in conjunction with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Department,” said Miller. “We have partnered with them for a number of years.”

Miller added the deep-rooted love for music sets Kiss Country 93.7 apart from other competitors. Miller said country is one of the top genres in the country with a huge following. The radio station hosts reflect that by engaging the audience in discussions about the country music genre, as seen in the popular podcast by two morning hosts, Chris and Joe.

“They’ve been producing it for almost two years now, and it’s a popular podcast,” said Miller. “The hosts talk about different topics and entertainment news, which, you know, is the primary focus of country music, such as interviews with different country artists.”

According to Miller, listeners also enjoy the weekly contests, which can offer concert tickets for popular country artists, such as LeAnn Rimes at Table Mountain Casino on Dec. 11.

Miller said contests, strong community bonds and their intense love of country music helped them gain followers over the last 25 years.

“We just appreciate their support,” said Miller. “And we’re just honored to be nominated for this award and look forward to it.”

 

Best Local Lunch Spot to eat During the Work Week

 

1st Finalist: Dog House Grill
2nd Finalist: Max’s Bistro & Bar

The voters have spoken, and this year’s winner of Best Local Lunch Spot to Eat During the Work Week in the Best of the Central Valley Business Awards is Heirloom, marking yet another first-time winner in 2024’s competition.

Heirloom joins nine other first-time winners in this year’s competition and is the first new winner in the category since 2021.

“We have a great customer base; we’ve really grown our business throughout the years and it’s all thanks to our customers,” Meredith Jenkins, General Manager at Heirloom. “We just keep striving for bigger and better and we couldn’t do it without everybody that comes here to eat.”

Opened in 2019 at the Park Crossing Shopping Center, Heirloom is the product of Brandon Smittcamp and Kevin Koligian, the duo behind other local favorites including Butterfish and Saizon, which opened in 2023.

Featuring a menu that caters to families offering meals for four, six and eight customer tables, Heirloom uses quality products in its farm-to-table menu, mindful of where their produce and ingredients are sourced.

Heirloom also features a large salad and sandwich menu, pasta, sides, kid menus and more.

Heirloom is one of three local restaurants to have won the award since its inception in 2017. Previous award winners include Dog House Grill (2023, 2021) and Pismo’s Coastal Grill (2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017).

 

Best Local Vinter: Toca Madera Winery

 

1st Finalist: Engelmann Cellars
2nd Finalist: E & J Gallo

Written by: Frank Lopez

This year, for the first time, Business Journal readers voted Toca Madera Winery as the Best Local Vintner.

The family winery was first established in 2014, with the vineyard being planted in 2012 on virgin, fertile soil never previously planted with any vines, orchards or other crops.

The winery also uses its venue for events including casual gatherings, family or school reunions, weddings and company parties.

The company was founded by Walt Whelan and his son, Brian Whelan, who both started making wine in their garage with long-time friends Justin Gennock and Tony Storelli.

Walt’s daughter Isabel Whelan handles marketing and events.

The Whelans also have a business and employment litigation law practice in Fresno.

Their wines have earned several best of shows in the Big Fresno Fair, and has won State-wide Gold and Silver awards for winemaking at largr competitions.

 

Best Local Medical Spa & Wellness Center: Muses Day Spa

 

1st Finalist: Mystique Medical Spa & Wellness
2nd Finalist: Body Del Sol Aesthetics

Written by: Ramon Castanos

Muses Day Spa is a first-time winner in the 2-year-old category of Best Local Medical Spa & Wellness Center.

Muses Day Spa, a long-standing establishment with a strong customer base, offers a diverse array of services — from soothing massages to revitalizing skin and body treatments. And of course, there are the requisite pedicures and manicures. They cater to a wide range of wellness needs. Their unique commitment to providing a holistic wellness experience is what truly distinguishes them.
“Our Knowledgeable and friendly staff cater to the specific needs of our clientele to ensure each experience is relaxing and unique,” according to their Facebook page.

Muses regularly offers monthly specials to their customers. They also host community events, such as the Client Appreciation Party on Dec. 5.

Such events are meant to recognize the importance of clients.

“Enjoy a night filled with wine and hors d’oeuvres, giveaways, and one-night-only Holiday Specials on retail products and gift cards! For every $200.00 you spend on a gift card, you will receive an additional $25 gift card voucher,” according to the Muses Day Spa promotion for the event.

According to their Facebook page, they are deeply committed to ensuring that you always feel cared for and reassured at Muses Day Spa.

“We tailor each visit to your individual experience.”