A pair of Fresno firms took top honors at Cen Cal Business Finance Group’s 41st annual awards breakfast Wednesday, recognizing their extensive work on real estate projects across the Central Valley and Central Coast.

PACT Capital earned business partner of the year recognition, while Colliers International was named real estate broker of the year for their work on Cen Cal-financed projects throughout the region.

Colliers International, ranked fourth among Central Valley commercial real estate brokerages in The Business Journal’s 2025 list with 18 full-time agents, specializes in office, industrial, retail, land and multi-family properties. The firm has operated locally since 1968 and is led by senior vice presidents Mike Schuh, Bobby Fena and Buk Wagner.

The Los Angeles and Fresno-based PACT Capital has been instrumental in financing significant deals across the Valley. Last year, the firm financed $13.5 million in the sale of 141-year-old Concannon Vineyard in Livermore Valley, a transaction originated through its Fresno agriculture office. Colliers also brokered that deal on behalf of seller The Wine Group.

The Fresno office is headed by Adam Mortanian and Tyler Shegerian, co-founders and managing directors.

Wednesday’s awards recognized the winners’ support of projects including agricultural cold storage and industrial facilities for citrus and stone fruit operations across Valley communities large and small.

Frank Gallegos, Cen Cal executive director, said award recipients are selected based on deal volume, long-term performance and job creation tied to the organization’s economic development goals.

Diamond Learning Center received business of the year recognition for its relocation and expansion, which retained 40 jobs and is projected to add 20 to 25 more positions while allowing the Fresno organization to serve medically fragile clients for the first time.

“I was so blown away,” said founder Jami Hamel De La Cerda, noting the organization had no idea it was being considered.

The center’s new facility includes expanded instructional space, an event center and medical accommodations. The organization serves over 200 students and is licensed for more than 300, with no waiting list.

Tri Counties Bank was named lender of the year.