John Harris (center) is the 2024 winner of the Leon S. Peters Award, along with a legacy award for the late Bob Smittcamp. To the left of Harris is Bill Smittcamp and Jim Woodward. To Harris's right is the Hon. Robert Oliver. Fresno Chamber photo

The Fresno Chamber of Commerce announced a first for its Leon S. Peters Award Tuesday — a winner and a legacy recipient.

John Harris, owner of Harris Ranch, is the winner of the 40th Leon S. Peters Award. Bob Smittcamp, philanthropist and former CEO of Lyons Magnus, is the legacy recipient. Smittcamp died in 2021.

In honor of the award program’s anniversary, past award winners decided to recognize Smittcamp posthumously this year.

The announcement was made by Fresno Chamber President and CEO Scott Miller at a surprise new 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,” Miller said.

Harris, a well-known agribusiness and horse racing figure, was born into a farming family. He 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.

Harris has made a personal commitment to Fresno State, including support for the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Craig School of Business, Bulldog Foundation, Henry Madden Library and Kremen School of Education and Human Development. He has served on the Kenneth L. Maddy Institute board of directors and is a part of the President’s Circle of Excellence.

Smittcamp co-owned Wawona Packing Company and served as the former chairman and CEO of Lyons 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.

The award is named for Fresno businessman, civic leader and philanthropist Leon S. Peters, who died in 1983.

Harris will be recognized at the 2024 Valley Business Awards later this year. The following people and organizations will also be honored with awards:

Harold Zinkin Entrepreneur of the Year Award: Brent Wilson, President & CEO, Dutch Bros Coffee Franchisee.

Community Champion of the Year Award: Noble Credit Union

Rising Star of the Year Award: Dad’s Cookies

Student Entrepreneur of the Year: Patrick Palmer, owner, Little Valley Goods