United Chambers of Commerce Honors Outstanding Business and Civic Leaders at 33rd Annual “Celebrating Business” recognition Dinner at Woodland Hills Hilton Hotel

By Rene Villaroman

WOODLAND HILLS – The United Chambers of Commerce, San Fernando Valley and Region, recognized San Fernando Valley’s outstanding business leaders and business firms in its 33rd Annual “Celebrating Business” Recognition Dinner at the Woodland Hills Hilton Hotel last Thursday.

UCC bestowed the Outstanding Small Business of the Year Award to Harold Wilson Insurance and Financial Services, Inc., and its President/Owner, Harold Wilson, a member of the San Fernando Valley Filipino American Chamber of Commerce (SFVFACC), received the award.

“I especially want to thank the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of San Fernando Valley, although my time with them has been very limited,” Wilson acknowledged. “Each and every day, we make an impact on someone else’s life,” Wilson said.

Before establishing his insurance and finance firm, Wilson had served as a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War, and was for 11 years, a Fireman, Lieutenant/Fire Protection Officer and Marshall with the Alto Richardson Bay Fire District in the Bay Area.

People is Wilson’s number 1 priority that is why he feels that being in the Insurance business is his true calling.

Amelia Peters-Wilson, FACC,sfv Board Member and Harold Wilson, United Chamber of Commerce Small Business Award of the Year 2009. (Photo by Rene Villaroman).

“I am very proud of him because I know he works very hard,” said his Fil-Am wife Amelia. “He loves what he does because he is helping people,” Amelia said.

“It’s a great award,” Wilson told Asian Journal after receiving the award in the presence of some members and officers of the SFVFACC, including President Leo Maranan, Past President Noel Omega, and Secretary Maryann Omega.. “First of all, it’s a great honor to be picked from a thousand other people,” Wilson said. “I am very thankful to SFVFACC for the different things they do for the community and allowing me to be a part of it.”

Wilson said the award was unexpected. “I am really excited about this,” he said.

The award was handed to Wilson by Stephen Holzer, UCC Chairman of the Board and program Master of Ceremony, and Debi Schultze, President and Chief Executive Officer; and Assembly Member Cameron Smyth of the 38th District.

Debbie Schultze, UCC President and CEO, Harold Wilson, UCC Small Business Awardee, and Stephen Holzer, UCC Chairman of the Board. (Photo by Rene Villaroman).

UCC also bestowed the President’s Award to the Southland Regional Association of Realtors, the Outstanding Medium

Business of the Year Award to the Beverly Garland’s Holiday Inn; Outstanding Large Business of the Year Award to Westfield Topanga and Promenade; Outstanding Public Safety Official of the Year Award to Firefighter Mitch McKnight; Outstanding Elected Official’s Staff Member of the Year Award to Mitchell Englander and Councilman Greig Smith; Outstanding Business Leader of the Year Award to Joe Vitti; the Tami Ginzburg “Celebration of Service” Award to Marilyn Robinson; the Chairman’s Awards to Providence Health & Services; and Metropolitan Water District.

FACCsfv Officers and Board Members who attended the UCC Dinner Recognition Award

(from left to right): Vic and Lulu Mercado, Annabelle Espinosa, Eva Barry, Amelia Peters-Wilson, Harold Wilson, FACC,sfv Member and UCC Awardee for Small Business Award of the Year 2009, Noel Omega, SFVFACC Past President, Mary Ann R. Omega, FACC,sfv Secretary, Leo Maranan, FACC,sfv President, Manny Curry, FACC,sfv Member, and Maridy Masicat, FACC,sfv Board Member/Public Relations. (Photo by Rene Villaroman).