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The notable ‘Manuel Cunha’ award is given annually to an individual who exemplifies leadership and integrity in the Central Valley’s agricultural business community.
“In a time when Valley farms are besieged on all fronts, from a continuing drought to new state and federal regulations making it difficult for farmers to operate, Manuel Cunha is a steadfast, driven advocate, who leads the charge for our agriculture community,” said Nathan Ahle, president and CEO of the Fresno Chamber.
“The Chamber is honored to recognize Manuel for nearly three decades of service to the lifeblood of the Valley’s economy,” Ahle added.
In conjunction with the Fresno Chamber’s award, Fresno accounting firm Baker Peterson Franklin announced that Booth Ranches is the 2016 Baker Peterson Franklin Ag Business Award winner. This annual award is given to an agricultural organization whose achievements and impact have significantly contributed to the industry and the local community.
This year’s award recipients will be honored at the Fresno Chamber’s Ag Awards Luncheon at 11 a.m. on Nov. 9 at Valdez Hall at the Fresno Convention Center.
Tickets for the event are available by visiting the Chamber website (www.FresnoChamber.com) or emailing info@fresnochamber.com.
Cunha will join other distinguished past recipients of the Agriculturalist of the Year Award, including Joe Del Bosque, John Harris, Phil Larson, Vernal A. Amaro, Debbie Jacobsen, Jon Marthedal, Geb Gebhard, Ken Billings, Bill Allison, Ron Goble, Cosmo Insalaco, Bob Sheesley, A.J. Yates, Irwin Efird, Dr. Charles Smallwood, Harry Kubo, Don Laub, Bill Hambleton, Shawn Stevenson, C.W. “Bill” Jones, Bruce J. Obbink, Jack Woolf, Vincent Petrucci, William McFarlane, Deran Koligian, Jack Stone, Paul Betancourt, Carol Chandler, Vernon Conrad, Pat Ricchuiti, Nat DiBuduo, Sarkis Sarabian, Jerry Prieto, Fred Machado and Marvin A. Meyers.