Recognizing small businesses that are not only successful but are also invested in their community, the California economy and committed to providing private sector jobs, Senate Republican Leader Bob Dutton (R – Rancho Cucamonga) will present Business of the Year Awards to six (6) businesses located within the 31st Senate District.

Looking to acknowledge some good news in the otherwise tough business climate here in California, the Senator has chosen the following companies: Sorenson Engineering – YUCAIPA; Hanger 24 – REDLANDS; the Ahmed Team – UPLAND; Riverside Truck & Equipment – RIVERSIDE; Saddleback Inn – LAKE ARROWHEAD; and, Burt’s Jewelry & Repair – Grand Terrace.

“Businesses have been having a tough go of it for some time,” said Senator Dutton. “These six businesses have weathered the pressure of California’s regulatory climate and at the same time have chosen to keep operating and providing jobs here in California.”

As a business owner himself, Senator Dutton understands the effort and commitment it takes to operate a business in California, particularly during the current economic recession. He also believes that small businesses are the backbone of California’s economic engine and the foundation of the world’s eighth largest economy.

“California has historically led the country out of tough economic times,” said Dutton. “For that to happen today we need to do what we can to ease the regulatory burden on businesses which will help more of them succeed and create more private sector jobs.”

As he is working and visiting the various communities in the District while on summer recess, the Senator will be personally visiting these businesses to present them with their awards.

Following are brief comments on the 31st Senate District’s Businesses of the Year.

Sorenson Engineering – Yucaipa, California: In 1956 Frank Sorenson, continuing a lifelong passion for creative ingenuity applied to precision machining, acted on his dream to start a small business in which he would be free to fully pursue his ambitions. In 2006, Sorenson Engineering celebrated a milestone marking the 50 year anniversary of the company. Sorenson Engineering integrates the most advanced micromachining technologies with over 50 years of expertise in machine innovations and unsurpassed quality standards. Their commitment to excellence is the pursuit and achievement of the respective goals of key customers, employees, suppliers, community and shareholders by continuously advancing their capabilities in the realm of precision machining technologies. Their commitment to excellence extends to their support of community events and organization, giving back to the community in which they do business. For more information, visithttp://www.sorensoneng.com.

Hanger 24 – Redlands, California: Ben Cook, Founder and Master Brewer, has been brewing for 6 years. While learning about Quality Assurance/Quality Control at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery in Van Nuys, CA and majoring in Biology at California State University San Bernardino, Ben fell in love with beer and its culture.  Wanting to learn more, he attended and graduated from the Master Brewers Program under Professor Emeritus Dr. Michael Lewis and Dr. Charles Bamforth at the University of California, Davis.  Following graduation Ben sought out and found the perfect brewing equipment, a great location adjacent to the Redlands Airport and aptly named his brewery Hangar 24. Ben and his buddies used to meet at hangar 24 after an afternoon of flying to trade stories, talk aviation, play music and share a few cold ones that Ben just finished brewing at home. These days, the location of where these fine beers are brewed has changed, but the quality time spent enjoying a delicious, handcrafted beer and conversation with friends is the same as ever. For more information, visit http://hangar24brewery.com .

The Ahmed Team – Upland, California: The Ahmed Team is passionate about serving families because they are a family. Anis & Ruby have for many years imparted their high ethic dynamic into their daughter Siama whose first words were “Open House”, and who now is part of the team. Together, they continue to live what they believe by providing a real estate service that exceeds the standards set by the industry. Their goal is to continue to maintain a disciplined, organized and detail oriented business that is committed to personal care, superior results & bettering the community. They seem always to find time to volunteer in the community or help others. “Through ongoing education, goal setting and self-improvement, we will never become complacent and will remain loyal to the ideals of justice, honesty and success through giving of ourselves to others”, says Ruby. For more information, visit http://www.theahmedteam.com .

Riverside Truck & Equipment – Riverside, California: Owned by Ron & Sue Nelthorpe, Riverside Truck & Equipment, Inc. has been selling trucks and trailers to businesses across the United States and internationally for over twenty years. Riverside Truck & Equipment has and is continuing to grow their business and reputation as a recognized premier truck dealer in California. Both Ron and Sue understand the importance of a thriving economy, and through the Chamber and other community organizations work hard to support efforts to grow our economy. For more information, visithttp://riversidetrucksales.com.

Saddleback Inn – Lake Arrowhead, California: Owned by Kurt & Bonnie Campbell, the Saddleback Inn is today a charming historic Inn and landmark at the entrance to the Lake Arrowhead Village and has become a well-recognized part of the Community. Over the past sixty-five years many famous people have frequented this historical Inn. Howard Hughes was a visitor along with Charles Lindbergh plus the exciting Hollywood and entertainment communities. Thus, several guest rooms are reminiscent (and named after) many of these heroes and heroines. For more information, visithttp://www.saddlebackinn.com.

Burt’s Jewelry & Repair – Grand Terrace, California: Owners Burt and Deborah Seuylemezian are very well known and well respected in Grand Terrace. They have lived there for 22 years and have owned Burt’s Jewelry & Repair for the last 17 years. Both are long time “active” Board Members of the Grand Terrace Lions Club. Burt has served as President and currently serves as the Parliamentarian. Burt is currently serving as the Treasurer for the Grand Terrace Chamber and Deborah served on the Chamber Board for several years until last year. Deborah is a long time member of the Grand Terrace Woman’s Club. For more information, visit http://www.burtsjewelry.com.