Economic Development Through Entrepreneurship
Claude Laval Corporation
Claude Laval has served as chairman of the Board of Directors since CVBI's inception in 1996. A Fresno water technology industry leader, Laval has led the Claude Laval Corp. into a range of industrial, commercial and agricultural markets from its Fresno-based headquarters.
CVBI's Water and Energy Technology (WET) Incubator program is named to honor Laval. He is also chairman of California State University, Fresno’s International Center for Water Technology -- CVBI's partner in the WET Incubator -- and was honored for his years of dedication to the issues of economic development and job creation for the Central Valley.
Laval has served as president of the International Irrigation Association and director of the Fresno Economic Development Corporation. He was also a founder of the Fresno Business Council. Laval was honored in 1997 with the Central California Excellence in Business Hall of Fame Award and in 1998 received the Leon S. Peters Award. Additionally, he was recognized in 1984 as the U.S. Commerce Department's Export Executive of the Year.
Born in Fresno, Laval is a graduate of Fresno High School and Stanford University.