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The Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award

Entrepreneurs and innovators have a passion that cannot be dampened.  They work to create solutions and embody a spark of creativity and engagement.  They are dedicated to the process of business creation.  Truly successful entrepreneurs are recognized for not only what they make, but also for what they give: inspiration, guidance, opportunity and hope to those who follow their same journey. Taking an idea from concept to commercialization and creating jobs and opportunity that benefit entire communities, entrepreneurs provide the very foundation for economic development.

 

The recipient of The Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award demonstrates the passion to create ideas and the tenacity and talent to turn those ideas into a sustainable business.  The Spirit of Entrepreneurship embodies ambition, creativity, leadership, adaptability, positivity and tenacity.

CVBI-SBDC is honored to recognize Fred Ruiz, Founder and Chairman Emeritus of Ruiz Foods, Inc. as the 2012 Recipient of the Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award.

 

Along with his father Louis, Fred Ruiz helped start Ruiz Foods in 1964. The father-son team is responsible for helping launch not only Ruiz Foods, but El Monterey and Toranados Brands of frozen Mexican foods.  From its humble beginnings, Ruiz Foods has grown into a major powerhouse, employing more than 2,500 people in three facilities, managing three top-selling brands and creating Ruiz 4 Kids – a philanthropic foundation focused on positively changing the lives of kids.

Headquartered in Dinuba, CA, annual sales at Ruiz Foods have reached over $376 million.  Ruiz Foods El Monterey Brand® is the market leader within the frozen Mexican Food and the #1 Brand of frozen Mexican food in the U.S. and it all started right here, in the Central Valley, under the guidance and drive of our 2012 Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award recipient, Fred Ruiz.

The Perpetual

John D. Welty Visionary Stewardship Award

 

Entrepreneurs and Innovators rarely work in a vacuum.  They rely on teams of experts and advocates who help shepherd their ideas and ventures. The Perpetual John D. Welty Visionary Stewardship Award was created to honor individuals who provide vision, stewardship, tenacity, investment and belief in the power of small business.  Named for its first honoree, this award honors individuals who have who have charted a course so that others may succeed and recognizes those that provide the vision and stewardship for future success and growth.  This perpetual trophy will be awarded to individuals that demonstrate the kind of stewardship of entrepreneurship and innovation that is synonymous with Dr. Welty’s legacy throughout the Central Valley.

Dr. John D. Welty, President of California State University, Fresno since 1991 Under his guidance, the university has become recognized as one of the nation’s most engaged universities, expanded minority enrollment, created an honors college, revised its general education requirements, added new academic programs and institutes, and constructed $404.3 million in facilities,   including a new $102 million library.

Dr. Welty is widely recognized as a driver of entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic development here in the Central Valley and beyond.  He has connected university programs to community needs, actively involving and addressing issues in Central California and engaging Fresno State with the entire region.   Through his efforts the Central Valley Business Incubator, the Regional Jobs Initiative, the Office of Community and Economic Development and dozens of other initiatives and programs designed to harness the innovative spirit of our region have been established created. Dr. Welty’s passion and perseverance have driven the many accomplishments of Fresno State and helped establish the Central Valley.
CVBI-SBDC along with the Fresno Business Council are honored to recognize Dr Welty for his Stewardship and Vision with the creation of The Perpetual John D. Welty Visionary Stewardship Award

 

Join us on Wednesday, October 10^th as we honor Dr. John D. Welty and Mr. Fred Ruiz at the Central Valley Stock Exchange.

 

For more information visit: https://cvbi.org/cvse/sbu/

 

Tickets are available at: http://cvse.eventbrite.com/or by calling x. 114.

 

CVBI-SBDC is a resource for people who want to start & expand their business through access to capital; work & meeting spaces; access to professional networks and plan development. CVBI is an equal opportunity provider and employer.   All Federal and State funded programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Special arrangements for individuals with disability will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. CVBI is funded in part through the Fresno Regional Workforce Investment Board and The UC Merced Regional Small Business Development Center which is funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration, and center host institutions. SBA’s funding is not an endorsement of any products, opinions or services. SBA funded programs are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis.  Any opinions, findings, conclusions and recommendations expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).