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Spotlight Shines On Outstanding Businesses For 2021
biz noms

Large and small businesses that have contributed significantly to making Oakdale a great place to live and work are in the running for Business of the Year honors through the Oakdale Chamber of Commerce.

Nominated are Fritz Hummer Trucking, Inc. and Raley’s in the large business category; Noble Kennels and Oakdale Saddle Club in the small business category.

Following is some information about the nominated businesses; winners will be announced on Friday, March 11 at the annual Chamber of Commerce awards banquet. Nominees provided the information regarding their businesses.

 

Fritz Hummer Trucking Inc.

I inherited a family business in trucking and rental properties from my parents. They gave me strong work ethic and a desire to hold on to and continue their legacy. I have also tried to be a good father figure and mentor to the young people that I have had in my life, like I was lucky enough to have in mine growing up.

In my life I have gained many friends I now call family. This community and the people are why I try to give back.

Ranching and farming are our life blood. I purchase pigs from 4-H/FFA because these kids are the future of our agriculture. They need to be supported for the hard work and money that they put in all year to get these animals to fair. I believe it sets a good foundation for their future in life.

Then I donate some of this meat to local nonprofits such as Pacific Project Heroes for their breakfast and other various events throughout the year, also donating a truck and trailer or my mobile BBQ for local community events.

The houses I have I rent for less than most do to help people in our community that are struggling paying such high rents to be able have a roof over their heads. I don’t want to be “rich”, but I want to pass down a “rich” sense of kindness and community support to my son.

If you are asking me why I deserve to be the Business of the Year, I will tell you I don’t. I’m just trying to make my parents in heaven proud and maybe leave a legacy of my own that my son might be proud to carry on.

 

Raley’s

Raley’s is a privately-owned and family-operated customer experience grocery company. Raley’s stores are the destination for the best fresh products, affordable offerings and personalized service. The company’s commitment to infusing life with health and happiness by changing the way the world eats, one plate at a time, has made it a trusted source for food, nutrition, and wellness. Raley’s strives to enhance transparency and education in the food system in order to help customers make more informed, healthy food choices. Raley’s is proud to operate and serve the Oakdale community.

Visit at www.raleys.com.

 

 

Noble Kennels

In 2021 Noble Kennels, which is solely locally owned and operated, provided and accomplished so many things. They always donate grooming and bathing service to shelter dogs and local canine officers as needed.

Whenever there is a local fire that has displaced people and their pets, the facility provides boarding for the pets at no charge and conducts donation drives for the needs of the pets due to the fire. Every year Noble Kennels always holds an annual donation drive at Christmas to provide for the needs of the Oakdale Animal Shelter.

The Noble Kennels Staff has also provided educational opportunities for minors in our community by offering work experience employment openings for schoolwork experience. Noble Kennels also gives back to the community by sponsoring Girl Scouts of America educational nights teaching animal care and husbandry.

Furthermore, Noble Kennels has survived the coronavirus pandemic, retaining its entire staff and offering more employment opportunities. Due to the success of the Oakdale location, Noble Kennels has recently opened a second location in our neighboring community of Riverbank.

 

Oakdale Saddle Club

2021 was a strange year with having to survive 2020 but we put our heads together and realized we needed to work. With that in mind we started by moving the 2021 rodeo to August when the COVID relaxed and more people could attend; it was our best year in the history of Oakdale. We had a drive thru tri tip dinner, monthly barrel race Jr. Rodeo, Day of the Cowboy, and a few other odds and ends to raise enough money to keep the doors open and maintain our donations that we are so proud of. Our list of donation recipients includes Nor Cal Jr Rodeo Association, District 5 High School Rodeo Association, Oakdale High School Ag Dept., Oakdale Chamber of Commerce, Oakdale Enrichment Society, Pacific Project Heroes, Tough Enough to Wear Pink, Sierra View 4H, Orange Blossom 4H, Oakdale Boy Scouts; it totals to around $30,000. We also led the Oakdale Enrichment Society Fourth of July celebration parade with our color guard as well as the Christmas Parade. Our goal is and always will be to serve our community not only physically but also financially. Our events bring people here; they spend their money here, (hotels, restaurants, gas stations, stores, etc.) Thanks for the nomination and hope to see all of you soon.