Packed house at Tachi Hotel honors new Citizen, Organization, Business

Members of the Lemoore FFA celebrate their new status as Organization of the Year.

An emotional Wahl was introduced by last year’s Citizen of the Year Bob Clement, who is also a good friend and told the large crowd how honored he was to be selected to join a long list of Lemoore’s best citizens.

“It just feels awesome,” said Wahl following his induction. “They just weren’t honoring me, they were honoring the town of Lemoore, the businesses, the organizations and the citizens of the past.”

The audience was also treated to an impressive showing by the Lemoore FFA, many of its officers appeared on stage to thank the Lemoore Chamber of Commerce for the honor. The FFA has been a staple of agricultural education for 80 years in Lemoore.

Perkins served double duty Friday night. In addition to her role as the manager for Best Western, Perkins also is the incoming Chamber president and served as master of ceremonies.

Frances Perkins enjoys the moment after Best Western was honored as Business of the Year.

California State Assemblyman Rudy Salas was on hand as well to present state proclamations to all the recipients. Salas said he truly enjoys participating in these form of events in Lemoore. "I mean it’s just really great being out here recognizing them. It takes a village to raise a kid and it takes a community coming together to move forward.”

Salas was especially pleased to honor the local FFA. He lauded the Lemoore FFA’s role two years ago in saving state funding for California FFA chapters. Lemoore students visited the state capitol and managed to convince Governor Brown the importance of FFA.