2010 AG Business Award – Fresno Equipment Company

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Baker, Peterson & Franklin, Certified Public Accountants, is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2010 Baker, Peterson & Franklin Ag Business Award is Fresno Equipment Company.

Fresno Equipment Company exemplifies a leading for-profit ag organization whose achievements and impact have significantly contributed to the ag industry and the Central Valley. The Baker, Peterson & Franklin Ag Business Award honors a for-profit service or product-related agribusiness or farming entity headquartered in the Central San Joaquin Valley. The award recipient is selected by a committee representing the local agribusiness industry and the BP&F Ag Department. The past 14 recipients are: Errotabere Ranches of Riverdale, Harris Farms of Coalinga, Borba Farms of Riverdale, National Raisin Co. of Fowler, Ballantine Produce Co. of Sanger, Woolf Enterprises of Fresno, Producers Dairy Foods of Fresno, P-R Farms of Clovis, J&L Vineyards of Fresno, Fowler Packing Company, Joseph Gallo Farms of Atwater, Wawona Frozen Foods of Clovis, Wilbur-Ellis Western Division, and Zacky Farms of Fresno.

Fresno Equipment Company was founded in 1960 by Mark Vucovich and Bill Hansen, and built the company with a customer-oriented approach. It was the first authorized John Deere dealer in Fresno County and has locations in Fresno and Five Points. Upon the untimely death of Mark Vucovich, the next generation brother-sister team of Steve and Marsha Vucovich share managerial duties of this full service dealership. Under the leadership of both generations, the company has grown from 15 to 85 employees. Their ability to adapt to changing needs and opportunities was honored with a John Deere “Gold Star” award, and Fresno Equipment Company is celebrating its 50th year anniversary.

Fresno Equipment Company believes it is critically important that customers receive exceptional service from highly-trained product experts, technicians and after-market staff. The company philosophy is to exceed customer expectations. Steve and Marsha are actively involved in officer positions with Ag One, Common Threads, Fresno Philharmonic, Institute of Family Business, St Agnes Hospital and Crime Stoppers. This brother-sister team demonstrates leadership and service not only for their customers, but for their employees, as well as the organizations they support.

Fresno Equipment Company has a long and distinguished record of positive leadership, entrepreneurship, and service to the agriculture industry and our community making them the 2010 Baker, Peterson & Franklin Ag Business Award recipient.

Fresno Equipment Company will be honored at the Ag Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, November 17 at Tornino’s in Fresno. The Baker, Peterson & Franklin Ag Business Award and the Fresno Chamber Agriculturist of the Year, Marvin Meyers of Firebaugh, will both be presented. Luncheon tickets are $40 for members/$55 for non-members and tables of 8 are $320 for members/$440 for non-members. Luncheon tickets are available through the Greater Fresno Chamber of Commerce, (559) 495-4800.