Keynote speaker Tony Simmons, CEO of McIlhenny Company, left, is honored by Center for Family Business Director Ed Hart, right, at the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on March 15.

Mihaylo’s Center for Family Business held its second annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on March 15, adding four peer-nominated businesses to its honor roll.

Mihaylo College’s Center for Family Business  has assisted Southern California family businesses in finding solutions to their individual challenges while expanding the college’s vast network. The center hosted its second annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by City National Bank at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library in Yorba Linda on March 15, adding five honorees to a prestigious circle of the best family enterprises, as nominated by their peers.

Center founders Dave and Judy Harman were given the Lifetime Achievement Award for their role in launching the center in 1995 with five founding members, four of whom are still active in the center. Harman accepted the award on behalf of herself and her late husband.

Earth Friendly Products receives the Excellence in Community Award for the company’s socially responsible commitment to its local community.

Cypress-based green products firm Earth Friendly Products netted the Excellence in Community Award, given to a family enterprise committed to supporting and developing their local community.  Coffee roasting company F. Gaviña & Sons Inc., based in Vernon, earned the Strength in Succession Award, for growth in spite of the economic cycle over successive generations. Anaheim’s public works contractor Pinner Construction Company was recipient of the Founder’s Vision Award, which honors an enterprise that has remained faithful to its original vision. Advance Beauty College, which started in Garden Grove in 1999 and opened a second location in Laguna Hills in September 2015, was awarded the Commitment to Education Award for prioritizing education as a driving force in its business operation.

“It was truly an honor being nominated with so many great family businesses, let alone being selected,” said Johnny Pinner, vice president of Pinner Construction. “We thoroughly enjoyed learning about the Center for Family Businesses and look forward to the opportunities the organization has to offer.”

The event featured keynote speaker Tony Simmons, CEO of Tabasco sauce manufacturers McIlhenny Company and the fifth generation in his family to work in the Louisiana-based operation.

Robbin Bretzing, the center’s administrative coordinator, was recognized for her 16 years of commitment to the center and Southern California family businesses. She recently announced her retirement.

The Center for Family Business offers regular speaker events designed to educate family businesses on a wide range of topics and sponsors a course for Cal State Fullerton students and the broader community, MGMT 335 – Family Business Dynamics. For more information, visit them online or stop by their office at SGMH 5284.