The Mariposa County Chamber of Commerce has announced and will recognize the 2009 business people of the year. For the first time in over 20 years, two brothers were first elected as a pair and then garnered the voting majority.

On Friday, Feb. 5, at the chamber installation dinner, Trent and Gary Williams will both be honored with this, the chamber’s highest award. Continuing in the recognition of this long-time Mariposa family for their support and contribution to the community, Pearl Williams, their mother, has been voted Business Woman of the Year for 2009.

While the nominees were solicited from all chamber members, the voting ballots were issued to just the 40 past recipient businessmen and women. This group then narrowed down the slate of nominees and selected all three of the Williams’ family members.

Also nominated were Bob Kirchner, Bill Verley, Jim Nady and Jeffery Hentz. The other women nominees were Tracy Dubberke, Dell Knell, Courtney Twiss, Helen Kwalwasser, Sabrina Lyons, Trish Nady and LeeAnn Granville.

The chamber also announced the Mariposa County Fairgrounds as the 2009 Business of the Year. This balloting was cast by the chamber of commerce membership who chose from the following list of businesses of the month for 2009 starting with January:

Mariposa Brewing Company, SierraSunTimes/Goldrushcam, River Rock Inn, Mariposa Contractors Association, Mariposa Shipping Company, Yosemite Glass and Window Inc., Ponderosa Auto Dismantling and Towing, Barn and Garage King, Mariposa County Fairgrounds, Pioneer Market and Foster True Value Hardware.

The public is invited to celebrate these individuals and businesses by attending the dinner. This event will be hosted by Chamber President Lester Bridges with a key note address delivered by Chairman of the Mariposa County Board of Supervisors, Kevin Cann. The social hour begins at 5:30 p.m. Dinner and the program follow at 6:30 p.m. Those planning to attend should call the chamber office or register online at www.mariposachamber. org