Business of the Month Spotlight

BUSINESS OF THE MONTH -  December 2008

Fifty years of engineering milestones for Banks Power president and founder Gale Banks began at age 14 with an engine teardown of his mother's '31 Ford Model A that resulted in an increase of more than 40 horsepower. Gale Banks Engineering is a 200-employee-strong manufacturing and engineering complex that today occupies 12 acres in the San Gabriel Valley town of Azusa.

The bedrock integrity of Gale Banks is at the very core of Banks Power. Banks Power is known far and wide as the premier designer and manufacturer of power-enhancing products for diesel- and gas-powered light trucks, motorhomes, and sport-utility vehicles. Since the 1960s, Gale's futuristic high-performance engines have broken new ground while shattering world records. His marine engines propelled racing boats to national and world championships, and in military mode, his marine engines were chosen to power U.S. Navy SEAL covert-action boats. After decades of racing, Banks Power is still the only company to have set records at Bonneville in both automobile and truck classes.

As a recognized authority, Gale has taught engine design to graduate students at General Motors Institute, covering many subjects: engine architecture, turbochargers (design and application), fuel systems, exhaust systems, marine turbocharging, ignitions and camshafts, intercooling, and more. He currently serves on the SEMA Board of Directors and is an advisor for the Automotive X PRIZE.  Gale has been in the winner's circle countless times, setting a litany of marine and automotive performance marks and laying claim to such titles as World’s Fastest Passenger Car, World’s Fastest Pickup, World's Fastest Motorhome, and, most recently, World’s Fastest Diesel Drag Racing Truck.  Gale Banks will be inducted in the National Automobile Hall of Fame in January 2009.

BUSINESS OF THE MONTH -  November 2008

California Custom Fruits and Flavors, a leading developer and manufacturer of flavors and ingredients for food and beverage products was started in Terry & Rose Ann Hall’s kitchen.   In 1986 they moved their processing to Irwindale and became active members of the business community.  CCFF’s products have been used as ingredients in numerous award winning creations. 

CCFF’s dedication and commitment to their employees is proven in the retention rate by providing a positive work environment, recognizing quality of life, and promoting employee growth. They were also awarded the 2008 Environmental Committee Energy Preservation Award for the warehouse lighting retrofit project.

CCFF’s Value Statement is “We are committed to our community and our world through active contribution and charity involvement”.  They walk the talk through active involvement and support of local community organizations.

2008 Business of the Month Winners

2008 Annual Award Winners

Business of the Year: MillerCoors (formerly Miller Brewing Company)

Elizabeth has been the Building and Safety Technician for just a short time. Her responsibilities include issuing building and grading permits for all construction within the city.   Not only has she handled the general responsibilities of the position she created a procedural guide to maintain consistency in the processes.   She has created information sheets to clarify the processes which has eliminated confusion between contractors and city personnel. Her coworker commented “I have personally witnessed Elizabeth going the extra mile for developers and residents, saving them quite a bit of both time and money”