J.D. Heiskell & Co. celebrated its 125th anniversary last year. President and fourth generation family member Scot Hillman said the award just might be the company's highlight of the year.
J.D. Heiskell & Co. is the country's fourth-largest animal feed manufacturing company in the US. It has operations in seven other states beside California and employs about 300 people in the Valley alone.
The company was one of five finalists up for the award, now in its 23rd year. The award is presented by the Institute for Family Business at California State University, Fresno.
Criteria used to select the winner include longevity, implementing innovative strategies, incorporating family into the business, instituting a succession plan and community contributions.
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