By Maddy PUMILIA

The La Cañada Chamber of Commerce awarded La Cañada Union 76 Gas Station owner Charlie Kamar Business Owner of the Year at the Chamber’s installation dinner on Jan. 19.

“I was fortunate,” Kamar said. He said getting nominated was “awesome” and he was happy about it.

Chamber President and CEO Pat Anderson said it was because his “commitment to the community, schools and chamber was outstanding.”

“When they nominate someone, they look at every side,” Kamar added. “They look at what they do for schools and how you help your customers. I’m very involved in the community with the schools. I support teams.”

An example of his commitment includes donations to the Community Center of La Cañada through their casino fundraiser nights.

The Chamber also awarded Business of the Year to Wells Fargo. “[It was for] their support of the chamber for the past year and their plans and outreach for the community,” Anderson said.

The Chamber, which just celebrated its centennial, also congratulated other businesses and organizations for reaching milestones. La Cañada Thursday Club celebrated its 100-year anniversary and the University Club of Pasadena reached its 90-year anniversary.

Also reaching milestones were Schaefer Ambulance Service’s that served 80 years, Parents and Children’s Nursery School’s marked 70 years, both Archer Travel Service and Foothill Municipal Water District’s celebrated 60-year achievements and the La Cañada Country Club marked 50 years.

  MADDY PUMILIA