Pleasant Hill chamber brings back its Business Person of the Year award

Complete references and supporting research notes for this story.

• Board Dinner & Awards — Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce

  The Aug. 20, 2026 dinner at Back Forty Texas BBQ; the chamber's statement that the evening will restore valued traditions paused during the pandemic, including the Business Person of the Year award; the program (cocktail hour, seated dinner, year-in-review, board recognition and leadership transitions, presentation of the award); that nominations are closed and the winner will be announced Aug. 20; the three 2026 nominees named on the page — Angela Kalinowski (WiseGirl Restaurant, Bar & Live Music / Back Forty Texas BBQ Roadhouse & Saloon), Gerardo Wence (Wence's Restaurant) and Karen Trinh (Nurture Path Development Center); and the chamber's honor roll of past recipients from 2000 (Len Shapiro) to 2017 (Zachary's Pizza).

• Board Installation Dinner & Business Person of the Year Award — Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce

  That the chamber describes the award as one of its most distinguished traditions returning after close to a decade; the Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026 date and the Back Forty Texas BBQ venue; and that ticket and sponsorship information is carried on this listing.

• WiseGirl Restaurant — Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce member directory

  Angela Kalinowski listed as the chamber member contact for WiseGirl Restaurant at 1932 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill, (925) 448-9888.

• Back Forty Texas BBQ — Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce member directory

  Back Forty Texas BBQ listed at 100 Coggins Drive, Pleasant Hill, (925) 935-1440, under Restaurants and Catering.

• About Us — WiseGirl Restaurant, Bar & Live Music

  That WiseGirl describes itself as a woman-owned business serving Italian American fare, with a live music stage, dance floor and event space, located in Poet's Corner in Pleasant Hill; address 1932 Oak Park Blvd. and phone (925) 448-9888.

• About Us — Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce

  Jeremy Carlson as executive director; the chamber office at 2255 Contra Costa Blvd., Suite 307; office hours Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; phone (925) 687-0700.