Harrison Brothers Receive Citizens of the Year Award

Every year, the Ventura Chamber of Commerce

names their Poinsettia Award winners, celebrating outstanding and inspiring people, businesses, public servants and leaders in our community. On Dec. 12, Ralph, Jim and Myron Harrison were honored to receive the chamber’s prestigious Citizens of the Year 2024 award at the annual awards ceremony held at Marriott Ventura Beach hotel. The award was especially poignant in light of Ralph’s passing earlier this year.

In a video played during the ceremony,

Nan Drake said the Citizens of the Year 2024 award recognized the brothers and their company as “a leading force in business, the environment and philanthropy across Ventura County and beyond for more than 60 years.”

“Through it all, Ralph, Jim and Myron have always worked to maintain the legacy of hard work and good deeds that was deeply instilled in them by (company founders) E.J. and Myra,” Nan said. “And the legacy continues with the brothers’ sons, daughters and grandchildren now working in the family business, promising to take it far into the future.”

“We really appreciate the award,” Myron Harrison said.

Then he brought up his parents. “They took out their first city license in Ventura in 1932, and here we are. And the whole family is still involved.”

“Harrison is a family company,”

James said from the podium. “It’s a local company. We have a lot of employees and we love all of them. It’s a joy every day to go to work.”

What James said is true for all of us in the Harrison family. Through your hard work and dedication, you share in the brothers’ award and should take pride in this achievement.

And it’s not the first time Harrison Industries has been honored with Poinsettia Awards. We won the award for large business in 2015 and Nan Drake received the citizen of the year award in 2017 and the late Myra Harrison received the citizen of the year award in 2004.

This honor comes with a heavy heart,

as it arrives posthumously for Ralph Harrison, who passed away earlier this year at 89. His warmth, integrity, and steadfast commitment continue to guide the family business, which now includes multiple generations working side-by-side. Together, the Harrison brothers have created a legacy of service and generosity that will influence and benefit Ventura for generations to come.

Please join us in celebrating the Harrisons’ extraordinary contributions, honoring their family’s enduring community spirit, and remembering Ralph Harrison’s lifetime of devotion to all of us who call Ventura home.