EDC recognizes Three Rivers artists, entrepreneurs
The Kaweah Commonwealth
March 18, 2011
Nadi Spencer, Bill Haxton, Lynn Bretz
Each year since 2005, the Tulare County Economic Development Corporation has honored select Tulare County businesses at their annual Recognizing Excellence in Entrepreneurship Awards Luncheon. Among the 2010 honorees was Ja Nene Natural Body Products of Three Rivers.
For 2011, three of the 11 nominees for the award are based in Three Rivers. The luncheon was held at the Visalia Convention Center on Friday, March 11.
Bill Haxton of Mountain View Realty expressed surprise at his nomination.
“That they would nominate me for my involvement with an arts-based nonprofit [Three Rivers Performing Arts Institute] indicates how important the arts are for the economic development of Tulare County. I am really honored. Our overriding goal is to bring very high-caliber chamber music to Three Rivers and other small communities and to present it in an affordable manner for all to enjoy.”
At the luncheon, Bill was presented with the “Spirit Award.”
Nadi Spencer, a well-known Three Rivers artist who operates Nadi’s Studio, was nominated for her innovative 1st Saturday program. “It is an honor… 1st Saturday started out as an idea just to keep my head above water. It was successful at my studio, then expanded to become a way for the artist and business communities of Three Rivers to come together. Three Rivers has such a wealth of artistic talent. To bring these talents to light so that they can be shared with and enjoyed by others has been very satisfying.”
Reimer’s Candies rounds out the local nominations, and Lynn Bretz, who with his wife Mary Anne purchased the well-known candy store in 2005, acknowledges the hard work of employees at his two locations: Three Rivers and Avila Beach (opened in 2008). “It is an honor to be nominated; it just goes to show how hard work and dedication can pay off.” Lynn, Mary Anne, and staff serve up some of the finest handmade candies and ice cream this side of anywhere along with a wide selection of gifts and Bavarian clocks.
Be it appreciation of paintings, world-class music, or a divine piece of handmade chocolate, Three Rivers is the real winner with Haxton, Spencer, and Bretz in our midst.
(Article and Photo reprinted with permission from The Kaweah Commonwealth.)
Three Rivers Performing Arts Institute 
It’s good to see my Three Rivers neighbors receiving the recognition they deserve.
Thanks for your hard work and dedication to your ideas.
You make life in Three Rivers so much nicer.