Tehachapi News

The Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce recognizes Hilltop Publishers as the 2009 Small Business o

larger view

The Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce has selected Hilltop Publishers as the 2009 small business of the year for their continuous involvement and support of local charitable organizations and community volunteerism.

Small in stature at less than five feet tall, publisher Claudia Henson is big on community service. It's difficult to attend community events and meetings without spotting her energetic presence. As the president of Main Street Tehachapi, she has helped organize events such as the annual Valentine's Day Wine & Chocolate tasting, Chili Cookoff, downtown shopping events and the annual Star Light Ball.

She's also an incoming board member for the Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce and a chamber ambassador, ever-present at grand openings and ribbon cuttings. She’s an active Rotarian and Optimist Club member and former long-time treasurer for Sharing & Caring's thrift store.

An avid supporter of the local arts community, Henson has also made generous donations to Tehachapi Community Theater's efforts to restore the historic BeeKay Theater.

“As owner of two businesses in town - Tehachapi Art Center and CrossRoads Gallery - I can personally attest to Claudia's commitment to the burgeoning artistic community in Tehachapi,” said Mel White in her nomination letter to the chamber.

“It just feels good to figure out how to give back to the community,” Henson said before her daughter and partner Alysia Bailey finished her sentence. “It keeps the energy exchange going.”

THE FAMILY BUSINESS
The mother-daughter team of Henson and Bailey publish the twice-monthly community and entertainment guide, The Loop. As a business and lifestyle philosophy, the Hilltop team publishes only positive news. Photographic and reporting skills of Sam White, Sales Manager Jean Nasser, and a host of local contributing writers complete the family business. According to Henson, they help local entrepreneurs express themselves in their own words, to better inform the community about the products and services they offer.

They also maintain the tradition of the Hilltop Welcoming Committee, making newcomers feel at home.

“We try to keep people involved, help them feel a part of the community,” Henson said.

THE FAMILY
Bailey attended school in Tehachapi since the fifth grade and graduated from Summit Independent School in 1997. A self-taught graphic artist who first took introductory classes at Tehachapi High School, she is comfortable working behind the scenes. The self-proclaimed perfectionist is a busy, single mom who shares custody of her 9-year-old son Robert. The local child celebrity's image is frequently spotted in The Loop, resulting in casual greetings from admiring fans that spot him around town. His image was also painted into the Tehachapi Boulevard mural titled Street Dance.

Bailey hopes that 2009 will bring new opportunities to step out into the community, and into her own skin as an artist. She enjoys reading, writing, drama, stained glass, and would like to dabble in polymer clay sculpting.

“I've always wanted to express myself artistically,” Bailey said. “I keep trying to find time. I spend most of my time behind a desk. I've got to get out more. I'm trying to live more.”

Bailey plans to become active with the community theater this year.

Bailey said the 2009 Small Business of the Year award makes her feel good about the career path she began traveling even before she graduated. What makes her feel confident, she said, is knowing that she's a positive influence in her community.

“I want to help Tehachapi thrive,” she said. “I want people to feel good about where they live, where they work. I want them to feel connected to everything else, not live their lives in a bubble.”

Henson was equally proud of the achievement, and thanked the Tehachapi News, co-sponsors of the awards.

“Right now it feels so inspiring that we are even compared to the Tehachapi News; just knowing that you are recognized,” Henson said. “We have different readership, we fill different needs.”

The Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce will present the 2009 Business of the Year Awards at the Jan. 24 Installation Dinner and Recognition Gala.

Next week's Community Business News will feature Albertson's, the 2009 Large Business of the Year award recipient.