Ruf nominated for award

Jess Ruf Local businessman Jess Ruf is one of 14 nominess for the prestigious Fernando Award, an honor given each year to the top businessperson in the San Fernando and Las Virgenes valleys.

Ruf, a resident of Malibou Lake, was nominated by the Agoura/Oak Park/Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Ruf's California Do it Centers and Patioworlds were named Business of the Year in 2005 by the United Chambers of Commerce in 2005.

Ruf's businesses, which also include Neiman Reed Lumber Company, are located throughout California and have more than 1,000 employees. The business remains 100 percent owned by Ruf and is among the largest independentlyowned retail chains in the state.

The Fernando Award nomination luncheon will be Aug. 17 at the Woodland Hills Hilton.

The chairman of the Fernando Foundation is Agoura Hills resident Brad Rosenheim.