Calabasas Pharmacy Wins Small-Business Award

The was one of the Small Business of the Year Award winners named by the United Chambers of Commerce of the San Fernando Valley in June.

“It’s quite an honor to represent Calabasas,” said Brenda Johnson, who opened the pharmacy inside Gelson’s Market in 1996. “I’m among such prestigious company and I appreciate what they’ve done for the community.”

Johnson's business was nominated by the Calabasas Chamber of Commerce members and approved by the United Chambers.

The Small Business of the Year Awards “give each chamber a forum to recognize a small business in their community that has been outstanding that year,” said Calabasas Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Maureen Whalen.

Formed in 1977 from predecessor alliances, the United Chambers is a coalition of 32 business organizations, including 20 chambers of commerce throughout the San Fernando Valley representing 21,000 businesses.

“We nominated her because we couldn’t think of anyone more deserving this year,” Whalen said. “She is active in all aspects of her community,” including the Calabasas Chamber of Commerce, for which she serves as the chairwoman of the board of directors, and Calabasas schools.

“She participates in and volunteers for community events," Whalen said. "She works very hard to run her pharmacy and has established herself as a successful businesswoman in this community, and we’re proud of her.”

Johnson is glad to give back to the community.

“I know it’s good for business and gets the pharmacy name out there, but also it sets a good example for my daughter,” she said.

Johnson also serves as a mentor to young pharmacy students at USC’s School of Pharmacy.

“I show them that they can own their own pharmacy instead of having to work for somebody else, that they can have a family and run a business. It’s really important,” she said of her mentoring role, “because they’re the future.”