Antioch’s Pinky’s Klassy Kar Wash honored as “Small Business of the Year” for the 11th Assembly District
Assemblyman Jim Frazier (D-Oakley) recognized Pinky’s Klassy Kar Wash of Antioch as the “Small Business of the Year” for the 11th Assembly District in a ceremony at the Sacramento Convention Center on Monday, June 10th.
Each year, the California State Assembly recognizes the contributions of small businesses in each Assembly district and their important role in the creation of jobs and growth for the California economy. The day began with workshops coordinated by the California Small Business Association, followed by a Salute to Small Businesses awards luncheon.
Juan Chen-Olsen and her husband, Dave Olsen, took over Pinky’s Klassy Kar Wash and have since become passionate environmental advocates for the Delta. Upon taking ownership of the small business, Juan discovered that the car wash had not been recycling its water, which she said smelled of residual grime, gasoline, and grease from the cars that had been serviced. When the couple began researching solutions to resolve their water issue, they discovered that repercussions of using non-recycled water had a devastating effect on local rivers and the Delta.
The two invested in updated, eco-friendly equipment to develop a 75 percent recycling wash facility that both maximized the use of clean recycled water and minimized the amount of pollutants going into the local waste water treatment plant.
“Pinky’s Klassy Kar Wash is a prime example of how a small business can be both successful and environmentally friendly,” said Assemblymember Frazier. “I applaud Juan and Dave for their enthusiasm in preserving the Delta and for their admirable commitment to improving the community of Contra Costa County.”
The couple has also dedicated much of their time to educating the local community. Juan is known for bringing a ‘jug of sludge’ to local schools to educate children about the effects of dirty water flowing into storm drains. She also utilizes her business to assist non-profit organizations in car wash events so that they don’t have to resort to ‘parking lot fundraisers’ that could cause harmful pollution to the Delta.
“I am thrilled and grateful for Mr. Frazier’s nomination,” said Juan. “I immediately gathered all my employees together and shared the news with them because I feel I would never get here without them. I feel finally somebody recognized the importance of the green car wash business and the positive impact it can have on our Delta waterway.”
To contact Assemblymember Jim Frazier please visit his website at www.asmdc.org/members/a11/ or call his District Office at 707-399-3011.
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