SACRAMENTO – Assemblywoman Nicole M. Parra (D-Hanford) today participated in a “Salute to Small Business” as part of California Small Business Day. During the event, Assemblywoman Parra presented Assembly Resolution 1907, which recognizes the achievements of Wildwood Packing and Cooling, from Kingsburg.

“Wildwood Packing and Cooling is a vibrant part of Kingsburg’s and California’s economy,” said Assemblywoman Parra. “The Woods family has set a great example for others thinking of venturing into the small business arena because they proved that it can be done. Small businesses often face fierce competition from larger competitors, but that should not be a deterrent to people from opening their own business.”

Mark and Sue Woods started their first business as a trucking company in 1968, which involved transporting produce throughout California. Wildwood Express, Inc. has been working with their dealer, Fresno Truck Center of Fresno since 1971. With the help of their children, Mark, Matthew, Luke, and Johna, they expanded their business to include farming in 1978. The family entered into the Packing and Cooling industry in 2002, establishing Wildwood Packing and Cooling in 2004. In addition to the trucking business, which operates throughout California and Arizona, the company includes 13 farms with a total of 400 acres where they grow peaches, plums, nectarines and pluots (a plum/apricot hybrid). Additionally, they operate a packing house with 400,000 square feet of storage space. Wildwood Packing and Cooling operates year round and transports goods from across every region of the State to grocers both here and abroad.

“I commend the Woods family for their successful business ventures and for serving as a shining example of entrepreneurial determination,” Assemblywoman Parra said. “They are a prominent and integral part of the Kingsburg community and I wish them continued success in their endeavors.”