Costco Wholesale Receives Top Honors by Loma Linda Chamber

Costco Wholesale was named the top Loma Linda area business member of the year by the Loma Linda Chamber of Commerce at the 3rd Annual Top Chamber Business (TCB) Awards, hosted by Assemblyman Mike Morrell (R-Rancho Cucamonga). For their accomplishments, Costco Wholesale representative Ethiem Lewis was awarded a resolution by Assemblyman Morrell and Chamber of Commerce leaders. “Costco Wholesale has been a huge supporter of our Chamber. They are major sponsors in our business expo and our golf tournament, and that’s something we really appreciate. Part of the criteria for the award was that [the winner] be out in the community. [Costco Wholesale] has been out supporting events such as health fairs, and have been running events in the City of Loma Linda, so they not only support the Chamber but also their community,” said Loma Linda Chamber of Commerce CEO Phil Carlisle. Lewis, who is a Costco Marketing Representative who has spent 29 years total with the company, said the honor came as a surprise. “It was an honor to receive the award. We had not received an award [like this] in the past, so it was a surprise. In the last few years, we’re really trying to be more involved in the community and it’s great we were acknowledged.” He added that each year in May, Costco hosts a fundraiser throughout the month of May to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network, and, each year, chooses one elementary school and donates backpacks to each student. Additionally, Costco is actively involved with various hospitals, in veterans’ services and with United Way. “It’s our way of giving back,” said Lewis. “We want to tell people we appreciate their business and thank you for shopping here.” Costco Wholesale first opened in 1976 in San Diego under the name Price Club. Originally, Costco Wholesale served only small businesses, but eventually expanded its services to non-business members, allowing the company to grow exponentially. In 1993, the first Costco warehouse location opened in Seattle. Costco and Price Club merged in 1993 and operated under the name PriceCostco. The company resumed the name Costco four years later in 1997, growing worldwide. Costco Wholesale was honored among five other Loma Linda businesses by both Assemblymember Morrell and the Loma Linda Chamber of Commerce: Premier Medical Transportation, Loma Linda Lopers, Loma Linda University Print Services, Goodwin Insurance Agency and Budget Transmission II, Inc., with Costco Wholesale receiving top honors.