Chamber Names Businessman Bob Grande 'Santee Person of the Year 2012'

The Santee Chamber of Commerce recently announced that Bob Grande, founder and CEO of a local manufacturing plant, will be awarded the title of 2012 "Santee Person of the Year."

Grande, who built Quality Controlled Manufacturing (QCMI) from the ground up over 35 years, was chosen by a select group of Chamber officers and directors from a list of names nominated by the public.

"Bob was the most outstanding candidate from a strong field of people nominated for this award for 2012," said John Olsen, President and CEO of the Santee Chamber. "With such a depth of great nominees to choose from, the process was difficult, but Bob was outstanding and an excellent choice for this award."

According to the Chamber, the leader of the Santee-based company was chosen becuase he's created a company that uses "sophisticated and technologically innovative equipment while providing jobs to our local citizens."

A Chamber press release describes more about how QCMI helps the community:

QCMI has exhibited the desire to help local high-school students, the unemployed and returning veterans by creating economic security with training and good jobs. His generosity extends to the local community through school donations, adopt-a-family programs and facility tours. He supports the military with monetary donations to the National Veterans Transition Services Inc. (NVTSI), REBOOT Workshops, as well as paying for public relations' efforts for the Wounded Warriors Project, Segs4Vets, with company funds.

The award will be presented to Grande at the 2012 Santee Chamber of Commerce Awards Night Ceremony, which is being held Thursday evening at the Barona Resort & Casino.