TEHACHAPI, Calif. -- The Apple Shed has been a Tehachapi staple for the past 14 years and current owners Mary Lou and Jacques Vachon said they were surprised and honored when they were chosen by Assemblymember Jean Fuller for the 32nd District's Small Business of the Year.

Last Tuesday was the annual California Small Business day in Sacramento where a small business from each district was honored as business of the year.

The Apple Shed was honored for the 32nd district, which includes Bakersfield, Ridgecrest, Taft, Frazier Mountain, Kern River Valley, and Tehachapi.

Owner Mary Lou Vachon said, "Being selected out of 3.7 millions small business companies in California is just huge. So, both Jacques and I, and all the employees, we take a lot of pride and we were excited to receive that award.”

The Apple Shed was not only selected because of the business but because of the businesses involvement in the city.

“We, as The Apple Shed, and myself are quite involved in the Chamber of Commerce, and also Main Street and also the City of Tehachapi. We also sponsor many groups and organizations having to do with kids in the high school and career development,” said Vachon.

The owners said the honor didn’t sink in until Assemblymember Jean Fuller was speaking to the crowd of 500 about The Apple Shed.

Vachon said, "Her comment and her quote was, when she found our place, she came in as a customer and she left as a friend. And that’s just big for us. That’s the kind of atmosphere and reputation we definitely want.”

They say being recognized as California’s 32nd District Small Business of the Year during these tough economic times is an inspiration.

“This award gives us the strength to keep on going, knowing that there are more customers and exposure coming to not only make The Apple Shed successful, but also Tehachapi, the City of Tehachapi successful,” said Vachon.

The Vachons said while the award is great, they also had a great time speaking with other small business owners while in Sacramento and exchanging ideas for getting through this tough economy.