(Sacramento, CA) - Assemblymember Joan Buchanan (D-Alamo) today recognized Mehran Hamzeh, owner of the Brass Bear Deli, as the Small Business of the Year for the 15th Assembly District.

"Mehran and Sheida Hamzeh are wonderful individuals and I am proud to honor them as the Small Business of the Year," Buchanan said. "Brass Bear sandwiches are excellent and Mehran and Sheida are huge supporters of the community. They are an important part of what makes the San Ramon Valley great."

The Hamzeh family has owned and operated the Brass Bear Deli in Alamo for 30 years. In 2009, the Hamzehs opened a second location in Walnut Creek. Hamzeh has built a strong business that helps contribute to the local economy by hiring high school and college students to work at the deli part time. He estimates that over 250 young adults in the San Ramon Valley have worked for him since he first opened the doors of the Brass Bear Deli, and he has enjoyed watching them grow.

"It is important to recognize the Brass Bear's continuous service to the young people in our community. Sheida and Mehran have given our youth a chance to work, learning responsibility and leadership. They are incredible role models for our kids," Buchanan said.

The Brass Bear Deli is open 7 days a week, 362 days a year. In addition to their full-service deli, they also provide catering service.

The Small Business of the Year awards are hosted by the California Small Business Association. In 2000, the Assembly resolved that the final Wednesday in May each year would be declared "California Small Business Day."

Contact: Susanna Schlendorf @ (916) 319-2015