![](../images/for_pdf/0702-04601.jpg) | | Allen Pennebaker Photo Andy Scheck
| | | | | | "I need to start timing my gas purchases to when I'm here in Orinda," said Contra Costa County Supervisor Candace Andersen before a packed house at the Orinda Country Club March 20. Andersen, one of several dignitaries present for Orinda's State of the City Address, was also on hand to honor Flying A Gas Station, recipient of the 2013 Best Small Business Award.
Founded by Allen Pennebaker and his wife, owner-operators of Orinda Motors since 1996, Flying A has achieved a devoted following by offering low gas prices, hand car wash and detailing, and "old time customer service" - fuel pumped by attendants who also squeegee windshields (www.orindaautodetail.com/flying-a-gasoline).
In their nearly two decades of civic engagement, the Pennebakers have also spearheaded or sponsored numerous community events, including Orinda's annual Fourth of July celebration, the Orinda Classic Car Show, and the Orinda Baseball Association's annual Opening Day.
"This is a great community to do business in," observed the Orinda native and Miramonte High School graduate in accepting the award. Pennebaker acknowledged his management staff individually in front of roughly 100 business professionals, city officials, and representatives of the offices of Congressman George Miller and state legislators Joan Buchanan and Mark DeSaulnier.
The event was presented by the Orinda Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Orinda.
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