The Barnwood Arms gun shop and shooting range in downtown Ripon was honored by Assemblyman Heath Flora as a Small Business of the Year.

The Barnwood Arms is a family owned and operated business now in its second generation of ownership.  It was started in 1981 by brothers Joseph and John Mangelos while Joseph was a member of the Ripon Police Department and John ran the longtime Barnwood restaurant and Deli.

“As a locally owned company, we strive to be an active part of our community, supporting numerous area fundraisers and youth activities,” according to Paul Mangelos.  “We pride ourselves in being a full-service gun store and shooting range, supplying the needs of sportsmen, law enforcement, collectors and anyone with self-protection needs.”

Small business contribute to 75 percent of California’s gross state product and over half of the state’s private sector jobs from hardware stores to manufacturers, Flora said.  Small businesses have re-energized California’s communities and economy, he added. 

“California small businesses are the economic engine of our state,” according to Betty Jo Toccoli, president of the California Small Business Association.  The Barnwood Arms Gun Store ws celebrated for its successful small business and its contribution to its community.”

To contact Glenn Kahl, email gkahl@mantecabulletin.com.