The Fillmore Community Awards Committee is proud to announce Fillmore & Western Railway Company as the 2019 Business of the Year!

After learning about being selected Business of The Year, Josh Carsman, Fillmore & Western’s Marketing & Events Director said, “We are very grateful to be chosen Business of the Year by the Fillmore Community Awards Committee. Thank you!”

Josh went on to say, “With regards to the future of Fillmore & Western Railway. I'm optimistic that all parties involved can come to the table to reach a future sustainable long-term agreement that is beneficial to each. Whatever I can do to increase & expose the value that this railroad brings to the Heritage Valley & beyond I will. Its preservation plays an important role to Ventura County. Especially with driving tourism & economic development to the cities it connects. Each city has such a great agricultural history. Each has something special to offer. It's quite magical when we can all come together and do great things. People from other cities & counties even begin to notice. And thus begins the tides of change. Full steam ahead! We are extremely thankful for the community support & recognition we have received. Your local support is a critical part of the process & we hope to continue serving this community.”

Fillmore & Western Railway Company (Short Line Enterprises) was founded in 1967. Between 1967 & 1972, the company bought, sold and traded locomotives, passenger cars and freight cars. The majority of the equipment was acquired from the property departments of 3 major movie studios: MGM, Paramount & 20th Century Fox.

In 1996, Short Line Enterprises became the film division of the Fillmore & Western Railway Company. Operations expanded from movie work and limited passenger trips to year round Weekend Scenic adventures, Murder Mystery Comedy Lunch & Dinner trains, Holiday trains, Special Event trains, Steam train rides, School trains & privately chartered group trains. The antique trains of Fillmore & Western rolled into the 21st century. They remain highly involved in the magic of movie making, while the company's unique excursions provide the means of travel to a bygone era.

Fillmore & Western supports partnering with neighboring cities when possible and thanks all those who support preserving the railroad for years to come. They thank the local community and hope to remain in Ventura County. Visit Fillmore & Western’s website at FWRY.com and "Like" them on Facebook.

The Community Awards will take place on Saturday, April 11, 6:00pm – 8:00pm at the Fillmore-Piru Memorial Building. More information to follow.