During 2008 we marked the passing of some remarkable entrepreneurs.

Two that stand out are Herb Peterson and George Bliss.

Peterson was a Chicago native and ad executive who worked on the McDonald’s account and helped create the persona of Ronald McDonald. Bitten by the entrepreneurial bug, he moved to Santa Barbara and created the McDonald’s franchise for the Central Coast. In the early 1970s he invented the Egg McMuffin, a fast food version of his favorite breakfast — eggs benedict. In doing so, he gave the burgeoning chain its first breakfast menu item.

On Jan. 5, Central Coast McDonald’s will observe “Herb Peterson Day” and McDonald’s stores in Santa Barbara and Goleta, still owned by the Peterson family, will offer Egg McMuffins for $1.

George Bliss, who lived in Carpinteria, was a pioneer in the business of growing and shipping avocados. He also served as a trusted advisor to any number of businesses, including Montecito Bank & Trust.

Bliss was a community-minded leader, a maverick who was not afraid to speak his mind and a beacon for those who believe in the free enterprise system.

His avocado transfer station and trucking operations remain in the capable hands of a new generation of Bliss family members.

We extend our best wishes to the Peterson and Bliss families.

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