1945
Bill Kaney and Betty Baldwin married on Wednesday, October 5th at St. Matthew’s Church in Long Beach, California
1947
Bill and Betty Kaney venture into the Meat Business. They rented out the Meat Department at Every Body’s Market in Long Beach, CA., a percentage of sales went to the owner to pay the rent. Bill was the Butcher and Betty sliced the Deli meat, worked the counter and helped the customers. Bill also enjoyed the marketing aspect and deli display cases. Bill would shape sausages into Pig shapes for the display. He would also dress the fish with Lemons and Parsley as a display. Betty would clean out display cases and set up the sliced meats and green plastic dividers in the case. Their business did very well!
1949
Bill was encouraged by his Uncle Max to purchase a food locker business in Buena Park, CA. The food locker and mini-market was located on the street frontage side of the property with a 1-bedroom house behind it. One of Bill and Betty’s loyal neighbors was Knott’s Berry Farm.
1950
Bill Kaney went to work for Harry Smith, owner of Selma Meat Company. Bill was a Salesmen and Driver for the city of San Pedro. One of Bill’s customers was the Lennon Family –(The Lennon Sisters used to sing on the Lawrence Welk Show).
1953
As Bill’s Sales Territory expanded it was best to move the family to Colton, CA. Bill and Betty moved their five children to 2nd Street in Colton. As the business flourished, Harry Smith offered Bill half ownership of the company. Bill was interested yet wanted to open up a business partnership with his brother, Gene Kaney and friend Dave Mills. The partnership of four included Bill, Gene, Dave and Harry. Eventually Gene, Dave and Bill bought out Harry Smith for $10,000 and changed the name to Inland Empire Meat Company. The plant was located on I street in Colton, CA
Bill Kaney was Selma Meat Co.’s most successful employee and Harry Smith asked Bill to pursue business in Colton, CA
1959
Inland Empire Meat Company moved to 1433 Miller Drive in Colton, CA. The building was owned by Woodrow Miller and originally leased to Stater Bros. At first, Bill leased part of the building but eventually expanded and leased the entire building to acquire additional office space.
1967
Inland Empire Meat Company joins NAMP. Sons, Patrick and Michael Kaney were accepted to the Animal/Meat Science Program at Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo, CA.
1969
Kaney Meats & Provisions established in San Luis Obispo, CA on Sweeny Lane, Operated by Mike and Jim Kaney.
1971
Kaney Foods joins Frosty Acres Brands, buying group.
1972
Bill Kaney appointed to State Advisory Agricultural Board by then Governor Ronal Reagan.
1975 Bill Kaney served on Board of Directors for Frosty Acres
Also, Inland Empire Meat Company purchases Formax IQF Spiralator.
1976
Kaney Foods moves to new location on Capitolio Way, San Luis Obispo.
1977
Jim, Pat, Mike & David Kaney “The Boys” bought stock from their Uncle Gene Kaney.
1978
Bill Kaney appointed PRESIDENT of NAMP.
1982-1983
Bill Kaney served as President of National Frozen Food Association and Member of Southern California Meat Packaging Association Board of American Meat Institute.
1988
Bill and Betty Kaney left Inland Empire Meat Company and Kaney Foods, the company they founded and cherished.
