The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce celebrated excellence and innovation in the business community at its Annual Business Awards Dinner Feb. 26 at the Four Seasons Resort Aviara in Carlsbad.
The 42nd annual event honored the business and community leaders whose accomplishments set them apart by virtue of their sustained success, growth, community spirit and positive outlook. Guest host, former KGTV news anchor Carol LeBeau helped present the winners with their gleaming trophies. The chamber awarded professionals and businesses in the following
categories:
•
Businessperson of the Year
— Steve Hoffmann, NRG West
•
Small Business of the Year (tie)
— Flowers Forever
— Gems of La Costa
•
Medium Business of the Year
— Jet Source, Inc.
•
Large Business of the Year
— Beckman Coulter, Inc.
•
Entrepreneur of the Year
— Joe Patterson, ToeSox, Inc.
•
Lifetime Achievement in Business
—
Ted Vallas, U.S. International
Consultants
•
Environmental Spirit
— La Costa Glen Carlsbad
•
Community Leadership
— Joni Miringoff — The Flower Fields
•
Chairman's Community Chest
— Knox Williams, Rayne Water Systems
The winners took home classic, loving-cup style trophies, reminiscent of those awarded to NASCAR and Grand Prix champions. The trophies were provided by San Dieguito Trophy. The awards serve as monuments to each winning company's spirit of triumph and achievement.
According to Carlsbad Chamber CEO Ted Owen, the businesses honored at this year's ceremony collectively demonstrate a commitment to finding success creatively and in the spirit of community.
“Every business that survives an economic downturn is a success. But these winners and these finalists have set themselves apart by diving in and working with others in their business community for the greater good of the enterprise system,” he said.
“Joni Miringoff, for example, helped turn a beloved local landmark into an annual destination for visitors [The Flower Fields]. She took her passion for the visual arts and turned it into the ArtSplash education program, which benefits our local schools. It's this kind of involvement that the chamber celebrates,” Owen said.
A multi-media presentation by BizVid Communications highlighted the achievements of the award winners and finalists with images taken at their place of business and in their community.
Also during the evening, the chamber recognized the achievements of the 2009 board of directors and inaugurated its 2010 board members. The board members were lauded by Owen for being the linchpin of the chamber's efforts.
“Without these people, these board members, all our intentions would be just that, intentions,” he said. “They donate their expertise and their honest effort to keep our business community among the most robust in California. They're just good folks doing a great job.”
The gathered crowd stood in ovation for five Purple Heart recipients from the United States Marine Corp base at Camp Pendleton. Since 2004, the chamber has incorporated this recognition for decorated heroes of the local Marine base. This year the chamber honored Gunnery Sergeant Jason B. Dean, Gunnery Sergeant Shawn Ryan, Staff Sergeant Will L. Pearsell, Sergeant Jordy Vega, and Corporal Robert L. McHugh.
Owen presented each of the Marines with a plaque of appreciation, and asked the wives of the local heroes to stand and be recognized for their support.
More than 550 business leaders, elected officials and community members attended the awards dinner, which included a VIP cocktail reception followed by exquisite cuisine at the renowned Four Seasons Resort Aviara.
The event was sponsored by NRG West, Poseidon Resources Corp., Grand Pacific Resorts, Inc., Tri-City Medical Center, AKT, LLP, SDG&E, Waste Management, Brookfield Homes, D.R. Horton, William Lyon Homes, Inc., BizVid Communications, Four Seasons Resort Aviara, and L+L Printers.
The 42nd annual event honored the business and community leaders whose accomplishments set them apart by virtue of their sustained success, growth, community spirit and positive outlook. Guest host, former KGTV news anchor Carol LeBeau helped present the winners with their gleaming trophies. The chamber awarded professionals and businesses in the following
categories:
•
Businessperson of the Year
— Steve Hoffmann, NRG West
•
Small Business of the Year (tie)
— Flowers Forever
— Gems of La Costa
•
Medium Business of the Year
— Jet Source, Inc.
•
Large Business of the Year
— Beckman Coulter, Inc.
•
Entrepreneur of the Year
— Joe Patterson, ToeSox, Inc.
•
Lifetime Achievement in Business
—
Ted Vallas, U.S. International
Consultants
•
Environmental Spirit
— La Costa Glen Carlsbad
•
Community Leadership
— Joni Miringoff — The Flower Fields
•
Chairman's Community Chest
— Knox Williams, Rayne Water Systems
The winners took home classic, loving-cup style trophies, reminiscent of those awarded to NASCAR and Grand Prix champions. The trophies were provided by San Dieguito Trophy. The awards serve as monuments to each winning company's spirit of triumph and achievement.
According to Carlsbad Chamber CEO Ted Owen, the businesses honored at this year's ceremony collectively demonstrate a commitment to finding success creatively and in the spirit of community.
“Every business that survives an economic downturn is a success. But these winners and these finalists have set themselves apart by diving in and working with others in their business community for the greater good of the enterprise system,” he said.
“Joni Miringoff, for example, helped turn a beloved local landmark into an annual destination for visitors [The Flower Fields]. She took her passion for the visual arts and turned it into the ArtSplash education program, which benefits our local schools. It's this kind of involvement that the chamber celebrates,” Owen said.
A multi-media presentation by BizVid Communications highlighted the achievements of the award winners and finalists with images taken at their place of business and in their community.
Also during the evening, the chamber recognized the achievements of the 2009 board of directors and inaugurated its 2010 board members. The board members were lauded by Owen for being the linchpin of the chamber's efforts.
“Without these people, these board members, all our intentions would be just that, intentions,” he said. “They donate their expertise and their honest effort to keep our business community among the most robust in California. They're just good folks doing a great job.”
The gathered crowd stood in ovation for five Purple Heart recipients from the United States Marine Corp base at Camp Pendleton. Since 2004, the chamber has incorporated this recognition for decorated heroes of the local Marine base. This year the chamber honored Gunnery Sergeant Jason B. Dean, Gunnery Sergeant Shawn Ryan, Staff Sergeant Will L. Pearsell, Sergeant Jordy Vega, and Corporal Robert L. McHugh.
Owen presented each of the Marines with a plaque of appreciation, and asked the wives of the local heroes to stand and be recognized for their support.
More than 550 business leaders, elected officials and community members attended the awards dinner, which included a VIP cocktail reception followed by exquisite cuisine at the renowned Four Seasons Resort Aviara.
The event was sponsored by NRG West, Poseidon Resources Corp., Grand Pacific Resorts, Inc., Tri-City Medical Center, AKT, LLP, SDG&E, Waste Management, Brookfield Homes, D.R. Horton, William Lyon Homes, Inc., BizVid Communications, Four Seasons Resort Aviara, and L+L Printers.