Mayor Bud Lewis presided over his last State of the City Luncheon with humor, nostalgia and self-effacing humor. The long-time Carlsbad mayor spoke at the sold-out, annual event August 27 at the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, which was hosted by the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce.
Attended by Carlsbad and North County business professionals, City officials, Chamber members and staff members, as well as friends and associates of Mayor Lewis, the luncheon featured a video presentation by the City of Carlsbad. Acknowledging the ongoing economic challenges facing the community, the presentation outlined Carlsbad's commitment to economic and environmental sustainability, and gave an overview of the major concerns facing the city as it navigates in the wake of the economic recession. It also illustrated the city's commitment to meeting the challenges of the upcoming year, such as keeping core services up to the usual Carlsbad standards.
“The State of the City has become a must-attend tradition here in Carlsbad,” said Ted Owen, president and CEO of the Chamber. “People look forward to seeing what Carlsbad's big issues are, and look to this annual luncheon as an opening to begin thinking of new, proactive ways to maintain the excellent quality of life we have all come to value.”
Gina McBride, who currently serves the Chamber as board chairwoman, presented the Starfish Award to Mayor Lewis to honor his many philanthropic efforts. The Starfish Award was conceived and initiated by McBride to distinguish adults and young people who have contributed philanthropic efforts to the Carlsbad community.
“So many people have taken their passions and made personal sacrifices and achieved incredible results for their causes,” McBride said. “I wanted to honor that spirit in not only following that passion, but lighting the fire in others.”
Lewis, who has been the mayor since 1986, was also presented a personal letter from California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who praised the mayor's commitment to making his city an example of excellence for the state of California.
Sponsors of the luncheon included Life Technologies Corp., NRG West, the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, SDG&E and Tri-City Medical Center.
Attended by Carlsbad and North County business professionals, City officials, Chamber members and staff members, as well as friends and associates of Mayor Lewis, the luncheon featured a video presentation by the City of Carlsbad. Acknowledging the ongoing economic challenges facing the community, the presentation outlined Carlsbad's commitment to economic and environmental sustainability, and gave an overview of the major concerns facing the city as it navigates in the wake of the economic recession. It also illustrated the city's commitment to meeting the challenges of the upcoming year, such as keeping core services up to the usual Carlsbad standards.
“The State of the City has become a must-attend tradition here in Carlsbad,” said Ted Owen, president and CEO of the Chamber. “People look forward to seeing what Carlsbad's big issues are, and look to this annual luncheon as an opening to begin thinking of new, proactive ways to maintain the excellent quality of life we have all come to value.”
Gina McBride, who currently serves the Chamber as board chairwoman, presented the Starfish Award to Mayor Lewis to honor his many philanthropic efforts. The Starfish Award was conceived and initiated by McBride to distinguish adults and young people who have contributed philanthropic efforts to the Carlsbad community.
“So many people have taken their passions and made personal sacrifices and achieved incredible results for their causes,” McBride said. “I wanted to honor that spirit in not only following that passion, but lighting the fire in others.”
Lewis, who has been the mayor since 1986, was also presented a personal letter from California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who praised the mayor's commitment to making his city an example of excellence for the state of California.
Sponsors of the luncheon included Life Technologies Corp., NRG West, the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, SDG&E and Tri-City Medical Center.