The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce celebrated new growth and new hope at its Annual Business Awards Dinner Feb. 20 at the Four Seasons Resort Aviara in Carlsbad.
The green event honored the accomplishments of business and community leaders whose sustainable practices have stimulated healthy growth and cultivated a thriving business climate in North County. World renowned marine life artist Wyland, who is a leading advocate for marine resource conservation, was the featured guest.
During the evening, the chamber presented awards in the following seven categories:
• Businessperson of the Year, Greg Lucier, CEO of Life Technologies Corp.
• Small Business of the Year (1-15 employees), E-World Recyclers.
• Medium Business of the Year (16-99 employees), AKT LLP.
• Large Business of the Year (100 or more employees), Legoland California.
• Lifetime Achievement in Business, Jim Smith, owner of Jim Smith Realty.
• Entrepreneur of the Year, Brett Hanley, president and CEO of SeaShell Awnings USA Inc.
• Community Leadership, Julie Nygaard.
In addition, two special awards of recognition also were given out:
• Green Technology Advocate, Aptera Motors.
• Environmental Spirit, Wyland.
The winners were presented with engraved crystal awards etched with the signature Wyland whale tail. The awards were provided by San Dieguito Trophy. All of the award finalists departed with a beautiful Wyland sculpture that captures the spiritual quality and inner light of life under the sea.
“All of the award winners serve as a model for how businesses can succeed in a difficult economy. Some started small and have emerged into bigger and better companies, but all are examples of how companies can endure through difficult times,” said Ted Owen, president and CEO of the Carlsbad Chamber.
Wyland, who was hailed a “Marine Michelangelo” by USA Today, painted on-site during the event, where guests were able to purchase the one-of-a-kind, original works of art.
Attendees also got a sneak peek at Aptera Motors' eco-friendly, ultra-high mileage car, which graced the cover of the November issue of Popular Mechanics as one of 20 inventions that will change the world. This event marked the first time the vehicle was publicly on display.
Also during the evening, the chamber recognized the achievements of the 2008 board of directors and inaugurated its 2009 board members.
The chamber also recognized five Marines, 1st Lt. Mark Lenzi, Staff Sgt. John R. King, Sgt. Brandon Moreno, Sgt. Isaac Zahn and Cpl. Daniel Avalos, who are recipients of the Purple Heart Medal for wounds received in combat. Each warrior was presented with a special award in honor of their sacrifice, and a gift of appreciation was given to their wives for their unwavering support.
The chamber gave out two awards of appreciation. The Distinguished Leadership Award was presented to Assemblyman Martin Garrick for his efforts to stop the 760 area code split, saving North County businesses well more than $100 million.
The Distinguished Service Award was presented to Carlton Lund, CEO of The Lund Team, and John Hanley, CEO of Solatube Global Marketing, for helping the chamber become more environmentally friendly. Thanks to their generous donations, 23 Solatubes have been installed at the chamber, reducing the electricity bill by 40 percent.
Also during the event, Steve Hoffmann, president of NRG West, Cabrillo Power, presented a $15,000 donation to Col. Jim Seaton, commanding officer of Camp Pendleton, for the Marine Corps base.
More than 540 people, including prominent and high-profile business leaders, elected officials and community members, attended the awards dinner, which featured a cocktail reception and exquisite cuisine at a world renowned resort.
The event was presented by Poseidon Resources Corp. The other sponsors included AT&T, Four Seasons Resort Aviara, Grand Pacific Resorts, Jet Source Inc., Life Technologies Corp., Modern Postcard, Morrow Development Inc., NRG West, Solatube Global Marketing Inc., Tri-City Medical Center and Westfield.
The green event honored the accomplishments of business and community leaders whose sustainable practices have stimulated healthy growth and cultivated a thriving business climate in North County. World renowned marine life artist Wyland, who is a leading advocate for marine resource conservation, was the featured guest.
During the evening, the chamber presented awards in the following seven categories:
• Businessperson of the Year, Greg Lucier, CEO of Life Technologies Corp.
• Small Business of the Year (1-15 employees), E-World Recyclers.
• Medium Business of the Year (16-99 employees), AKT LLP.
• Large Business of the Year (100 or more employees), Legoland California.
• Lifetime Achievement in Business, Jim Smith, owner of Jim Smith Realty.
• Entrepreneur of the Year, Brett Hanley, president and CEO of SeaShell Awnings USA Inc.
• Community Leadership, Julie Nygaard.
In addition, two special awards of recognition also were given out:
• Green Technology Advocate, Aptera Motors.
• Environmental Spirit, Wyland.
The winners were presented with engraved crystal awards etched with the signature Wyland whale tail. The awards were provided by San Dieguito Trophy. All of the award finalists departed with a beautiful Wyland sculpture that captures the spiritual quality and inner light of life under the sea.
“All of the award winners serve as a model for how businesses can succeed in a difficult economy. Some started small and have emerged into bigger and better companies, but all are examples of how companies can endure through difficult times,” said Ted Owen, president and CEO of the Carlsbad Chamber.
Wyland, who was hailed a “Marine Michelangelo” by USA Today, painted on-site during the event, where guests were able to purchase the one-of-a-kind, original works of art.
Attendees also got a sneak peek at Aptera Motors' eco-friendly, ultra-high mileage car, which graced the cover of the November issue of Popular Mechanics as one of 20 inventions that will change the world. This event marked the first time the vehicle was publicly on display.
Also during the evening, the chamber recognized the achievements of the 2008 board of directors and inaugurated its 2009 board members.
The chamber also recognized five Marines, 1st Lt. Mark Lenzi, Staff Sgt. John R. King, Sgt. Brandon Moreno, Sgt. Isaac Zahn and Cpl. Daniel Avalos, who are recipients of the Purple Heart Medal for wounds received in combat. Each warrior was presented with a special award in honor of their sacrifice, and a gift of appreciation was given to their wives for their unwavering support.
The chamber gave out two awards of appreciation. The Distinguished Leadership Award was presented to Assemblyman Martin Garrick for his efforts to stop the 760 area code split, saving North County businesses well more than $100 million.
The Distinguished Service Award was presented to Carlton Lund, CEO of The Lund Team, and John Hanley, CEO of Solatube Global Marketing, for helping the chamber become more environmentally friendly. Thanks to their generous donations, 23 Solatubes have been installed at the chamber, reducing the electricity bill by 40 percent.
Also during the event, Steve Hoffmann, president of NRG West, Cabrillo Power, presented a $15,000 donation to Col. Jim Seaton, commanding officer of Camp Pendleton, for the Marine Corps base.
More than 540 people, including prominent and high-profile business leaders, elected officials and community members, attended the awards dinner, which featured a cocktail reception and exquisite cuisine at a world renowned resort.
The event was presented by Poseidon Resources Corp. The other sponsors included AT&T, Four Seasons Resort Aviara, Grand Pacific Resorts, Jet Source Inc., Life Technologies Corp., Modern Postcard, Morrow Development Inc., NRG West, Solatube Global Marketing Inc., Tri-City Medical Center and Westfield.