EDITOR’S NOTE: To see photos of the winners and of the event, click here and view a digital copy of the Carlsbad Business Journal.
The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce celebrated the leaders who continue to find ways to lift the economy and the community at its Annual Business Awards Dinner, held Friday, Feb. 17 at La Costa Resort and Spa.
The awards ceremony, which had The Sky is Limitless as its theme, honored businesses and individuals whose achievements exemplify the best in innovation, resilience and business excellence. During the evening, the chamber presented nine awards in the following eight categories:
• Businessperson of the Year, Larry Anderson, Tri-City Medical Center.
• Small Business of the Year (1-15 employees), Fish Window Cleaning and Your Ops Manager.
• Medium Business of the Year (16-99 employees), K1 Speed.
• Large Business of the Year (100 or more employees), Datron World Communications.
• Lifetime Achievement in Business,John Haedrich, TipTop Meats/European Delicatessen.
• Entrepreneur of the Year, Ted Vallas, California Pacific Airlines
• Community Leadership, Mark King, TaylorMade Golf Company
• Nonprofit of the Year, Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad.
In addition, three special awards of recognition were given out:
• Global Leadership Award, Mark Dankberg, ViaSat Inc.
• Environmental Spirit Award, Stater Bros., Bressi Ranch
• Visionary Award, Bestowed posthumously to Ben Weseloh, Weseloh Chevrolet Kia
Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Ted Owen said that honoring the companies, entrepreneurs and visionaries who are finding ways to succeed in this tough economy is helpful because it illustrates the importance of overcoming obstacles and leading by example.
"In this sagging economy, the value of holding an awards program is magnified," Owen said. "These are the role models, the mentors and entrepreneurs who set the example and show how businesses can reach even higher heights. Others can look at them and say, 'If they can do it, so can I.'"
During the evening, the chamber also recognized the achievements of the 2011 board of directors and inaugurated its 2012 board members.
The chamber also saluted five Marines who received the Purple Heart for wounds suffered in Afghanistan. Those honored were 1st Lt. Cameron West, Cpl. Josue Barron, Cpl. Marcus Chischilly, Cpl. Anthony McDaniel and Sgt. Eric Rodriguez. Each warrior was presented with a special plaque to honor their sacrifice.
The chamber also recognized Datron World Communications, NRG Energy and San Diego County Supervisor Bill Horn for their support of Boots in Business, the chamber's military mentoring initiative, which provides mentoring opportunities for Camp Pendleton-based service members who are about to leave the military.
More than 550 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 the world-renowned La Costa Resort and Spa.
The event was presented by NRG Energy. The other sponsors included AKT, LLP; AT&T; Grand Pacific Resorts, Inc.; L+L Printers; La Costa Resort and Spa; Life Technologies; LEGOLAND California; San Diego Gas & Electric; Shapell Homes; Tri-City Medical Center; Waste Management; and Wells Fargo.
The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce celebrated the leaders who continue to find ways to lift the economy and the community at its Annual Business Awards Dinner, held Friday, Feb. 17 at La Costa Resort and Spa.
The awards ceremony, which had The Sky is Limitless as its theme, honored businesses and individuals whose achievements exemplify the best in innovation, resilience and business excellence. During the evening, the chamber presented nine awards in the following eight categories:
• Businessperson of the Year, Larry Anderson, Tri-City Medical Center.
• Small Business of the Year (1-15 employees), Fish Window Cleaning and Your Ops Manager.
• Medium Business of the Year (16-99 employees), K1 Speed.
• Large Business of the Year (100 or more employees), Datron World Communications.
• Lifetime Achievement in Business,John Haedrich, TipTop Meats/European Delicatessen.
• Entrepreneur of the Year, Ted Vallas, California Pacific Airlines
• Community Leadership, Mark King, TaylorMade Golf Company
• Nonprofit of the Year, Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad.
In addition, three special awards of recognition were given out:
• Global Leadership Award, Mark Dankberg, ViaSat Inc.
• Environmental Spirit Award, Stater Bros., Bressi Ranch
• Visionary Award, Bestowed posthumously to Ben Weseloh, Weseloh Chevrolet Kia
Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Ted Owen said that honoring the companies, entrepreneurs and visionaries who are finding ways to succeed in this tough economy is helpful because it illustrates the importance of overcoming obstacles and leading by example.
"In this sagging economy, the value of holding an awards program is magnified," Owen said. "These are the role models, the mentors and entrepreneurs who set the example and show how businesses can reach even higher heights. Others can look at them and say, 'If they can do it, so can I.'"
During the evening, the chamber also recognized the achievements of the 2011 board of directors and inaugurated its 2012 board members.
The chamber also saluted five Marines who received the Purple Heart for wounds suffered in Afghanistan. Those honored were 1st Lt. Cameron West, Cpl. Josue Barron, Cpl. Marcus Chischilly, Cpl. Anthony McDaniel and Sgt. Eric Rodriguez. Each warrior was presented with a special plaque to honor their sacrifice.
The chamber also recognized Datron World Communications, NRG Energy and San Diego County Supervisor Bill Horn for their support of Boots in Business, the chamber's military mentoring initiative, which provides mentoring opportunities for Camp Pendleton-based service members who are about to leave the military.
More than 550 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 the world-renowned La Costa Resort and Spa.
The event was presented by NRG Energy. The other sponsors included AKT, LLP; AT&T; Grand Pacific Resorts, Inc.; L+L Printers; La Costa Resort and Spa; Life Technologies; LEGOLAND California; San Diego Gas & Electric; Shapell Homes; Tri-City Medical Center; Waste Management; and Wells Fargo.