KUDOS to the Chamber’s Military Mentoring program, Boots in Business.
The program, which celebrated its first birthday in November, received a 2012 Achievement Award from the San Diego Military Advisory Council at a special breakfast on Dec. 13.
In the words of the award: "The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce took the lead in developing a program aimed at educating transitioning active duty personnel in the environment of the business world, through "Job Shadowing and Mentoring". Working closely with local business members of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce and the Marine Corps leadership at Camp Pendleton, they developed a program that links military members and for their spouses for up to thirty days with mentors from the business community who share their business experiences, assist with resume reviews and practice interviews, and provide coaching on the required skills to compete in the business world. Since its inception slightly over a year ago, over 100 transitioning service members have participated in the program, which has truly become the model for other communities to emulate.
The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce's leadership and initiative in establishing and executing the "Boots in Business" program are reflective of an organization that has gone "above and beyond" in providing extraordinary contributions to the San Diego military community."


KUDOS as well to the North County Transit District. We all know that there's no shortage of worthy causes that are in need of assistance during the holiday season. We thank NCTD for selecting Boots in Business as one of the beneficiaries of it popular Santa's COASTER Express train rides on Dec. 8.
The event, which sold-out almost instantly, raised more than $7,500, which was evenly split between Boots in Business, which helps provide mentoring services to active members of the military who are about to transition into the civilian workforce, and the Community Resource Center, which serves at-risk women and children.
The check was presented Dec. 20 at NCTD's board meeting.
"It is a thrill to bring so much joy to our passengers while raising money for outstanding charitable organizations," said NCTD Rail Operations Manager, Nick Freeman. "Santa's COASTER Express would not have been possible without the volunteers who selflessly gave their time and energy to make the train ride a reality. Santa, Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, elves, and decorators were all instrumental in delighting passengers and making the event a success."
In addition, KUDOS go to the following Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce members who volunteered their time at the event: Kelsey Peters, Carrie Havens, Madonna May, Paula Anderson, Dorie Gerber, Sharon Feinerman, Pennie Thieman, Linda Erskia, Cynthia Backer, Patty Wong and her son Stephen.


The San Diego Business Journal has unveiled the yearly list of winners for its Most Admired CEO Awards 2012 , and it's no surprise that the list of winners and finalists is full of Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce member businesses and organizations.
The newspaper gave out nine awards, five of those are members of the Calsbad Chamber of Commerce.
KUDOS go to the winners: Larry Anderson, president and chief development officer of Tri-City Medical Center, honored in the business nonprofit category; Joanne Pastula, president and CEO of Junior Achievement of San Diego and Imperial Counties, winner in the small nonprofit 510(c)3 category; Bob Kelly, president and CEO of the San Diego Foundation (a Chamber member as the Carlsbad Charitable Foundation); Gary Cady, CEO of Torrey Pines Bank, winner in the medium publicly-held category; and Greg Koch, CEO and co-founder of the Stone Brewing Co., winner in the large privately-held category.
In the finalists, KUDOS to City of Carlsbad Fire Chief Kevin Crawford (business nonprofit); Joe Terzi, president and CEO of the San Diego Convention and Visitor's Bureau; Eric Casazza, CEO of FMT Consultants, LLC; Matt Greene, CEO and founder of 6 Degrees; Daniel Sullivan, founder and president of Sullivan Solar Power; Mark Dankberg, CEO and chairman of Viasat Inc.; and Gregory Garrabrants, president and CEO of B of I Federal Bank.