FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Carlsbad Chamber Announces 2026 CBAD Award Finalists
Carlsbad, CA — February 18, 2026 — The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the finalists for the 2026 Carlsbad Business Achievement & Distinction (CBAD) Awards, recognizing outstanding businesses, leaders, educators, and nonprofits making a lasting impact in the Carlsbad community.
The CBAD Awards celebrate excellence in innovation, leadership, community involvement, and economic impact. Finalists were selected from a competitive pool of nominations submitted by Chamber members and the broader community.
2026 CBAD Award Finalists:
Best Place to Work
- Pictor
- Ruby’s Diner Carlsbad
- Aldrich
- C/v Beauty Collective & Wellness
- Chamberlain Property Management
Small Business of the Year
- 2000 Paces Photo Organizing
- SSA Insurance Services
- Opelon, LLP
- 75 and Sunny
- Carlsbad Self Storage
- BODY20 Carlsbad
Business Professional of the Year
- Justin Jachura – Señor Grubby’s
- Jamie Jacobs – Gig Talent
- Jan Jansson – Soil Retention
- Kara Horat – Connect For Success Mastermind
- Melanie Robertson – Melanie Robertson Photography
Community Impact
- EcoWater SoCal
- The Lullabar
- The Repair Tech Inc
- Dogs on the Run
- Devore Realty Group
- Number Crunching, Inc.
New Business of the Year
- Gazelle Fashion and Style
- Aura Gardens
- The Cove
- Kids and Coffee
- California Termite
- The French Door Cafe
- A Place at Home
Nonprofit of the Year
- STEM Aviation Academy
- 365-Connect
- Kids for Peace
- NAMM Museum of Making Music
- Veterans Association of North County
- Woman’s Club of Carlsbad
- Beacons, Inc.
- Cake4Kids
Young Professional of the Year
- Erin Hardin – Agua Hedionda Lagoon
- Shane Fisher – American Paragons Foundation
- Matthew Eclevia – FreeHab Therapy
- Chase Murray – Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad
Elementary School Teacher of the Year
- Diana Salazar-Garcia – Buena Vista Elementary School
- Mallory Gladden – Park Dale Lane Elementary School
- Brooke Klein – Paul Ecke Central Elementary School
Middle School Teacher of the Year
- Traci Kogler – Aviara Oaks Middle School
- Aaron Sottile – Calavera Hills Middle School
High School Teacher of the Year
- Shannon Alberts – Sage Creek High School
- Kacie Drake – Army and Navy Academy
- Kevin Garcia-Cruz – Pacific Ridge School
- Tom Bloomquist – Carlsbad High School
- Mark Brudney – La Costa Canyon High School
Administrator of the Year
- Dr. Josh Way – Sage Creek High School
This year’s CBAD Awards are proudly presented by Grand Pacific Resorts, whose continued commitment to business excellence and community leadership helps make this signature celebration possible.
“Each of these finalists represents the innovation, dedication, and leadership that defines Carlsbad’s business community,” said President and CEO Bret Schanzenbach of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce. “We are proud to celebrate the individuals and organizations that continue to elevate our region.”
The event will feature keynote speaker Starr Edwards, founder of Bitchin’ Sauce, who will share her entrepreneurial journey and insights on building a successful, values-driven brand.
Winners will be announced at the 2026 CBAD Awards Luncheon on Friday, March 13, 2026, at The Westin Carlsbad, where business and community leaders will gather to celebrate excellence across industries.
The CBAD Awards remain one of the Chamber’s premier annual events, spotlighting the businesses and professionals who contribute to Carlsbad’s thriving economy and vibrant community culture.
For event details, sponsorship opportunities, or luncheon tickets and tables, visit https://web.carlsbad.org/atlas/events/carlsbad-business-achievement-and-distinction-awards-cbads–5519/details
Contact:
Jess Levy
Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce
(760) 931-8400
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About the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce
The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce is the leading business advocacy and networking organization in North San Diego County, representing more than 1,000 businesses and organizations. Through member services, events, and initiatives like the CBAD Awards, the Chamber champions economic growth, community engagement, and leadership development.