Laurie Adams
Writer
Lights, Camera, Action! “Stars of the Silver Screen” was the theme at the Murrieta Chamber of Commerce’s 56th annual awards celebration held Saturday night at Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula. The awards were created “to acknowledge outstanding businesses and individuals in the community,” according to Heather Estrada, communications and program coordinator for the chamber.
The awards ceremony kicked off with emcees Larry Potter and Dane Wunderlich thanking the audience for coming, acknowledging Lisa Stergulz as chairperson of this years’ event and introducing Murrieta Mayor Randon Lane, who led the room in the pledge of allegiance. The awards ceremony was interspersed with a live auction of various items to raise money for the chamber.
Andy Morris of Farmers Insurance was named chairman of the chamber’s board of directors. The 2016 Chairman’s Choice award went to Kay Harrison. April Vidal, of Miss April’s Dance, was named the chamber’s “Ambassador of the Year.” Steve Kean was named “Firefighter of the Year.” Christopher Cummings was named “Police Officer of the Year.” The “Visionary Award” went to LouEllen Fiche.
Nominees for Chamber Member of the Year were April Vidal, Corie Maue, Cy Rathbun, Daneen Ashworth, Kip Cothran, Lisa Stergulz, Lisa Wayman, Matt Crabtree and Rich LeMaster. The award went to LeMaster of LeMaster Computer Services.
Midori Ramsey’s touching story of tragedy turned into inspiration drew rousing applause as she accepted the award for 2016 Volunteer of the Year. Paul Bandong photo
Founder Shawn Nelson stated that Jacob’s House has helped over 200 families from 28 states and five countries as he accepted the award for 2016 Nonprofit of the Year. Paul Bandong photo
Heather Holmes and Jerry Konchar accepted the 2016 Large Business of the Year award from co-host Dane Wunderlich. Paul Bandong photo
The Cake Cottage (Susan Carbery) was named 2016 Small Business of the Year. Paul Bandong photo
Rachel King of the King Law Firm was selected 2016 Entrepreneur of the Year. Paul Bandong photo
Rich LeMaster was selected as the 2016 Murrieta Chamber Member of the Year. Paul Bandong photo
April Vidal, channeling her nest Lauren Bacall, was named 2016 Ambassador of the year. Paul Bandong photo
Luis Godinez posed with his two favorite women, Sarah Long (left) and Audrey hepburn (right) at the “Night of the Stars from the Silver Screen.” Paul Bandong photo
Battalion Chief Steve Kean was named “2016 Firefighter of the Year.” He is pictured here with his wife, Shannon. Paul Bandong photo
Natasha Reuyes (left), Lisa Wayman (center), and Jennifer Warnock (right) pose with Charlie Chaplin and Audrey Hepburn. Wayman later accepted the award for Carrington Construction who was selected as 2016 Medium Business of the Year. Paul Bandong photo
The theme of the evening was Stars of the Silver Screen. here, Scott and Tara Agajanian pose with Frank Sinatra. Paul Bandong photo
Adam Bouvet, dressed as Joe DiMaggio (his wife Tracy was Marilyn Monroe), credited a friend/mentor for teaching him the importance of giving back to community. Bouvet was selected 2016 Murrieta Citizen of the Year. Paul Bandong photo
“Joining the chamber has absolutely changed the way I do business and has contributed immensely to my success,” LeMaster said. “To be recognized by a group of professionals that I have so much respect for is absolutely incredible and I’m extremely grateful.”
Entrepreneur of the Year nominees were Adam and Tracy Bouvet of The Mill Restaurant, Dane Wunderlich of Woodworking by Dane, Jason Hope of JD Promotions, Lisa Stergulz of A’la Carte Marketing Services, Midori Ramsey of E & M Apothicaire, Muna Elias of Elias Shoes, Pinal Sitaram of Buffalo Wild Wings, Rachel King of King Law Firm, Rich LeMaster of LeMaster Computer Services, Robb Braun of The Leadership Source, Serena Mastin of Pulse Marketing, Sheila Sitaram of Kumon Math and Reading Center of Murrieta and Tara Wunderlich of Executive Hair. The award went to Rachel King of King Law Firm.
Small Business of the Year nominees were 1st Action Real Estate, A Better Look Home Inspection, Armed & Fabulous, Backyard Bottleshop & Taproom, Christian Handyman, E & M Apothicaire, Elias Shoes, Express Employment Professionals, Global Health Insurance, Hair by Laura Van Dam, Infinium HR Group, JD Promotions, Joanne Castro of dba Residential Real Estate, Jon’s Movers, KC Photography, LeMaster Computer Services, Live Mobile Solutions, Miss April’s Dance, Murrieta Animal Hospital, Murrieta Day Spa, Murrieta VIP Florist, New Life Culinary Creations, Planet Beach Automated Spa, Stromrose Insurance Agency, The Cake Cottage, The Valley Business Journal, Triple line Solar, Vidal Kenpo Karate, Westover Law Group and World Pay. The Cake Cottage, owned by Susan Carberry, won.
Medium Business of the Year nominees were AKA Products, Inc., Altura Credit Union, Carrington Construction, Commerce Bank of Temecula Valley, Denny’s #7599, Evaero, Faith Quality Autobody, Inc., Temecula Valley Communications and The Mill Restaurant. The award went to Carrington Construction. Lisa Wayman, Carrington’s business development representative, accepted the award.
Large Business of the Year nominees were BMW of Murrieta, DT Public House Inc., Gosch Ford Temecula, Harrah’s Resort Southern California, Paradise Chevrolet Cadillac, Pechanga Resort & Casino, Pins N Pockets, RJ’s Sizzlin Steer, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, Southwest Healthcare System, Sunpro Solar, The Golf Club at Rancho California and Waterstone Faucets. The award went to Pechanga Resort & Casino.
Nonprofit of the Year nominees were Animal Friends of the Valleys, Canine Support Teams, Inc., EQUU8 Horsemanship & Therapeutic Riding, Go Bananas, Habitat for Humanity, Jacob’s House, Michelle’s Place Breast Cancer Resource Center, Murrieta Family YMCA, Murrieta Rotary, Our Nicholas Foundation, Rancho Damacitas, Rose Again Foundation, Safe Alternatives for Everyone/Allie’s Resale Shop, St. Martha’s Community Outreach, Temecula Valley Music Awards and Tiffany’s Gift. The award went to Jacob’s House.
Nominees for Volunteer of the Year were Andy Morris, Annette LaRocque, April Vidal, Darryl Vidal, Jackie Steed, Julia Rogoff, Kip Cothran, Laura Van Dam, Midori Ramsey, Rich LeMaster and Tracy Bouvet. The award went to Midori Ramsey, E & M Apothicaire.
The ceremony concluded with the Citizen of the Year award. The nominees were Adam Bouvet, April Vidal, Cy Rathbun, Darryl Vidal, Debbie Herrera, Emily Padilla, Heather Rawlings, Jami McNees, Jennifer Sevilla, Kassen Klein, Kim Hern, Lisa Stergulz, Midori Ramsey, Randon Lane, RJ Fernandes and Tracy Bouvet. The award went to Adam Bouvet, The Mill Restaurant.
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