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The Temecula Valley C hamber of Commerce (TVCC), hosted the Valley's 44th Annual Awards Gala on Saturday, February 20 at Pechanga Resort and Casino. Coinciding with the 20th Anniversary of the City of Temecula, this year's event celebrated the great achievements the Chamber has made in 2009, the city's history and honored winners of the Business, Citizen and Charitable Organizations of the Year.
"Our Awards Gala was a spectacular event, with a great turnout from local businesses and dignitaries," said Alice Sullivan, Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce President and CEO. "The Chamber would like to congratulate this year's winners and thank them for the incredible contributions they've made in the community."
In addition to the night's business, organization and citizen awards, there was a surprise Lifetime Achievement Award presentation to Jimmy and Peg Moore who were one of the driving forces behind the incorporation of the City of Temecula and have remained an integral part of growth and success of the community's development. Another special honor that was handed out at the gala was the Chairman's Choice Award which went to Dennis Frank, a longtime contributor to the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce and member of the Legislative Summit committee.
Raising an impressive amount at the evening's silent auction, the Annual Awards Gala as a whole remains the largest fundraiser of the year, supporting programs and services that the TVCC offers to sustain and market the business community. This year garnered a record donation item amount from local area businesses valued at over $63,000. The over 440 gala attendees enjoyed a champagne reception, dinner, awards presentation, entertainment and dancing as part of this black tie event.
Below is a list of the winners in each category at the 44th Annual Awards Gala:
Sterling Business of the Year - A Grape Escape Balloon Adventure
Operating in the Temecula Valley for the past 19 years, A Grape Escape Balloon Adventure offers daily sunrise hot air balloon flights over the wine country. In 2009 Grape Escape's balloon fleet safely flew 3350 passengers providing visitors and residents an unparalleled view of the Temecula Valley. In addition to daily flight operations, A Grape Escape offers tethers and glows for events, and specializes in corporate hot air balloon advertising programs.
Bronze Business of the Year - Big Fogg, Inc.
Big Fogg began with a love of football and a desire to see people more comfortable in the outdoors. USC Football was among the first to use evaporative cooling "fog" fans to enhance performance, minimize recovery time, and not get players wet. Big Fogg is now chosen for the Super Bowl, Pro Bowl, wineries, military bases, and festivals and recently helped Pert Plus assemble equipment for the Guiness Book of World Records' largest simultaneous showering.
Gold Business of the Year - The Californian
The Californian is one of three editions of the North County Times and part of the nationwide Lee Enterprises family of newspapers. As the leading source for local news, information and advertising in Southwest Riverside and North San Diego counties, the newspaper reaches nearly half of all adults in its core market area.
Platinum Business of the Year - Southern California Gas Company
Southern California Gas Co. has been delivering clean, safe and reliable natural gas to its customers for more than 140 years. It is the nation's largest natural gas distribution utility, providing safe and reliable energy to 20.5 million consumers through 5.7 million meters in more than 500 communities. The company's service territory encompasses approximately 20,000 square miles in diverse terrain throughout Central and Southern California, from Visalia to the Mexican border. Sempra Energy, based in San Diego, is a Fortune 500 energy services holding company.
Service/Charitable Organization of the Year - Oak Grove Center
Oak Grove Center is a nonprofit educational and residential center, serving 160 children including 76 who live on grounds and experience social, emotional, behavioral and academic problems. Many come from backgrounds of abuse, neglect, or other traumas. We offer an arts program and autism services. Accredited by the Joint Commission of Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and the Western Association of Schools & Colleges, we believe that "the work we do today builds a better tomorrow".
Citizen of the Year - Kim Kelliher
Kim Kelliher, as President and co-owner of The Grapeline Wine Country Shuttle, ensures that the company lives by its Mission Statement, including a pledge "to support the betterment of our community through civic activities and donations." In 2009, The Grapeline donated to over 75 organizations, and employees logged more than 300 hours of community volunteerism (including about 200 by Kim). Notable donations include shuttling Camp Pendleton Marines at Thanksgiving, linking them with "adoptive families" for holiday dinners. Kim serves on the Executive Board of Temecula's Rotary Club as Secretary, and as Rotary's International Youth Exchange Coordinator, providing opportunities for foreign students to live and study in Temecula. As a Chairman for the Balloon and Wine Festival, Kim helps plan and execute this volunteer-run festival that draws approximately 40,000 visitors over its three-day run. Married 18 years and the mother of three active boys, Kim has lived in Temecula since 1997.
TVCC members nominated businesses and individuals they felt to be outstanding in their service to the community, business values and leadership.
For more information on the 44th Annual Awards Gala, please visit www.temecula.org |
Forget running to the grocery store for that certain spice you are missing for tonight's recipe, head over to Old Town Spice Merchants where every spice you can imagine (and much more!) is at your disposal. Opened in November of 2007, Old Town Spice Merchants in Old Town Temecula is known to locals and tourists alike as offering high quality herbs and spices as seasonings, custom rubs and blends as well as a large selection of loose-leaf teas and honey made by Temecula Valley Honey Company.
