Chamber installation: glitz, glamour and passing the torch
Chamber installation: glitz, glamour and passing the torch
It was an evening of glitz and glamour, “Boots and Bling” (the theme of the night) as the Escondido Chamber of Commerce held the 114th installation and awards dinner.
Now two years past the catastrophic challenges of which no one now speaks—with the Chamber on an even keel financially and administratively—the evening was a fun and frivolous celebration.
The “Boots and Bling” theme included a mechanical bull that several dignitaries, including Congressman Darrell Issa, took a ride on. And fell off of.
Awards given included, Corporate Business of the Year, Neighborhood Healthcare; Small Business of the Year, Alhiser-Comer Mortuary; Non-Profit of the Year, Miss Escondido; New Business Excellence, L&L Hawaiian BBQ; Emerging Leader of the Year, Tri Luu; Foundation Board Member of the Year, Yessenia Mendoza; ECOC Board Member of the Year, Kay Bates; and Ambassador of the Year, Tom Wood.
MC’s for the evening were Alma Plancarte and Judy Fitzgerald.
VIPs included Mayor Dane White, who administered the oath to the Chamber board and ambassadors; the aforementioned Issa; councilwoman Consuelo Martinez, Councilman Jose Garcia; former Assemblywoman Marie Waldron, Steve Cope (San Pasqual tribal chairman) and his wife, Nancy; Vista Mayor and supervisor candidate John Franklin and Rincon tribal councilmember Laurie Gonzalez.
White praised the Chamber, declaring, “When you rise, we rise!”
MC Fitzgerald, who is also a member of the city council, said she appreciated the partnerships the city has forged with neighboring tribes—including a partnership that led to the recent Indigenous Cultural Festival. Plus the $25,000 that the Rincon tribe donates to Cruisin’ Grand every year to help pay for live entertainment.
She also praised Adrienne Cisneros-Selekman, 5th District Supervisor Jim Desmond’s community liaison, for providing support for so many events.
She noted that the Chamber was founded in 1895 and originally incorporated in 1919.
Fitzgerald spoke about the service of Yessenia Mendoza, Foundation Board Member of the Year, but so much more, and of her “service above self.” Outgoing Chairwoman Deanna Smith added, “She is the wind beneath of the sails of the Chamber. She helps keep the Chamber working.”
Smith acknowledged the Board of Directors. “You figure out a way to make it work and make it happen,” she said. “You are appreciated, needed and very special.”
The board members of the Chamber’s Charitable Foundation, which operates the Rising Stars Scholarship Program, were recognized. Including Mendoza, President John Schwab, treasurer Virginia Bunnell and directors Cheryl Engdahl, Lillian Arjona and Alma Plancarte.
They noted that the Foundation started with $1,500 a year and today has $35,000. “Because of John Schwab,” said Smith.
Smith herself was honored for her two years as board chairwoman—which happened after the sudden departure of a previous CEO. “We are living proof that we can succeed and we can thrive. Nothing would be possible without Yessenia,” she said. “I can’t wait to hand over the reins. Thanks and I appreciate all of you!”
Cisneros-Selekman presented a proclamation to Smith, hailing her for her “unwavering dedication” and thanking her for “two years of remarkable service” while declaring Friday to be “Deanna Smith Day.”
Incoming Chairwoman Kay Bates called herself a goal-oriented leader. She thanked Smith for her two years of service and said she was honored to work beside her. “I appreciated the difficult position that you were in.”
Bates reminded all that the Chamber is composed of volunteers. “We want to take your business to the next level. We want people to come here to Escondido, spend their money and bring their friends here.”
Source: Google News
