Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce announces gala award winners

The Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce hosted its 46^th Annual Awards Feb. 18 at Pechanga Resort & Casino.

This premier event was a memorable night of elegance and excitement, with over five hundred attendees.

The evening included extravagant silent auction items, live entertainment, and an outstanding awards presentation.

Thank you to the following sponsors:

CLB Media

Pechanga Resort & Casino

Abbott Vascular

Kaiser Permanente

Southwest Healthcare System

Promenade Temecula

Domenigoni Barton Properties

Law Offices of Rosenstein & Hitzeman

California State University San Marcos

Congratulations to the following winners:

Sterling Business of the Year

Potamus Press Designs

For over 17 years, Potamus Press has been connecting the Temecula Business Community to the “Power of Print.”  From concept to fulfillment, Potamus Press has the experience and the means to assist their clients in creating and solidifying their business identity. They offer a full range of services, including offset and digital printing, copying, graphic design and bindery. They have a passion for printing and love to make their clients look great.

Bronze Business of the Year

Commerce Bank of Temecula Valley

Commerce Bank of Temecula Valley (CBTV) was chartered in September 2007 to serve the businesses in the Temecula Valley. They are committed to providing exceptional service with financial products in this tough and competitive environment – including messenger service or remote deposit for businesses wishing to maximize efficiency. CBTV are experts at filling needs and executing strategies to provide for growth and sustained profitability. They support our local community and know we can only succeed as our community grows and prospers.

Gold Business of the Year

Callaway Vineyard & Winery

Callaway Vineyard & Winery, located in the Temecula Valley wine appellation, is one of the oldest wineries in the region. Located among rolling hills and valleys, Callaway is a working wine estate with 20 acres of producing vineyards at the winemaking facility and an additional 50 acres of producing vineyard overlooking the Temecula Valley. Ely Callaway, a Georgia-native with a background in textiles, came to Temecula in the late 1960′s and found what he believed to be the perfect spot to plant his vines; a 1600 foot plateau, located below the peaks of a foggy mountain range “where the sun shines through the mist”. In 1969, the Callaway vineyards were planted and in 1974, the winery opened it’s doors to the public. Now privately owned, Callaway Vineyard & Winery was purchased by the Lin family of San Diego in late 2005. Callaway Vineyard & Winery wines are only available at the winery and are not available in any retail stores.

Platinum Business of the Year

McDonald’s

Temecula McDonald’s is owned and operated by the Tucker Family, who has been operating McDonald’s for 30 years. In the 1970’s, the family dreamed of opening a McDonald’s in Temecula. In 1986, the first McDonald’s opened in Temecula, and the Tuckers could not purchase it because it had already been promised to another operator. In 1993, the Tuckers sold all their properties to finally purchase their dream Temecula Location. Since then, the Tuckers have built four locations in the Temecula Valley. They pride themselves on running successful restaurants and always giving back to their community.

Service/ Charitable Organization of the Year

Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Inland Empire

Susan G. Komen for the Cure® was founded in 1982 by Nancy Brinker to honor the memory of her sister, Susan G. Komen, who died from breast cancer at the age of 36. Up to 75 percent of funds raised by a Komen Affiliate remains in the community to fund local breast health/breast cancer programs and services for those in need. The remaining net income supports innovative research around the world.

Citizen of the Year

Nicole Albrecht

Nicole Albrecht is a General Partner in Financial Accounting Services, a Temecula-based financial accounting firm. Her professional expertise encompasses investment and retirement needs of her company’s tax clients. Nicole currently holds her series 7 and 66 licenses as an Investment Advisor Representative, in addition to being a Certified QuickBooks Pro-Advisor^SM and an Enrolled Agent licensed to practice before the IRS. Nicole prides herself on giving back to her local community and is currently involved in a variety of organizations in a leadership capacity.

Valley Young Professional of the Year

Adam A. Ruiz

Adam A. Ruiz, president of A R Home Loans Direct, Inc. has played an instrumental role as one of the founding members of Valley Young Professionals and has been active in the organization since 2008.  As a young professional and entrepreneur, Adam continually recognizes the potential within VYP and has assisted in building and growing the organization. With his dedication Adam has helped lead this group of young businessmen and women into new and exciting avenues of professionalism by contributing to various civic projects, organizing events, and acting as the past chair for the committee.  Adam has been supportive and maintains a high level of commitment to the Valley Young Professionals.

Lifetime Achievement of the Year Award

Shaun Lumachi

Shaun Lumachi, president of the Chamber Advocacy, acted as the Legislative Consultant to the Southwest California Legislative Council (SWCLC) since 2005. On December 3, 2011 sadly Shaun passed away in an auto accident in Florida while traveling on business. He was the consummate professional and his vast knowledge of the legislative process aided the SWCLC in developing policy platforms and priorities. Shaun Lumachi died too young: but his contributions to countless organizations were extensive and surely will not be forgotten.

Ambassador of the Year

Tom Somers

Tom Somers, Pacific Advisors, served on the Membership Committee as the Ambassador Chair for 2011.  Over the past year Tom attended many ribbon cutting ceremonies, committee meetings and countless events. Tom has been a great representation of the Chamber always encouraging involvement of member businesses and volunteering wherever needed.  With his leadership and dedication Tom is a valuable asset to the ambassador team.

Chairman Choice Award

Jeff Kurtz, Promenade Temecula

Jeff Kurtz is the 2012 First Vice Chair of the TVCC Board of Directors. During the 2012 Membership Blitzes, Jeff acted as a Chairman for the Green Team, bringing in the most new members, 14 total. In addition, throughout 2011 he brought in 9 additional new members. Jeff is serving as the Chairman for the annual Chamber golf tournament committee for the second year. He is always willing to help whenever and wherever needed.  Jeff is a great supporter of the TVCC and of local business.

*Contributed by Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce