Ventura Chamber Poinsettia Awards recognizes Ventura’s finest. Photo by Kenny Backer
On Thursday, December 10, the Ventura Chamber of Commerce along with their title sponsor Montecito Bank & Trust presented the 19th Annual Poinsettia Awards. This luncheon, attended by more than 300 attendees, recognized individuals and organizations that have truly stood out in our community as exemplary in the fields of business, education, and public service. This year, the luncheon was celebrated at the Marriott Ventura Beach and was attended by City officials, legislative representatives, the Ventura Unified School District, and the local business community.
Chamber President & CEO Stephanie Caldwell stated “2015 Marks the 19th Annual Poinsettia Awards, a tradition that we hope to continue for many years to come providing more opportunity to recognize great accomplishments ,creativity, innovations and individuals who make Ventura so special . On behalf of the Ventura Chamber of Commerce ,our staff and Board of Directors I congratulate today’s Poinsettia Awards recipients and wish you all a very happy holiday and prosperous new year!
During the event, the Chamber awarded recipients in the following categories:
Volunteer of the Year – Hope Deck
Small Business of the Year – Axxess Ventura
Mid-Size Business of the Year – Sespe Consulting
Large Business of the Year – Harrison Industries
Non- Profit Organization of the Year – Project Understanding
Young Professional of the Year – Caitlin Beavers
Citizen of the Year – Dr. Leo Tauber
Ambassador of the Year – Jann Huling
Board Member of the Year – Steven Brown
City of Ventura, Environmental Excellence Award – Shine Supply
City of Ventura, Employee of the Year – Kathryn Dippong-Lawson
City of Ventura, Firefighter of the Year – Drew DeRousseau
City of Ventura, Police Officer of the Year – Fabian Gutierrez
VUSD Educator of the Year – Mandi de Witte
VUSD Male Student of the Year – Justin Lucio
VUSD Female Student of the Year – Fidelity Ballmer
Innovation Award – FreshRealm
Jewel Key Award – Topa Brewing Company
Shining Star Award – Matthew Graczyk
The Ventura Chamber of Commerce continues to be the largest and most comprehensive business organization in the City of Ventura – speaking on behalf of its member firms employing over 24,000 people. Members include companies of all sizes and industries, from start-up to established, entrepreneurial to corporate.
