Recognizing the Outstanding Ones

Everyone knows them – the men and women who seem to be at every event, the ones lending a helping hand and going the extra mile to make sure good things get done.  They’re typically not looking for accolades, or even acknowledgement, but it sure feels good when they get it. Every year, the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce goes searching for these special people, places and things so that we can honor them at our annual recognition banquet in October.

The Chamber is currently accepting nominations from all corners of the community for the following categories:

Woman of the Year, Man of the Year, Business of the Year, Organization of the Year, Educator of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and Beautification Award.

Selection of awardees will be based on the following criteria: exceptional achievement or service to our community, contributions to the business environment, and outstanding social, civic or educational leadership.

To get you thinking, here are examples of prior winners. In 2015 our Woman of the Year was Robin Goldsworthy, dedicated journalist and publisher of the Crescenta Valley’s best source of news. Dwight Sityar was our Man of the Year, organizer of events such as the 9/11 Remembrance Parade and numerous car shows.  Our Business of the Year was Bob Smith Toyota Scion, a successful business enterprise that helps out with so many community events. Our Volunteer of the Year was Kaipo Chock, leader of the city’s biggest event, the Hometown Country Fair, and friend to youth groups around town. The American Legion/VFW received Organization of the Year for the many ways its members help the community. Our Educator of the Year went to Lt. Col Worley who leads the multi-award-winning Jr. ROTC at Crescenta Valley High School. And the Beautification Award went to the lovely Crescenta Commons at Rosemont and Orange avenues.

The Awards Committee is open to all suggestions. The only condition is that the person, organization or professional group provides a service to the community that has improved the quality of life in the Crescenta Valley.

Simply email your nomination(s) to info@crescentavalleychamber.org. Please specify the nominee’s name, address, phone and email, the award you suggest they be honored with, a short rundown of why they should be honored, and your name and contact info. Deadline for nominations is Friday, Sept. 2. The public is invited to the awards banquet to be held at Oakmont Country Club on Oct. 27 at 6 p.m. Call the office for details.

Upcoming Events

Deadline to get the reduced exhibitor rate for the Foothills Community Business Expo is next Wednesday, Aug.17. Chamber business members can host a booth at the event on Sept. 14 for only $100.

Tickets are still available at the Chamber office for the American Legion’s Bingo Night on Friday, Aug. 19 at 6 p.m. at Healy Hall ($10). With over 10 games and only a couple hundred players, your odds of winning $100 or more are outstanding!  No time for dinner before bingo? Pizza and hotdogs will be available for purchase.

  Lisa DUPUY