Correction: Steve Knight was originally said to be a city councilman.
The Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce celebrated 90 years Friday night with their Annual Installation & Recognition Banquet.
President and CEO of the chamber, Terri Crain, said it was the first banquet in years to sell out, with around 365 people packing into the Hyatt Regency in Valencia for dinner, awards and laughs.
“The event was amazing, all the business award winners were surprised and very grateful,” Crain said. “Scott Wilk (assemblyman, R-Santa Clarita) and Steve Knight (Senator, R-Antelope Valley) did a great job swearing in the 2014 board and executive committee, they were very funny.”
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Four businesses won awards for their involvement in the community, Crain said.
Michael Asmar, the operations manager at Joie de Vivre Photographie, won for small business because he has reached out to the community, volunteered much of his time and photographed many Chamber events and ribbon cuttings, she said.
Mission Valley Bank was one of two businesses that won for medium business because they are big supporters of all the nonprofits in Santa Clarita and give scholarship money, including $1,000 to different charities on their 10 years anniversary a couple years ago, Crain said.
The second businesses to win for medium business was Persia Restaurant, which is always the first business to step up and cater Chamber events, Crain said.
Related article: SCV Business Chamber Spotlight
“They’ve really come on the scene the last few years and done a great job marketing themselves,” Crain said. “They really show how a business can grow by being part of the community.”
Currently located at 27600 Bouquet Canyon Rd., they will soon be opening a second store in Old Town Newhall.
The winner for largest business was Chiquita Canyon Landfill for their generous donations and environmental friendly business model.
“They are a shining example of community stewardship and responsible business ownership,” Crain said.
Also during the event, Fred Arnold completed his term as board chair, his crowning achievement being the revamping of the SCV Leadership Academy, Crain said.
The first class graduated during the banquet, and their education included learning about Santa Clarita business planning, taxes, marketing, government, how to be city council member and how the education system works in Santa Clarita.
Jim Backer was welcomed as the 2014 board chair and said his primary goal is focussing on membership growth, Crain said.
Dana Cop received the Chairman’s award for her support of Arnold and her continual involvement in Santa Clarita.
“She was a great mentor for him and she’s just larger than life in this community,” Crain said. “We really love her and I can’t think of anyone more deserving than her.”
Other winners included:
Special achievement – Chris Kaub
Ambassador of the year – Rochelle Randall and Jack Puckett
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More information: Business
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