SCV News Contributed to this Story. 

Update: Additional information was added about the changing of the Chamber’s officers and about Curtis Woods III.

The Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce honored several businesses in the Santa Clarita Valley on Friday, commending them for their work in the community and with the chamber.

The recipients for 2015-16 are:

Small Business of the Year

Advanced Audiology and Nola Aronson

Advanced Audiology is a pillar in the Chamber and in the community, said President and CEO of the Chamber Terri Crain, and the award was long overdue.

Medium Business of the Year

24/7 Events

A full service party and event planning service, 24/7 Events is “a fixture around the chamber,” said Crain. “They donate much of the infastructure and decor we use for our signature events.”

Large Business of the Year

Whole Foods

“They’re a huge sponsor of our 5k fun run,” Crain said. “They do a lot to support that event with marketing and internal promotions”

Also Honored were several notable members of the Chamber.

Ambassador of the Year

Betty Winn

Winn was honored because of her strong dedication to participating in the chamber, according to Crain.

Special Achievement Award

Lee Watters

“He owns a small business called the watters group,” said Crain. “But with all he does for the Chamber, I don’t know how he even finds time to work.” 

Chairman’s Award

Marlee Lauffer

This award is personally selected by the outgoing chairman, said Crain, based on the work put into the Chamber and it’s activities.

The Chamber also installed officers for 2016 at the meeting.

Sue Nevius of La Quinta Inn and Suites passed leadership to Curtis Woods III, the general manager of Eternal Valley Memorial Park and Mortuary. Woods joined the executive committee last year.

The committee members are excited to have him lead, as “he has a great sense of humor,” according to Crain.

Woods has been on the board for two years, and has proved himself by heading the Chamber’s “Emerging Leaders” program.

“We are looking forward to a dynamic year with new perspectives and ideas,” said Crain.

Wood will head the committee, which is made up of himself, Nevius, Crain, John Milburn of College of the Canyons, Bridget Bowes of The Walt Disney Co., Nancy Starczyk of Southland Regional Association of Realtors, John Musella of Chiquita Canyon and Brian O’Connor of Princess Cruises.

Others on the  2016 Santa Clarita Valley Chamber board are Lois Bauccio, Ingrid Blanco, Russ Briley, Alethia Calagias, Steve Chegwin, Steve Cole, Marisol Espinoza, Monica Harrison, Brian Higgins, Elizabeth Hopp, Stacie House, Bob Jensen, Bill Miranda, Patrick Moody, Marlon Roa, Sandy Sanchez, Anya Smilanick, Doug Sutton, Mike Van der Goes, Tony Watson, Jeffrey A. Hacker and Jason Crawford (ex-officio).

SCV News is an affiliate of KHTS AM-1220.