On Saturday, February 29, 2020, the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce held their Annual Awards Gala at Pechanga Resort & Casino. This premier event was a memorable night of elegance and excitement, with over 800 attendees. The evening included dinner, an extravagant silent auction, live entertainment, and an outstanding awards presentation. The event was sponsored by Abbott and Pechanga Resort & Casino.
The Temecula Chamber proudly awarded the following businesses, organizations and citizens:
Bronze Business of the Year – Jimmy Fu-tography
A Temecula-based photographer focused on Commercial and Landscape photography, Jimmy’s mission is to deliver high quality photography – consistently, reliably and quickly – with a positive attitude and a friendly smile! Jimmy fu-tography has made an important impact to the marketing and promotion efforts of many of the local businesses in Temecula.
Sterling Business of the Year – New Day Solar
New Day Solar is a family owned, local solar installation company. The Company was founded by Scott and Mary Carlson, who are part of the few pioneers in the solar industry. New Day Solar is passionate about contributing and providing high quality, low cost solar electric systems. With over 20 years of experience they have built their success on their core values of quality, honesty and integrity!
Gold Business of the Year – Pulido Cleaning & Restoration
Pulido Cleaning & Restoration is family owned and has built a solid reputation in the restoration industry since our establishment in 1989. In 30 years, Pulido Cleaning & Restoration has become very well known as a successful leader in the industry. They have always strived to make a name as a dependable, trustworthy, and honorable company within our industry and our community.
Platinum Business of the Year – Abbott
Abbott’s Cardiovascular Care Division, Temecula is a global leader in cardiovascular care with market-leading products and an industry-leading pipeline. An Industry leader, Abbott focuses on ways to build healthier communities aligning with Abbott’s expertise, sharing company strengths, and addressing societal needs in the areas of health and wellness, education, and the environment.
Ruby Organization of the Year – STAT Save the Animals Today
For 13 years, Save the Animals Today has provided a place where horses who have outlived their usefulness for riding are allowed to live out their lives serving as therapy and companion animals. STAT shares their facility with the community through community service opportunities; all age field trips, Wishes for Children, and Veterans and Hospice programs have all experienced their peaceful setting of quiet healing.
Emerald Organization of the Year – Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley
Founded in 1991, the Mission of Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley is to facilitate the dream of homeownership as well as improve living conditions for those in the community. With volunteers, sponsors and business partners, Habitat builds and rehabilitates homes in Southwest Riverside County. Habitat expanded to two ReStore home improvement discount stores, the second opening this month.
Valley Young Professional of the Year – Melissa Rada, Michelle’s Place Cancer Resource Center
Melissa has been a resident of Temecula for 30 years, Program Manager for Michelle’s Place Cancer Resource Center, in her position, she works closely with community members to develop programs and services that empower and educate those affected by cancer. In an effort to contribute more, she is completing her master’s degree in Public Health. Becoming a VYP member has taught her the value and power of networking.
Citizen of the Year – Darell & Rebecca Farnbach, Temecula Valley Historical Society
Darell & Rebecca’s mission is to preserve and share their community’s history. They have dedicated their time to share information and touchstones of Temecula’s past to inspire the residents of Temecula to know and honor their shared legacy. Their most noted accomplishment is advocating for the saving and restoration of the Historic Vail Headquarters
Lifetime Achievement Recipient – Patrick Murphy, Pechanga Development Corporation
Patrick Murphy’s service to the Pechanga Band began in 1992 when he was elected to the Tribal Council. The general membership elected Mr. Murphy to serve on the first Pechanga Development Corporation Board of Directors (PDC) in 1995. During Murphy’s tenure, the PDC Board managed development and construction of the award-winning Pechanga Resort & Casino, the championship golf course, Journey at Pechanga, and the multi-million-dollar renovation of the hotel lobby. In 2002, Mr. Murphy was elected by fellow tribal leaders to serve as Secretary of the Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations (TASIN), a leading intergovernmental association of Southern California tribal governments. Murphy played an instrumental role in 2003 in building a coalition and advancing legislation to distribute monies from the Indian Gaming Special Distribution Fund to local communities that surround tribal casinos. Those efforts have resulted in more than $100 million flowing to local communities for vital public services such as police and fire protection, road improvements, and afterschool programs throughout Southern California.
Ambassador of the Year – Lie-Ming Sie, Optimal Medical Billing & Consulting
Lie-Ming has been the Managing Director of Optimal Medical Billing & Consulting since 2016. She assists healthcare providers process medical insurance claims and improve cash flow. Lie-Ming is an Ambassador who supports the business community by attending almost every ribbon cutting ceremony, leaps at the opportunity to volunteer in any capacity (many times behind the scenes) and supports her peers by being a loyal friend.
Chairman’s Choice Award – Al Rubio, DCH Auto Group Temecula
In 1991, Al Rubio accepted the position of GM at LaMasters of Fine Jewelry which relocated him and his family to the Temecula Valley from L.A. County. After close to 20 years in the Jewelry business, he was recruited by the Norm Reeves Supergroup in 1999. Al started in the sales department accepting the position of Regional Human Resources Manager in 2003 and held that position until June of 2017. Al is currently back in the sales department as the Regional VIP Purchase Program Manager of DCH Auto Group Temecula. He is currently a member of the Rotary Club of Temecula and serves on the boards of the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce, Boys and Girls Club of Southwest County and Michelle’s Place Breast Cancer Resource Center.
Visit Temecula Valley Welty Tourism Professional of the Year – Mike Rennie
Mike Rennie has been a significant figure in the Temecula Valley Wine Country for over 40 years. He is the owner of Temecula Valley Wine Management, overseeing Leoness Winery, Crush & Brew and Espadin restaurants, Thompson & Twain Prospecting Company (one of two Speakeasies in Old Town), and Temecula Catering. Mike currently sits on the committee for Wine Country beautification and serves as the Vice President of the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association.
In photo (left to right):
Al Rubio, TVCC Chairman of the Board
Assemblymember Marie Waldron, 75th District
Emily Falappino, President/CEO of the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce
Debbie Herrera, representing California State Senate 28th District
Darell Farbach
Rebecca Farnbach
Mayor James “Stew” Stewart, City of Temecula
Brenda Dennstedt, representing Congressman Ken Calvert 42nd District
Supervisor Chuck Washington, Riverside County Board of Supervisors 3rd District
Photo by: Ashley Bee