Chamber honors the best in business

When Dave Sanford was installed as president of the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce and Civic Assn. on Jan. 27, he had 88 years of history behind him.

The chamber is one of the city’s oldest and most active organizations.

“It defines Laguna,” said Supervisor Tom Wilson, keynote speaker at the 2006 Installation and Civic Awards Dinner held at Tivoli Too.

Sanford succeeds Dennis Junka, who will continue to serve on the executive committee, along with Chris Lutz, first vice president; Chris Lange, second vice president; Bill Buus, secretary; and Dave Hicok, treasurer.

Wilson administered the oath of office to the officers and board members Igbal Bashir, Bob Dietrich, Ibrahim Guirguis, Dennis Myers, Anne Morris, Tom Simpson, Shaun Tabor and Catherine Wilkinson. Board members Kimberly Stuart and Michelle Clark were unable to attend.

“In accepting these posts, you are taking a leadership position,” Wilson said. “”You help make possible this wonderful community.”

Junka presented the first award of the evening to Kathy Conway, who served almost nine years as chamber treasurer before terming out. She was named board member of the year.

“We have come a long way, and the future looks bright,” Conway said. “I want you all to know what an incredible experience this has been for me.”

Retiring board member Veronica Nice presented ambassador of the year awards to Jeffrey Redecker and Yvette Cercone. “These are the people who make us look so good,” Nice said.

Ambassadors are the emissaries of the chamber -- for many the first introduction to the organization.