Spirits of Laguna honored

The Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce & Civic Assn. honored its own at the 2007 Spirit of Laguna Awards and installation of the Board of Directors, held Saturday at Tivoli Too!.

Newly elected Supervisor Pat Bates installed the board: Dave Sanford, president; Jeffrey Redecker, president-elect; Bill Buus, vice president; Dave Hicok, treasurer; Kimberly Stuart, secretary; and members at large Iqbal Bahir, Chris Lange, John Campbell, Chris Lutz, Michelle Clark, Chuck Robinson, Steven Dicterow, Tom Simpson, Bob Dietrich, Shaun Tabor, Irbrahim Guirguis and Catherine Wilkinson.

“What a privilege,” Bates said.

“You are assuming a leadership role in the business community and setting an example,” Bates told the inductees.

The installation was Bates’ first official visit to town since she was elected supervisor for the 5th District, which includes Laguna. Representatives of Assemblyman Chuck DeVore, Congressman John Campbell and state Senator Tom Harmon also attended.

“You should be so proud of this board,” Dicterow said. “They have done a marvelous job of making this organization meaningful in town.”

Sanford said he was proud of the progress the chamber has made.

“Membership is the largest in the history of the chamber,” Sanford said. “Our Government Affairs Committee has gained the respect of the elected officials.

“But the successes couldn’t have happened without our great board and all of you here. I am proud to be the leader of this organization.”

Following the installation, Sanford, Redecker and Dicterow presented the 2007 Spirit of Laguna Awards.

Laguna Beach Community Clinic staff physician Dr. Korey Jorgenson was the recipient of the Harry Lawrence Person of the Year Award, named for the legendary businessman and community activist.

“It is a privilege being a physician and I love doing it at the community clinic,” Jorgensen said. “I accept the award on behalf of the entire staff of the clinic.”

Lawrence, who owned Warren Imports for more than 60 years, was named Merchant of the Year.

Lori Porter was honored as Ambassador of the Year. The Ambassadors act as liaisons between the chamber and the community, encourage membership and mentor new members.

The Small Business of the Year award went to South County Bank. The Festival of Arts was named the Premier Business of 2006.

“There goes your trash collection,” joked Michelle Clark of Waste Management of Orange County, also nominated for the award.

Retiring board member Dennis Junka was recognized for more than a decade of commitment to the chamber, which he twice served as president.

“Thank you all for helping me help others,” Junka said.

Chamber Executive Director Rose Hancock was surprised with a special award for her service to the group.

“This was our biggest installation and awards dinner ever,” Sanford said. “The awards went to people who brought their friends. And I personally gave each board member 10 tickets to distribute.”

The event was sponsored by Montage Resort & Spa, Laguna Beach Coastline Pilot, Penny Saver, The Athens Group, South County Bank, Waste Management, Tivoli Terrace and Tivoli Too!, Ganahl Lumber, Doctor’s Ambulance, SuperDave’s, Citizens Business Bank, South Coast Medical Center, Simpson Termite Inc. and Showpros.

Membership in the chamber is open to businesses and community groups. For more information, call (949 494-1018.