March 4, 2010                                                                      FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For More Information Contact:

Mike Cully, President/CEO

San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce

(619) 440-6161 (office)

(619) 929-6640 (cell)

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San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce’s 98^th Gala a Huge Success

Chamber Releases this Year’s Large and Small Businesses of the Year

Seven (7) superior businesses were honored at the 98^th Annual Inaugural Gala hosted by the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce and presented by Barona Resort & Casino last Friday, February 26, 2010. This year’s Gala replaced the Chamber’s “Annual Awards Banquet” in grand fashion by improving the overall program; increasing the number of honorees and award-winners and broadening the scope of the overall event.

“The Gala has become East County’s premier business and social event.” said Mike Cully, President and CEO of the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce. “In two hours the Chamber recognized the large and small businesses of the year from La Mesa, El Cajon and Lemon Grove, as well as those individuals who make the East County a great place to live and work.”

Approximately 300 guests attended the Chamber’s elegant business and community-service recognition event with style and fanfare provided by the gracious host, Barona Resort & Casino.

A committee of the Chamber dedicated months to the task of not only planning the event, but also in the painstaking process of identifying businesses that represented the very best of the East County.

The 2009 Large and Small Businesses of the Year, announced on the evening of the Gala, are as follows:

El Cajon Small Business of the Year: Awarded to Oak Tree Escrows, Inc. Ms. Bobbi Pearson of Oak Tree Escrows, Inc was feted for her, and her businesses’, longstanding commitment to the City of El Cajon, as well as her service to the Chamber and its members.

El Cajon Large Business of the Year: Presented to Waste Management, Inc. Waste Management, steered by Mr. Les Hart, has become a staple in the El Cajon community for the company’s sincere dedication to bettering the entire East County community through their many philanthropic endeavors.

La Mesa Small Business of the Year: The Chamber honored GIO Wine Bar & Bistro this year. Owners Gabe and Tracy Giordano were on hand to receive the award and be thanked for their efforts to provide La Mesa with fine dining and an exemplary business model.

La Mesa Large Business of the Year: Given to Grossmont Shopping Center for their endless support of the City of La Mesa and the Chamber. General Manager Mike Hansen accepted the award and was recognized for his leadership.

Lemon Grove Small Business of the Year: Awarded to Teresa Johnson of the Grove Pastry Shop & Custom Cakes. The Grove Pastry Shop was acknowledged for their consistent support of the Chamber and her burgeoning presence in the Lemon Grove community.

Lemon Grove Large Business of the Year: Presented to DCH Honda of Lemon Grove and General Manager Kyle Nyswonger. The Chamber decided to honor DCH for their long history of community support and economic vitality to the City of Lemon Grove.

East County Regional Business of the Year: The award covering the largest regional capacity was awarded to Barona Resort & Casino. The entire executive team attended the Gala to receive the company’s award. Barona remains a strong proponent for the entire San Diego community, devoting tireless amounts of time and sums of money to some of the County’s most deserving organizations, as well as serving as one of the main economic engines for the entire East San Diego region.

The Mission of the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce is to be the respected voice of and advocate for public policy, educational opportunities, business and business opportunities throughout San Diego East County in support of our members. 

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