Celebrating Excellence: A Recap of the 2025 Installation and Awards Dinner 

The South County Chambers of Commerce hosted a spectacular Installation and Awards Dinner on January 30, 2025, at the South County Regional and Events Center, bringing together over 200 guests for an evening of recognition, celebration, and community spirit. 

This annual event serves as a cornerstone for the Chamber, honoring the dedication and success of local businesses while ushering in new leadership for the year ahead. With an exciting silent auction, a lively dessert auction, and the presence of esteemed business and community leaders, the night was a true reflection of the Chamber’s mission: to foster economic growth and a thriving business environment in South County. 

Recognizing Outstanding Businesses and Leaders 

The evening’s highlight was the presentation of awards celebrating excellence in business, leadership, and community impact. We proudly recognize the following 2025 award recipients: 

Non-Profit of the Year – Five Cities Homeless Coalition (5CHC) 

  Business of the Year – Fin’s Seafood Bar & Grill – Bruce Van Vort - Press Release Here! 

  Ambassador of the Year – Donna Milne, 1st Capital Bank 

  Leadership South County Supporter Award – Ken Dalebout, Chief Administration Officer, Dignity Health Central Coast 

  New Business of the Year – Hubbalicious Sweet Shoppe – David & Kristen Hubbel - Press Release Here!

  Business Supporting Business Award – Dana Reserve – Nick & Michele Tompkins - Press Release Here! 

Each of these honorees has made a lasting impact on our local economy and community. Click the links above to read more about their remarkable achievements. 

Introducing the 2025 Board of Directors 

The South County Chambers of Commerce also welcomed its new Board of Directors, a group of dedicated professionals committed to driving economic growth and supporting local businesses in the year ahead. 

2025 SCC Board of Directors 

Joshua Erdman – Past Chairperson, Torchlight Marketing 

  Susannah Brown – Chairperson, Renaissance Strategy Dynamics 

  Dave Pier – Treasurer, Clark Center for the Performing Arts 

  Peggy Hoobery – Secretary, Burdine Printing 

  Nicole Moore - Director, Shorebirds Hotel Group (SeaCrest) 

  Adam Verdin – Director, Old Juan's Cantina 

  Anthony Salas – Director, Epic Entertainment 

  Mary Rowan-Ishakawa – Director, AllState Insurance 

  Scott Robertson – Director, Arroyo Grande Community Hospital, Dignity Health 

  Shannon Downing – Director, Adventist Health Central Coast 

  Sue MacCagno Palmer – Director, Sue’s Mobile Notary and Signing Service 

  Sean Dasmann – Director, Agrarian Hotel 

  Todd Huebler – Director, State Farm Insurance 

  David Morneau – Director, Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach 

  Melissa Zaferis – Director, Grover Station Grill  

We are excited to see this dynamic team lead the Chamber into a year of innovation, collaboration, and growth. 

Recognition for Service 

The Chamber also took a moment to honor individuals who have dedicated their time and leadership to supporting the South County business community: 

Ron Reilly, Garing, Taylor & Associates – 4 years of dedicated service on the SCC Board of Directors 

  Kim Banks, BBSI – 4 years of dedicated service on the SCC Board of Directors 

  Kristen Palera, KSL Resorts – 4 years of dedicated service on the SCC Board of Directors 

  Joshua Erdman, Torchlight Marketing – 2024 Chairperson of the SCC Board of Directors 

Their contributions have been instrumental in shaping the Chamber’s vision and growth, and we are grateful for their continued dedication and leadership. 

A Night of Community, Connection, and Celebration 

Guests were treated to a memorable evening filled with entertainment, networking, and exciting auction opportunities: 

Silent Auction: Attendees bid on a variety of luxury experiences, including stays at some of South County’s finest hotel properties. 

Dessert Auction: A fun and engaging bidding war took place over delicious treats, including one very large pink Madonna Inn cake, generously donated by Chamber leadership alumni and valued members. 

Live Music: The evening’s entertainment was provided by Brodywink, whose wonderful vocals set the perfect tone for the event. 

Photography: Professional event photography was beautifully captured by Kay Mitchell Photography. 

Catering: Guests enjoyed an exquisite meal catered by Chef’s Table, featuring a delicious selection of locally sourced dishes. 

Event Coordination: A special thank you to Sisters at Heart for their seamless event planning and coordination, ensuring a smooth and memorable evening. 

The Chamber extends a heartfelt thank you to Anita Showers for her incredible contributions to the evening. Anita provided beautifully branded South County Chambers cakes, adding a special touch to the celebration. She also coordinated an exciting raffle featuring a stunning lei worn by our Membership Director, Kim Wybenga, making the night even more memorable.

Gratitude for Our Sponsors 

Events like this wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our sponsors, whose contributions help sustain and grow the Chamber’s efforts throughout the year: 

• City of Grover Beach – Presenting Sponsor 

• Old Juan’s Cantina – Bar Sponsor 

• Pacific Gas & Electric – Award Sponsor 

• SLO Credit Union – Reception Sponsor 

• Renaissance Strategy Dynamics – Stage Sponsor 

• Adventist Health Central Coast – Entertainment Sponsor 

• Eco Club 5-Cities – Entertainment Sponsor 

• Cuesta College – Award Sponsor 

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to each of these businesses and organizations for their dedication to our local business community. 

Looking Ahead 

The South County Chambers of Commerce is excited for another year of growth, collaboration, and success. This event was just the beginning—stay tuned for upcoming programs, networking opportunities, and initiatives that continue to strengthen our local economy. 

Thank you to everyone who attended, contributed, and supported this year’s Installation and Awards Dinner—we look forward to celebrating again in 2026! 

Created, edited and formatted for the web by Rebecca Briggs Baker