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
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