Advertisement

Chamber announces award winners, installs officers

Share

Ramona Chamber of Commerce launched 2016 by installing its new officers and directors and recognizing those who have contributed to the community at its Installation Dinner and Awards Gala Saturday night at Barona Resort.

Each year the chamber selects winners for three categories: Business of the Year, Citizen of the Year, and Nonprofit of the Year.

This year the chamber also presented a Lifetime Achievement Award, which was given to Kristi Mansolf, whose accomplishments include serving as secretary of the Ramona Community Planning Group — this is her 16th year, and president of the West End Fire Safe Council for the past seven years.

Carol Fowler, last year’s Citizen of the Year, noted the amount of paperwork Mansolf processes for the planning group, how well she communicates, the grants she writes for the fire safe council, and called her an “all-around amazing person.”

Business of the Year went to Country Wine & Spirits, which has three stores in Ramona, and was represented at the event by Founder Shawn Kattoula, General Manager Steve Hermiz and store managers. In announcing the winner, Fowler talked about how Country Wine & Spirits hosts free barbecues on July 4th and other holidays, and gave away free turkeys and hams to those in need during the holidays.

“They are so family orientated,” said Fowler. “These guys are amazing. I’ve never seen so much heart and soul.”

Also nominated for Business of the Year were Dunkin’ Donuts/Baskin-Robbins and Ramona Ranch Winery.

Darrel Kinney, who served as the chamber’s second vice president last year and co-owns Ramona Home Journal, captured the Citizen of the Year award for his work in multiple programs, including chairing the chamber’s Scholarships and Educational Grants Committee, and his involvement in The Patriot Guard.

Calling him a sound decision-maker, Fowler said, “He works his tail off. He’ll come to the calling.”

Also nominated for the award were Pete Bakarich, president of the Ramona Senior Center Board, who was touted for his work with the annual Rib Fest fundraiser, and Bill and Judy Bryant, who lend their motorized sleigh for many at community holiday events.

Nonprofit of the Year went to the Ramona H.E.A.R.T. Mural Project, which is creating an outdoor visual arts program. Fowler said she is amazed at the number of murals already — there are five murals in town and more planned — and she said they will attract tourism and help Ramona economically. Accepting the award were mural project board vice president Judy Nachazel and director Donna Zick.

Chamber president Robert Krysak, who is secretary of the mural project board, announced that the group has secured the Lindbergh mural, formerly at San Diego International Airport, and plans to install it on the Masonic Lodge building at Main and Ninth streets.

“Lindbergh is landing in Ramona,” said Krysak.

Krysak recognized many of the chamber’s leaders, including those who chaired chamber-sponsored community events: Sally Westbook, Ramona Country Fair; Lezley Knott, Christmas Tree Lighting; and Charlotte Jensen, the first Taste of Ramona.

Noting that the country fair and the tree lighting events were held in new locations last year, Krysak said, “These are all challenges which we endured because of the leadership of these committees.”

Last year’s chamber theme was “We Mean Business.” Krysak said for 2016 the theme is “We Mind Your Business” with a focus on “how to better the business environment in Ramona for all of our members.”

Among other recognitions, Alaina Ruzek received Ambassador of the Year.

Also attending the event were county Supervisor Dianne Jacob, who gave a brief talk on various county improvements for the area and installed the board and directors, and Mike Harrison, deputy chief of staff for Congressman Duncan Hunter. State Senator Joel Anderson, who had taken ill, was represented by a staff member.

Krysak will serve again as chamber president, joined by first vice president Sally Wesbrook, second vice president Charlie Kohler, treasurer Carol Fowler, secretary Cindy Galloway and immediate past president Charlotte Jensen. The directors are: Knott, Bob Murray, Patrick Osio, Amber Ramirez, Dan Vengler, Stacy Bart, Paul Zawilenski, Heidi Sam and Kathleen Cole.

Advertisement

At a time when local news is more important than ever, support from our readers is essential. If you are able to, please support the Ramona Sentinel today.