The Loma Linda Chamber of Commerce Honors...

The Loma Linda Chamber of Commerce held their 2015 installation of officers dinner last Thursday. This annual dinner is an opportunity to recognize community leaders, thank outstanding volunteers, and appreciate those who go above and beyond their duty. For the year 2014 the following honorees were given accolades by their peers, supervisors and the community at large. Also in attendance to honor the recipients was Sen. Mike Morrell. City Employee of the Year was Gabriel Orozco. Teacher of the Year was Kelly Whitfield, of Mission Elementary. Deputy of the Year was Daniel Popa. Firefighter of the Year was Capt. Glen Savik. Outstanding Board Member was Angela Lalas. Ambassador of the Year was Vern Miller. Business of the Year was Moss Brothers. The most outstanding award of the evening was presented by the incoming president Scott Stockdale to the Citizen of the Year Lily Diehl. Dr. Diehl has influenced thousands of young lives by fostering excellence in musicianship, increased self understanding, and personal growth in her students. Many of her students have been accepted at music schools such as the Oberlin and Peabody conservatories and the Eastman School of Music. A special award of appreciation was given to Richard A. Schaefer, for his contribution of his historical information found in the Loma Linda City News' weekly articles. The 2015 Loma Linda Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is as follows: President Scott Stockdale, University Realty; Vice President Bill Arnold, Southeastern Conference SDA; Treasurer James Walling, Loma Linda Lopers; Secretary Roni Bailey, Live Well Medical Supplies, Inc.; Elsie Chan, Spectrotape Corporation; Danny Fontoura, Loma Linda University Medical Center; Luke Kibler, individual; Angela Lalas, Loma Linda University Foundation; George Macias, Comfortcare Homecare; Margie Miller, City News Group; Verne Miller, retired; Victor Miller, retired; Gary Nelson, La Loma Federal Credit Union; BJ Rhoads, retired; and Richard A. Schaefer, Loma Linda University Historian. Loma Linda Chamber of Commerce Directors Emeritus are: Norm Meyer, retired; John Ruffcorn, retired; Willard Steward, United Property Management; and Mel Upp, retired. Loma Linda Chamber of Commerce staff includes Stephanie Mahe, operations manager. In closing, newly installed President Scott Stockdale of University Realty inspired everyone to make a difference. He said, "As incoming president, my vision is for the Loma Linda Chamber of Commerce to thrive: How do we thrive? It comes down to each of us. We thrive by supporting our local small businesses - by spending our dollars in Loma Linda when we have a choice. We thrive by joining in and participating in the many Chamber events which include our parade, golf tournament, networking events; and we make new friends as we enjoy some great food, music, and shopping at the Tuesday Night Farmer’s Market. And we grow by attracting new members to the Chamber. All of this is good for all of us. So please join me in this vision for the Chamber in 2015 – for us to thrive." The elegant evening and flavorful dining was provided by Jassan, a banquet of Indian cuisine. [END] Scott Stockdale's Speech: Installation Speech 2015 Scott Stockdale If you’ve ever been to a concert at the Redlands Bowl, and I recommend that you do, you’ll see the words loosely taken from the book of Proverbs cast into the concrete arch: “Without Vision, a People Perish”. Well I’d like to turn that around into a positive statement tonight and say: “With Vision, a People Thrive. I think that clearly describes what has been happening in Loma Linda since the first person in 1875 saw this area and had an idea. As often happens with great ideas, it took many years until the fragile roots of our town took hold. Fast forward to the present when recently realized visions abound – the center median on Barton Road bursting with flowers and grasses, the beautiful Stewart Street project, the near-completion of Bob Stewart’s Center Point development (thanks for the Starbucks!) And now the newest visions we’ve all heard about are the impressive VA expansion and Clinic, and the remarkable Vision2020. All these projects have one thing in common – it took someone, an individual, to form the kernel - the original idea and then someone to put that idea into motion. Today 690 businesses and organizations thrive in Loma Linda and an additional 1080 business outside Loma Linda have City licenses to do business here. The Chamber of Commerce has currently has 200 members. As individuals, we not only work for, but we patronize our businesses and organizations. This process not only expands our community, which is robust and flourishing, it also creates the fertile ground for new ideas and new businesses to be created, take root, join the Chamber, and grow. As incoming President, my Vision is for the Loma Linda Chamber of Commerce to thrive: How do we thrive? It comes down to each of us: We thrive by supporting our local small businesses - by spending our dollars in Loma Linda when we have a choice. We thrive by joining in and participating in the many Chamber events which include our Parade, Golf tournament, networking events; and we make new friends as we enjoy some great food, music, and shopping at the Tuesday Night Farmer’s Market. And we grow by attracting new members to the Chamber. All of this is good for all of us. So please join me in this vision for the Chamber in 2015 – for us to thrive.