San Diego North Chamber of Commerce honored seven businesses, organizations and individuals for excellence at its annual awards ceremony.

The 2010 Business Achievement Awards were presented at the chamber’s Celebration of Business, held June 26 at the Rancho Bernardo Inn.

The event attended by 225 members of the local business community also included an induction of new board of directors officers, members and a farewell to retiring board members.

The awards ceremony recognized those who go above and beyond what is expected, have demonstrated high ethics and strong business practices.

Matt Sanford, SDNCC communications manager, said there were 22 individuals and businesses nominated for this year’s awards.

In addition to selecting seven nominees for each category’s highest honor, the panel of judges selected six additional nominees to receive an exemplary award, the equivalent of honorable mention.

The award winners were:

• Entrepreneur of the Year — Scot Sandstrom, New Pointe Communities, Inc.; exemplary award — Stacey McKibbin, Action Coach San Diego.

• Non-Profit Organization of the Year — Cancer for College; exemplary award — San Diego Hospice.

• Woman in Business (corporate) — Barbara Noerenberg, Qualcomm; exemplary award — Megan Steadman, Hewlett-Packard.

• Woman in Business (small business) — Lynelle Lynch, Bellus Academy; exemplary award — Rosemary Duff Florist.

• Small Business of the Year — Sunshine Care, Ltd.; exemplary award — Unicorn Jewelry and Fine Gifts.

• Business of the Year — Stone Brewing Company; exemplary award — Sony Corporation.

• Business Leader of the Year — Ross Simmons, The Simmons Firm.

During the event, outgoing board chairwoman Trudy Armstrong turned over her leadership role to incoming chairman Angelo Damante.

Joining him as 2010-11 officers are Nick Torres (treasurer), Dennis Guseman (vice chairman, economic development), Bill O’Brien (vice chairman, nominating committee) and Debra Rosen (president and CEO).

The new board members are Jeb Bakke, Scott Dillon, Brad Holiday, Glen Hopkins, Patricia Hsieh and Patricia Reno.

Returning board members are Frank Crimi, Christopher Ekren, Lynn George, Melissa Hayden Cook, Jim Hernandez, Brian Maienschein, Brendan Ruff and James Tenuto.

The board’s ex-officio directors are Todd Gutschow, representing Poway Unified School District; Alicia Gwynn, representing the San Diego North Educational Foundation; and Gary Knight, representing the San Diego North Economic Development Council.

Retiring board members recognized during the black tie optional event were Marc Farrar, John Gilbert, Ahmad Hosseini and Leah Thiss.