North San Diego Business Chamber presents annual awards

The North San Diego Business Chamber has honored 11 individuals and companies for excelling in the past year.

Its 2016 Celebration of Business Gala was held on Saturday at the San Diego Marriott La Jolla. To be eligible for an award, nominees had to be members in good standing with the chamber.

The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an individual who has repeatedly gone beyond the standard obligations in his or her industry and contributed significantly to the local business community during their working lifetime. The honorees also had to be active in the business community for at least a decade. The 2016 winners were Rick Rubin of Michael Baker International and Lynn Wells of Blue Apple Ranch.

The Emerging Leader of the Year Award recognizes young entrepreneurs, business owners or executives of a local company or organization who exemplifies business excellence, community spirit, innovation, personal integrity and has made an impact in their industry. The recipients serve as an ideal model for other emerging professionals and entrepreneurs and is someone who has been in business for at least three years, is 40 or younger and responsible for a significant role in their company’s good standing, vision and continued growth. The 2016 winner was Tyler Sandstrom of New Pointe Communities.

The Business Leader of the Year Award honors business leaders that made the greatest positive impact on their organization through innovation, integrity, growth and pushing their company to excellence in every aspect of business. Honorees must also be an executive in a private or public company. The 2016 winners were Teresa Halleck of San Diego County Credit Union, Mike Rowan of Goodwill Industries and Glenn Torrez of Prava Construction.

The Business of the Year Award goes to businesses that embrace responsibility for the impact of their activities on the environment, consumers, employees and the community by proactively encouraging growth and development, and volunteer their time to make a difference in their community. The 2016 winners were Abnormal Company and USSD Team Focus 4S Ranch.

The Think Local First Champion of the Year Award goes to businesses or organizations in San Diego County that have shown a commitment to supporting local commerce, keeping spending in the region and encouraging their employees to engage in local spending. The 2016 winner was Susan Burchardt of San Diego Gas & Electric.

The Healthiest Business of the Year Award recognizes a San Diego County business that promotes wellness in its company. The 2016 winner was Sharp Health Plan.

The chamber’s 2016 Volunteer of the Year Award winner was Judy Corasaniti.