Honors Old Members and Installs New
Chamber of Commerce and DEMBA Hosts Awards Dinner

The El Monte/South El Monte Chamber of Commerce and Downtown El Monte Business Association (DEMBA) took turns honoring standout board members, individuals and local businesses for their devotion and continued service to the community at the annual Awards and Installation Dinner held Thursday [June 29] at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in Baldwin Park. A sociable atmosphere provided the perfect setting for the dinner, as Richard Nichols Executive Director of the El Monte/South El Monte Chamber of Commerce, promised a night of fun and undoubtedly livened up the evening with his Johnny Carson-esque banter. He inspired a lighthearted mood that lasted throughout the night by teasing Lee Bollen, a citizen and Chamber member who he referred to as its "workforce" behind the scenes, right off the bat.

"Lee Bollen makes a script for everybody," Nichols said during his welcome speech, before tossing his own copy onto the stage floor with gusto. "I go by whim, so I'll continue talking as I love to do."

A highlight of the night included the presentation of the Key Man Award to former DEMBA president Jody Bush. Terry Keenan, Master of Ceremonies, pointed out the irony in the fact that the award was being given to a woman and jokingly suggested its future name change to the "Key Person" Award, all the while making it crystal clear that no one deserved the award as much as Bush.

"This year's award recipient is truly the embodiment of the 'key man,'" Keenan said with a smile. "She knows all aspects of the El Monte business and residential community without exception. She has dedicated decades of loyal service and selfless service to the city of El Monte as a whole, and continues to pursue and execute new avenues to excellence selflessly."

Nichols referred to Bush's presence as "dynamic" and thanked her for her past years of service, while Bush characteristically thanked everyone she said had made the award possible.

"Everyone here is very important to everyone else here and I want you to know that everything you put fourth, you get back in return," Bush said.

The presentation of the Good Guy Award, found a first-time tie between local businesses Piñata World and American Reclamation. The award was typically given to an exceptional individual or organization for constantly representing DEMBA in a positive light and its efforts to enhance the business community.

"In an unprecedented tie vote, this year's recipients were selected because of their consistent and continual efforts to provide a positive image of El Monte and promote local businesses," Keenan said.

Bush also officially handed over the presidential reins of DEMBA to past president Richard Jurado, who dutifully promised to "uphold the policies and principles (of DEMBA)."

Other newly installed 2005-06 DEMBA board directors and members included George Lieberman, vice president; Harold Johanson, secretary; Don Rubin, treasurer; and board members Jody Bush, Ernesto Villegas, Richard Nichols, Wayne Clayton, Israel Ceballos, Jorge Garcia, Enrique Diaz, and Sol Rubin.

The Joseph A. Shenbaum Citizen of the Year Award, routinely given to men and women who are actively involved in the Chamber and the community, who demonstrate leadership qualities and who contribute to the improvement of the cities of El Monte and South El Monte, was awarded to Derek Rojas, a Chamber board director and Valley Vista employee. Valley Vista also picked up the Chamber of Commerce Con-tinuing Service Award.

Other Chamber award recipients included: Vons Credit Union, El Monte Business of the Year; Advantage Metals, South El Monte Business of the Year; Espie Uribe, Ambassador of the Year; and Longo Toyota/ Lexus, Most Supportive Company.

In an interview with Nichols, Uribe shared her honor as the Ambassador of the Year with fellow board members and said their efforts had been well-directed.

"I truly enjoy working with you and giving back to the community," Uribe said.

Newly installed members of the Chamber board included John Meeks, president; Derek Rojas, vice president; Rennee Valentino, treasurer; Andre Quintero, secretary; Kathy Furnald, past president; and directors Jose Aguiniga, Bill Guevara, Philip Ma, Anna Frutos-Sanchez, Enrique Diaz, John Leung, Donna Duncan, Joe Albert, Donna Tuliau, and Suzanne Castanada.

Meeks, who has served the Chamber for four years, shared his plan to expand Furnald's Principal for a Day event to include teaching and said his commitment to the organization was completely community-based.

The night ended on the cheerful note upon which it had begun with the presentation of a very special award to Bollen; she received a standing ovation and revealed the motive behind her loyalty to the Chamber with just a few simple words.

"I only do what I do because I love Dick (Nichols) and the Chamber," Bollen said.