ANNUAL AWARDS
JOE DiSHANNI BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Our Joe DiShanni Business of the Year has been a proud Chamber member since 1986 – 36 years! Which also happens to be the year they were founded.
Based in Irwindale, California Custom Fruits and Flavors creates and supplies processed fruits and flavors to various segments of the food industry, including cultured yogurt and ice cream manufacturers, industrial bakeries, beverage manufacturers, and restaurant, dessert, and coffee chains.
Terry and Rose Ann Hall founded California Custom Fruits and Flavors in 1986. Having successfully implemented core values including service, quality, and technical expertise, the company had its second expansion in 1993 into a larger facility in Irwindale. Further growth justified a third expansion in 2003, this time into a brand new 85,000 square foot state-of- the-art facility. Most recently, in 2020, the company opened a second brand new 65,000 square foot facility in Greenwood, Indiana. The Hall family continues to enhance its reputation today by supplying quality processed fruits and flavors around the world.
BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR
Doris Ford, Ford Benefits Group
Our Business Person of the Year is a long-time Chamber Business Ambassador and a newly installed Chamber Board Director. As the President & CEO of Ford Benefits Group, she works with business owners, individuals, families, and Medicare eligible individuals who want the most comprehensive insurance plan at the most affordable rate.
She saves her clients money, helping to eliminate the confusion and worry that comes with Health Benefits, so that her customers are beyond satisfied with their insurance policy. With 20+ years in the health-insurance industry, Doris left her Sales Executive corporate position at Covered California for Small Business to start her own business in January of 2019.
In the past year she has volunteered her time to help the Chamber hold a virtual webinar educating our members about open enrollment and the importance of health care coverage.
AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR
David Bonilla, Insight Merchant Solutions
Our Ambassador of the Year has strong roots here in the San Gabriel Valley, he was raised and currently resides in Covina. He graduated from Northview High School, and then went on to Mt San Antonio College where he became the school’s first two-time state wrestling champion and later a wrestling All-American.
Our honoree prides himself on being a servant to the community. He serves for Jan's Towing as a Public Relations Officer, volunteers as a high school and youth wrestling coach, has served as a board member on the Covina Valley Unified School District and belongs to organizations such as the Covina Valley Optimist who focus on helping our youth.
While relatively new to chamber, joining in 2021, he has already become an integral part of the Chamber Family. From connecting the Chamber staff to prospective new member leads, to volunteering at Chamber member events, he embodies the true spirit of a Chamber Ambassador.
EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
Shayna Balli, Irwindale Public Library
Our Employee of the Year recipient has been an outstanding employee with the City of Irwindale since August 2016. As the City’s Librarian, she has revamped the library offering a wide range of library services that residents love and enjoy. She is loved for all the innovative programs and services she brings by strategically utilizing available resources and grants.
Recently, under her leadership, the Library received an “Award of Recognition” by the Irwindale City Council for their tireless dedication during the COVID-19 pandemic offering programs and services that helped the community stay digitally connected.
Colleagues have said of our honoree “She has excelled, exhibiting one of the highest levels of productivity and performance.”
“She takes initiatives that go beyond the expected parameters of her job while keeping an upbeat personality and engaging in personal style that enable her to interact effectively with the community.”
In 2018 our honoree was recognized as the “2018 Very Special Person of the Year” by Merwin Elementary school for her volunteer services and the partnership she has built with the PTA through participating of various events. Additionally, she volunteers with the Irwindale Community Foundation serving the local community on her spare time.
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
Raul Hernandez
Our Citizen of the Year honoree has been an active member of the Irwindale Community for decades. In fact, he has brought smiles to the faces of our Irwindale youth with his portrayal of the City’s Santa Claus for the past 18 years!
He also volunteers his time, effort, and resources to the Joseph Pepe Miranda Scholarship Foundation.
Community members have said about the honoree “It is now time for us to recognize him for all the smiles, joy and happiness he has given freely. I cant think of anyone more deserving of this award.”
Others say “He has been the best Santa Claus we’ve had," “he is wonderful role model for our City’s Youth,” and “he creates rapport with all community members.”
SPIRIT OF THE CHAMBER
Elizabeth Ramirez, Athens Services
The Spirit of the Chamber Award is a brand new award, introduced at this year's 42nd Annual Board Installation & Awards Luncheon. This award is being created to honor a Chamber Member who has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the Chamber’s mission and core values.
Our inaugural's recipient is recognized for her tireless and steadfast dedication to our Chamber during two of the most difficult years we have faced since our inception.
As the Chair of the Board in 2020, not only did she lead this Chamber through an unprecedented pandemic but also through an unforeseen transition of the CEO. She has gone above and beyond what would be expected by any Chamber volunteer.
NON PROFIT OF THE YEAR
Our Non-Profit of the year goes to the Business4Business Think Tank or as it is more commonly referred to B4B. B4B’s mission is to help local businesses grow and reach the next level of success. Every month, B4B hosts Hot Seat Sessions – basically support groups where business owners come together to help the selected Hot Seat business trouble shoot a problem or concern that they are facing with their business. This unique format helps the Hot Seat participant walk away with constructive help on real world business issues from other business professionals who offer solutions and advice.