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(VISTA, CA) – The Vista Chamber of Commerce and the Vista Education Foundation once again are joining forces to host the 13th Annual Heroes of Vista Gala.
The event will be held Friday, March 22, from 4 to 7 p.m. at The Vistonian, located at 306 S. Santa Fe Ave. in Vista. The gala celebrates excellence in education, business, public safety and more. The event is also a fundraiser for the Vista Education Foundation whose mission is to provide financial support for Vista Unified School District students in scholarships, arts, technology and internships.
This year, there are more than 30 awardees representing 16 different categories including Businessperson of the Year, New Business of the Year, Nonprofit of the Year, Healthcare Worker of the Year, Educator of the Year and Administrator of the Year. Ten companies will also be awarded the Longevity Award for 25 plus years in business. The evening culminates in the announcement of the Lifetime Achievement Award. This year’s recipient is Jack Larimer of the Vista Historical Society. (Please see the entire list of the 2024 finalists and winners below).
To be eligible, nominees must be current Vista Chamber of Commerce members in good standing. A panel of judges made up of Chamber leaders from across the country ensured an unbiased and fair review of the nominees. “We look for companies and leaders that are not only successful in their industry, but who have made an impact in our community,” says Rachel Beld, CEO of the Vista Chamber. “Judges also looked at each nominee’s level of community involvement and employer benefits and practices,” she explains. “They reached out to references provided and took into consideration personalized descriptions offered as to why the nominees are deserving of the award.”
Beld adds, “This event is one of our favorites of the year. Recognizing people who help make our community and the lives of our citizens better by their commitment to Vista is incredibly heartwarming and satisfying. The most difficult part is having to limit the number of awards as we have so many outstanding nominees!”
The public is welcome to attend. A limited number of tickets are still available and can be purchased by visiting www.vistachamber.org There are also Sponsorship opportunities:
Gold Sponsor – $3000, which includes your company name/logo in the program, a Chamber website listing, a mention from the podium, table signage and table seating for 10 with a possible opportunity to introduce one of the awards from the podium.
Table Sponsor – $1800, which includes your company name/logo in the program, a mention from the podium, table signage and table seating for 10.
More than 200 guests are expected to attend the gala where drinks and hors’ d’oeuvres will be served. Guests are also encouraged to take advantage of special dinner packages being offered by local restaurants following the event.
For more information or questions, please contact the Vista Chamber offices at 760-726-1122.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Jack Larimer, Vista Historical Society
Firefighter of the Year
Ian Wong-Welch
Nick Ljubic Chamber Champion
Adam Brooks, Alchemy Print
Veteran of the Year
Colonel (Ret.) Vincent J. Lostetter, Jr.
Sheriff of the Year
Deputy Kyle Ambat & Deputy Justin Gillett
New Business of the Year Finalists
Archer’s Arrow
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream
Kingdom Kutz
Small Business of the Year Finalists
Allen Brothers Mortuary
Moradi MD
The Giddy Up Pup
Large Business of the Year Finalists
Applied Membranes
Chick-fil-A
Solatube
Businessperson of the Year Finalists
Lisa De Jesus, ADU Gurus
Rudy Padilla, Lava Propane
Scott Rait, Countywide Mortgage
Non-Profit of the Year Finalists
Alta Vista Botanical Gardens
Choices in Recovery
Foundation for Women Warriors
Arts Educator of the Year
Carol Jones
Theatre Teacher, Mission Vista High School
Technology Educator of the Year
Rya Hege
Teacher, T.H.E. Leadership Academy
Classified Person of the Year
Dave Shaputis
Plant Lead, Bobier Elementary School
Administrator of the Year
Emyr Rich
Assistant Principal, Vista Magnet Middle School
Health Care Person of the Year
Carol Oliver
Health Tech/Attendance, Major General Raymond Murray High School
Longevity Awards
Allen Brothers Mortuary
60 Years
Magnus Blue LLP
40 Years
Vista Firefighters Association
35 Years
John Shakarian Jeweler
35 Years
Watkins Wellness
35 Years
The Havens Country Club
30 Years
Excel Engineering
30 Years
BioFilm, Inc.
30 Years
Allie’s Party Equipment
25 Years
Mama n’ Papa’s Pizza Grotto
25 Years
