The Chamber of Commerce held its 2024-25 installation dinner at the Seal Beach Yacht Club on Friday, Sept. 12. Acting City Manager Patrick Gallegos made his first public appearance at the event since his appointment last week.
This year the Chamber has two co-presidents: Daren DeLeon of Nashville on the Coast and Richie Barnes of Farmer’s & Merchant’s Bank. The vice president is Deborah Bell of Keller Williams Coastal Properties. The treasurer is Rob Jahncke of Javatinis. The secretary is Karen Kuns of Park Lane Jewelry.
Other board members are George Baker, Diana Bean, Juni Banico (last year’s president), Shaun Temple (senior planner for the city of Seal Beach), Gregg Smith (public information officer for Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach), Karlton Okamoto, Cameron Kilmer, Janine Shedlock, Rosie Ritchie (whose restaurant took this year’s Business of the Year award), Barry Menzel, Kicki Albright, Elizabeth Alligood, Peter Magalhaes, and Patty Senecal (who is running unopposed in the District Four City Council race).
Co-President DeLeon said: “Yes, we have a title, but it doesn’t mean anything if we don’t help you.”
The Chamber also took a moment to say farewell to Brian Warner, who has retired and is moving to Florida in the near future. Warner began working on the annual Car Show, which became his baby, since the early 2000s. He became event chair in 2008. The Car Show is the Chamber’s largest fundraising event.
Warner’s voice cracked as he spoke to the Chamber. “I’ll never forget you guys.”
According to the Chamber’s 2023 IRS 990 Form, a public document, the Car Show last year had gross receipts of $112,720 (that’s before expenses). Total gross receipts from all 2023 Chamber events came to $186,601.
Awards
Ambassador of the Year: Lauren Cascone.
Esther Kenyon created the ambassador program. “Ambassadors are the face of the Chamber,” she said.
The Esther Kenyon Heart of the Chamber award: Kori DeLeon.
Businessperson of the Year: George Banker of Seal Beach Living Magazine.
Business of the Year: The Beach House.
“We couldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the community,” Rosie Ritchie said.
Volunteer of the Year: Deborah Bell.
Daren DeLeon, who presented the award, said, “This room is filled with volunteers.” Daren DeLeon said everybody in Seal Beach is for everybody.
