Temecula Chamber's Gala Award Winners Announced At 2024 Event

TEMECULA, CA—The Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Awards Gala at Pechanga Resort Casino on Saturday, with over 750 attendees.

"The evening included dinner, an extravagant silent auction, an incredible live painter, an outstanding awards presentation, and a memorable after-party," according to a spokesperson for the chamber in a recent news release.

During the evening, a number of businesses, organizations and citizens were awarded by the Temecula Chamber.

2023/24 Gala Awards:
Bronze Business of the Year - Exit Alliance Realty EXIT Alliance Realty has been a cornerstone of Temecula Valley's real estate since 2012.

Sterling Business of the Year - E.A.T Marketplace
Extraordinary Artisan Table is more than just an eatery; it is a sanctuary where food becomes medicine and the community gathers to heal and nourish. We believe in the power of local, nutrient-rich food to bring people together and foster a sense of well-being.

"At E.A.T. we forage local ingredients to ensure that every bite is filled with the goodness and vitality that nature provides. Our commitment to sourcing local nutrients not only supports local farmers and producers but also strengthens the fabric of our community. We cultivate gratitude within our community and among our staff, knowing that kindness and giving back are what bring us all together. E.A.T. is dedicated to leaving a positive impact on the lives of those we serve. Join us at E.A.T Marketplace, where food becomes medicine, and the warmth of community intertwines with the healing power of delicious, locally sourced goodness."

Gold Business of the Year - Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers Temecula
Raising Cane's Temecula opened on June 18, 2019. Our restaurant's nickname is "The 18th Vineyard," which seemed fitting because of the date we opened and because we are the 18th Cane's in California! We made sure we included the roots of Temecula, so we added the "vineyard" to our restaurant name.

Platinum Business of the Year - Southwest Healthcare-Temecula Valley Hospital
Temecula Valley Hospital (TVH), part of Southwest Healthcare, offers advanced technology, innovative programs, and patient-centered and family-sensitive care to area residents. The hospital features 140 private patient rooms, emergency care, advanced cardiac and stroke care, orthopedics, and general and surgical specialties.

Ruby Organization of the Year - WAVES Project, Inc.
WAVES Project was established to help our wounded veterans experience the therapeutic benefits of water and the freedom and challenge of SCUBA Diving. Working with veterans who have service-connected injuries, including amputations, spinal cord injuries, PTSD, and Traumatic Brain Injuries, along with a host of other injuries received in battle, we are able to provide adaptive training, associated activities, and mission-oriented diving opportunities that build confidence, camaraderie, and a renewed purpose.

Emerald Organization of the Year - SAFE Family Justice Centers
The mission of SAFE Family Justice Centers (SAFE FJC) is to provide comprehensive services that help protect families, seek justice, and promote SAFE futures for children, youth, and families who have been affected by violence. In the past 25 years, SAFE FJC has grown from a small grassroots committee working out of a trailer to a thriving non-profit with over 25 full-time employees and three center locations throughout Riverside County.

Valley Young Professional of the Year - Carla Yriqui, Picasso Dental Care
Carla Yriqui, a San Diego native now residing in Menifee with her wife Naomi, brings 18 years of dental expertise as a dental assistant. As the Public Relations Representative for Le & Le Dental, also known as Picasso Dental Care, for over 11 years, Carla thrives on fostering community connections. Her passion lies in making others feel at ease with dentistry and networking. Overcoming initial shyness, Carla now thrives in helping individuals conquer their fears. Actively involved on the board for Stage Free Melanoma and various Temecula Valley non-profits, Carla finds joy in making smiles happen through her dedicated community involvement.

Ambassador of the Year- Stacey Dunn, Chick-fil-A Temecula
Meet Stacey Dunn, who is well known to many as a motivator of the heart. Stacey’s passion is to serve and reflect Christ in all she does. Helping others reach their goals and full potential brings her joy. Mentor, Life Coach, and author, Dunn’s accomplishments have included being the Vice President of Marketing, Catering and Brand Growth Development for Chick-fil-A Temecula and running her own side marketing business to assist many companies in reaching their vision and goals. She is an Ambassador for the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce. She has received awards and recognition for her unique ability to create partnerships and tireless dedication to the community. She has worked for Chick-fil-A for over 12 years, serving alongside 26 Owner/Operators by training and creating Marketing Departments for their stores, increasing outside sales and profitability.

Chairman's Choice – Adam Eventov, SoCal Gas
Adam Eventov, SoCalGas's Public Affairs Manager for Southwest Riverside County, champions
public safety, economic growth, and education while safeguarding ratepayer interests. With nearly 15 years of experience, he offers expertise in government affairs, media relations, and community outreach for Fortune 500 companies, energy producers, healthcare leaders, and more. Adam's projects, surpassing 15,000 home units, 2 gigawatts of energy, and $4 billion in value, include pioneering solar, wind, and natural gas ventures. Formerly with the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, he advanced tribal goals in cultural preservation, infrastructure, and economic development. Founder of WellSaid! Communications, he specializes in garnering community support for real estate and power initiatives. With a background in award-winning journalism, Adam brings in-depth knowledge of Inland Southern California's business landscape. He holds a master's in communications from Cal State Fullerton and a bachelor's in psychology from the University of Southern California. Adam excels in intricate project management, crisis communication, and media interaction, balancing meticulous attention to detail with strategic vision.

Citizen of the Year - Paul Rangel, Sofa Spectrum Furniture & Massage Chairs
Paul Rangel, married to Lisa with six children - Julian, Dominique, Dominic, Danielle, Marissa, and Erika - boasts over 35 years in the retail industry and has been rooted in the Murrieta/Temecula Valley for over two decades. In 2015, he founded Sofa Spectrum Furniture with a mission to deliver unparalleled service, earning over 100 five-star Yelp reviews. A two-term Board Member and men’s ministry leader, Paul rose to Head of Ministries in 2018. His commitment to fostering business connections and community collaboration earned him the title of "Ambassador of the Year" and the current Chair position for TVCC Ambassadors. As a co-founder of "Latino Talk Temecula," he actively supports Latino/Hispanic businesses. Paul recently initiated influencer meet-and-greets and non-profit promotion days to uplift all local Temecula Valley enterprises. Grateful for the nomination, Paul dedicates himself to serving the people, businesses, and communities of the region.

Lifetime Achievement - Linda Wunderlich, The Valley Business Journal
Linda Wunderlich, a veteran of over 25 years at The Valley Business Journal as Owner, Publisher, and CEO, established the publication as a vital resource for Temecula/Murrieta residents, reaching 60,000 readers. Her community dedication is evident through leadership roles in organizations like Temecula Noon Rotary and two terms on the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Linda's contributions garnered awards such as the 28th Senatorial District's 2018 Small Business of the Year and the CNCS's 2017 President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Recognized as the State of California Winner for 'Journalist of the Year' by the U.S. Small Business Administration, she excels in storytelling and journalistic integrity. Honored with multiple accolades for business acumen, Linda is a role model known for her philanthropy and community involvement. Her adult children, Tara and Dane, continue her legacy, embodying her values of leadership and community support.

The Welty Award for Tourism Professional of the Year- Luis Gonzalez, Temecula Life
Temecula Life was established in 2014 by Luis Gonzalez. His mission is to encourage people to experience the best of what Temecula Valley has to offer. Since 2014, Temecula Life has grown from Luis’ passion for sharing his beautiful photos of the Temecula lifestyle to becoming a recognized brand and full-service social media management company, managing many of the most recognized brands in our valley, including Robert Renzoni Vineyards, Avensole Winery, Bel Vino Winery, Falkner Winery, Raul Ramirez Bodegas y Viñedos, DePortola Wine Trail, Grapeline Wine Tours, Le Coffee Shop Temecula, and is the content provider for the Temecula Valley Wine Growers Association. In 2019, Temecula Life launched the Temecula Life Wine Country Guide App, an in-depth resource promoting Temecula Wine Country. Temecula Life proudly took home the 2022 Xenia Social Media Award, currently serves as an Ambassador for Oak Grove Institute, and hosts two successful annual events — Temecula Social Golf Tournament, benefiting local charities, Locals’ Choice Awards, promoting businesses in our community.