'Working together for success:' EDC Chamber of Commerce hits 99 years

Outgoing Chamber of Commerce President Leonard Grado passed the gavel of leadership to Luster, community relations manager for Sierra Pacific Industries; Luster previously served as president in 2014. 

"I work in 12 counties and this is the most active and successful chamber I work with because of the leadership we have in this community," Luster added. 

Luster called upon chamber members to be problem solvers, to voice their opinions and to make the first move to move society in a positive direction. He quoted a speech from motivational speaker Ralph Marston:

"When there's something that must be said, be the one to speak up and get it out in the open. If everyone waits for someone else to make the first move, nothing ever gets done. Be the one to step forward. Get all those around you moving in a positive direction. The world needs those who are willing to get things going, and life richly rewards those who do it. Take the initiative and be a leader. Someone has to do it, and that one can be you." 

The chamber's theme for 2024 is "working together for success." Recipients of the night's chamber awards represented this year's theme. 

For "commitment to their own community as well as the greater El Dorado County community," the Shingle Springs Health and Wellness Center was named the Community Service Organization of the Year. 

"This year's recipient isn't just overwhelmingly worthy but it's also a critical part of our community that steps up to support citizens throughout our county amongst the many other worthy partnerships they support," Grado said while presenting the award. "They are an integral part of what makes this community a quality one and a great place to live our lives." 

Chairwoman Stephanie Cuellar accepted the honor on behalf of the health center and the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians.

"The Health and Wellness Center takes pride in providing compassionate care to both native and non-native alike," Cuellar said. "By doing so, we are not just providing health services. We are weaving a tapestry of interconnectedness, strengthening and the very fabric of our community." 

County Film Commissioner Kathleen Dodge had the pleasure of presenting the Golden Slate Award to Dana LeBlanc, owner of the Sourdough and Co. on Main Street in Placerville. The award is given to individuals, a business or agency going above and beyond "to make motion picture filming happen in El Dorado County." 

LeBlanc was recognized for helping to provide a location for the filming of Food Network TV show "Best Bite in Town," featuring celebrity chef Guy Fieri. The Food Network star visited Placerville for his show in which he appoints his friends (who are also chefs) to visit different cities each week in a competition to find the best "bite" in town.

The show is expected to air in April, according to Dodge, and was staged in front of Sourdough and Co. 

The Achievement in Tourism Award went to the American River Conservancy for preserving Wakamatsu Farm, the site of the first Japanese colony in the U.S. It is also the site where the first Japanese American was born and the grave site of the first Japanese immigrant buried in the nation. 

The chamber's Director of Tourism Jody Franklin, presenting the award, also praised ARC's overall efforts to preserve history and public lands.

"We have reaped the benefits of their efforts to protect and restore open spaces, connect people with the outdoors and develop partnerships in the community since 1989," Franklin said. 

The chamber honored the National Pony Express Association with the Historical Preservation Award. The association dedicates itself to preserving the Pony Express National Historic Trail, which stretches from Missouri to California. Since 1977, riders have carried mail in an annual 2,000-mile reenactment.

Both NPEA California Division Vice President Gordon Crowder and and NPEA President Pam Dixon-Simmons were present to receive the recognition. 

"I want to thank not only the California Division, but the other seven states that are involved in this," Crowder said. "Six-hundred riders travel that 2,000 miles 24/7 to re-ride the original 10-day ride and we are glad to do it." 

President of the Divide Chamber of Commerce Paula Seaberg gave the Business of the Year Award to Cool Feed and Ranch Supply, which was started by Jodi and Mike Gray in 2005.

"They created the Taste of the Divide, which brought many small businesses the opportunity to put their goods and services out in front of everybody," Seaberg said. "They do an animal shot clinic that (provides) the community with free annual pet vaccinations. They collect a lot of raffle prizes and silent auction items for various fundraisers in our area and they never say no. They always donate to everything. Their business is all about community." 

Carolynne Angleton, manager of the store, received the award on Jodi's behalf. 

The night also saw the installation of the 2024 El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, officiated by Sheriff Jeff Leikauf.