The program puts 2019 achievements in the spotlight

Nearly 250 members of the Chamber of Commerce of the Santa Barbara Region, along with community leaders, gathered recently at the Four Seasons Biltmore for the 12th Annual Regional Business Awards presented by American Riviera Bank.

The program was co-hosted by newly elected board chair Geoff Green, CEO of the Santa Barbara City College Foundation; and Stephanie Armstrong, interim executive director of the chamber. They shared highlights of the accomplishments from the 2019 program year and thanked the board of directors and ambassador council for their support of the organization.

Annmarie Rogers, director of the Visitor Centers, was honored with a service award for celebrating her 25th anniversary with the organization. The chamber also announced the recipients of the 2019 Large Business, Small Business, Businessman, and Businesswoman of the Year awards.

The nominees included:

  • Large Business of the Year (American Riviera Bank, Carpe Data, CIO Solutions, Village Properties, Zoom Video Communications)
  • Small Business of the Year (Andersen’s Danish Bakery & Restaurant, Farmers Insurance – The Weiser Agency, DocuProducts, Olio Cucina, The Good Lion)

Large Business was awarded to American Riviera Bank, Small Business of the Year went to The Good Lion, Businesswoman of the Year to Marsha Bailey of Women’s Economic Ventures, and Businessman of the Year to Randy Rowse, former City Council member and previous owner of the Paradise Café.