This year, the Garden Grove Chamber of Commerce solicited the community and its membership for nominations of the 2016 Man and Woman of the Year.
The chamber also selected three new categories for its Business of the Year winners: Excellence in Entrepreneurship, Excellence in Community Spirit and Excellence in Health Awareness.
The chamber will be honoring these individuals and businesses at its Annual Gala Dinner on Saturday, March, 12, at the new Southern California Great Wolf Lodge here in Garden Grove.
AWARD WINNERS
This year, the Garden Grove Chamber of Commerce solicited the community and its membership for nominations of the 2016 Man and Woman of the Year.
The chamber also selected three new categories for its Business of the Year winners: Excellence in Entrepreneurship, Excellence in Community Spirit and Excellence in Health Awareness.
The chamber will be honoring these individuals and businesses at its Annual Gala Dinner on Saturday, March, 12, at the new Southern California Great Wolf Lodge here in Garden Grove.
AWARD WINNERS
•The Man and Woman of the Year awards honor a man and woman who have distinguished themselves through active support of community projects, by aiding those persons less fortunate, and by living in a manner that inspires volunteerism, affection, respect and admiration.
The 2016 Man and Woman of the Year winners are Steve Sanders and Sandy Thomas.
Steve served in the Air Force that led to a lifetime career in law enforcement. He retired from the Garden Grove Police Department after 31 years, served as president of the Strawberry Festival Board and on the Boys & Girls Club Board. He is a member of Kiwanis Club, Garden Grove Elks, and serves as firearms manager for Golden West College.
Sandy is the vice president and relationship manager for Farmers & Merchants Bank. She served as the Garden Grove Chamber chair for three years. She is also involved with organizations such as Acacia Adult Day Service, Garden Grove Chamber Women's Division and Ronald McDonald House Charities Scholarship Reader. She received the Woman of the Year Award from Lou Correa in 2010, Americana Award from Cypress College in 2012 and the Community Leadership Award from the Korean American Chamber of Commerce Orange County in March 2014.
•The Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award recognizes the entrepreneurial spirit of the leaders of a business and how smart creativity and daring persistence take shape to nurture successful business ventures. The 2016 Excellence in Entrepreneurship honoree is Garden Grove Hyundai.
Garden Grove Hyundai opened on Dec. 30, 2000, and was located at Brookhurst and Garden Grove Boulevard. The Hardin Auto Group bought them in 2010. They moved to their Taft location in 2011. Owner Jared Hardin is proud to say they are in the top 10 for sales in the United States and top three in the western United States. In 2012, they sold in excess of 3,700 cars. They have a great staff and very satisfied customers.
•The Excellence in Community Spirit Award honors a community-oriented business that exemplifies what it means to give back to the community through service and being a positive role model. The 2016 Excellence in Community Spirit honoree is Garden Grove Shell #1. The owner, Joe Hu, is a Chinese-American from Taiwan who opened up his business here in Garden Grove on Nov. 1, 1992. His gasoline and car wash service is located on the corner of Euclid and Chapman.
•The Excellence in Health Awareness Award recognizes a business that actively promotes health awareness, fosters a healthy, positive, safe environment and enhances quality of life for the Garden Grove community. The 2016 Excellence in Health Awareness honoree is Orange County Ophthalmology. They opened for business in 1964. Partners are Dr. James Boyce, Dr. Norman Liu and Dr. Ryan Taban. In addition to providing comprehensive eye care, the physicians participate in many FDA monitored trials of new medications. Dr. Boyce has been active in the community, and is on the boards of Acacia Adult Day Services and Governing Board of Garden Grove Medical Center.
For details and reservations for the event, visit the chamber’s website or call the chamber’s office at 714-638-7950. The chamber’s address is 12866 Main St., Suite 102 in Garden Grove.
