Excellence in Business winners named

CARLSBAD — The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce celebrated success and community spirit in the business community at its annual Business Awards dinner Feb. 26 at the Four Seasons Resort Aviara in Carlsbad.
The event honored the accomplishments of business and community leaders whose accomplishments set them apart by virtue of their sustained success, growth, community spirit, and positive outlook.
The award for Businessperson of the Year went to Steve Hoffmann of NRG West. Flowers Forever and Gems of La Costa tied for Small Business of the Year.
The Medium Business of the Year award was given to Jet Source, Inc. and Beckman Coulter, Inc. earned the title of Large Business of the Year.
Joe Patterson of ToeSox, Inc. was named as Entrepreneur of the Year and
Ted Vallas of U.S. International Consultants was honored with the Lifetime Achievement in Business award.
The title of Environmental Spirit was given to La Costa Glen Carlsbad. The Community Leadership award went to Joni Miringoff of The Flower Fields and the Chairman’s Community Chest award was given to Knox Williams of Rayne Water Systems.
“Every business that survives an economic downturn is a success. But these winners and these finalists have set themselves apart by diving in and working with others in their business community for the greater good of the enterprise system,” said Carlsbad Chamber Chief Executive Officer Ted Owen.
Also during the evening, the chamber recognized the achievements of the 2009 board of directors and inaugurated its 2010 board members. The chamber also recognized five United States Marines who are recipients of the Purple Heart Medal for wounds received in combat. In a chamber tradition that began in 2004, each warrior was presented with a special award in honor of his sacrifice.
For further information about the chamber, contact (760) 931-8400 or visit www.carlsbad.org.