Robert Wagner Brings Fun to Annual Chamber Awards Dinner

With actor Robert Wagner handling emcee duties for the night, the San Diego North Chamber of Commerce's annual awards dinner on Friday was a bit more fun—groovy, if you will—than usual.

The ease and presence of Wagner—a longtime actor with roles in the Austin Powers series—made this year's ceremonies more fun, said Debra Rosen, the chamber president.

“Our annual meetings are usually stodgy, but this year everyone was laughing and enjoying themselves,” Rosen said of the awards night at Maderas Golf Club in Poway dedicated to honoring local businessmen and women.

Among those laughing were this year's award winners, which included local businesses and individuals, who were recognized for their work in nine business categories. The winners were chosen by a panel of judges from various media organizations, separate from the chamber, Rosen said.

“The winners are recognized as the brightest business leaders and companies in the region,” Rosen said.

This year’s Visionary Award went to San Diego City Councilman Carl DeMaio for his efforts against Proposition D, the proposed half-cent increase to San Diego’s city sales tax.

“Without our efforts to shoot down that proposition, we would not be celebrating such accomplishments tonight,” DeMaio said.

Debbie Dorsee was given the Volunteer of the Year award, followed by Rosemary Duff Florist, who won the Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Business of the Year award went to ESET, an IT security company that was founded in Bratislava, Slovakia but now has branches in San Diego and across the world.

“It feels great to have an award dedicated to our efforts,” said Darin Andersen, a San Diego representative from ESET. “I'm happy to see them recognized.”

Ira Leavens of Coastline Office Solutions, an office supply company, was awarded the Entrepreneur of the Year award.

This year's business leader award winners were Liz Fraumann, and Janet Beronio of Harrah's Rincon Casino, who was awarded the Exemplary Business Leader award.

“It is terrific to be honored by the chamber,” Beronio said. “It's a great reflection of our company.”

Winners in the non-profit category were: The Elizabeth Hospice, the Center for Compassionate Care and the Family Justice Center Alliance.

Recipients in the Women in Business category were Tracy Sekhon for her work in Sekhon Insurance, and Laurie Edwards-Tate for her home care aide business.

“I am touched and grateful to the San Diego North County Chamber,” Edwards-Tate said. “We are proud to do our part for women in business."

Winners in the small business category were: Athens Market Cafe in Carmel Mountain Ranch and San Diego Car Care.

The dinner closed with a live auction for a week-long tour of Germany and Austria. The closing bid was $7,500. Wagner was asked to attend this year's festivities by close friend, and chair of the chamber Board of Directors, Angelo Damante. Other attendees included state Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher (R-Poway), Escondido Mayor Sam Abed and Escondido Councilman Ed Gallo. San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders also swore in the new board of directors.

Editor's Note: Liz Fraumann's name has been corrected.