The Salute to Excellence
Thursday, March 19, 2026 | 6:00 PM
recognizing the 2025 honorees
Thursday, March 19, 2026 | 6:00 PM
recognizing the 2025 honorees
The Salute to Excellence is the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce’s signature annual celebration honoring the businesses, organizations, and individuals who make a meaningful impact in our community.
Join us on Thursday, March 19, at 6:00 p.m. at the Grand Vista Hotel for an evening of recognition, connection, and celebration. This special night will honor the 2025 Salute to Excellence award recipients, including:
Join us on Thursday, March 19, at 6:00 p.m. at the Grand Vista Hotel for an evening of recognition, connection, and celebration. This special night will honor the 2025 Salute to Excellence award recipients, including:
- Business of the Year: Simi Valley Toyota
- Business Person of the Year: Robert Ortiz of Kid Gloves Boxing
- Community Volunteer of the Year: Donna Smith
- Nonprofit Organization of the Year: Simi Valley Family YMCA
- Emerging Leader of the Year: Kat Ehret
- Strathearn Lifetime Achievement Award: Fred Thomas (posthumously)
- Legacy Award: Adventist Health Simi Valley
In addition to celebrating this year’s honorees, the evening will also recognize the 2026 Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, marking an important moment as new leaders step into service for the year ahead.
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available, along with the opportunity to place a congratulatory ad in the Salute to Excellence tribute book.
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available, along with the opportunity to place a congratulatory ad in the Salute to Excellence tribute book.
Photo Gallery
Photos by Fred Bauermeister Photography
Past Honorees
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Business Person of the Year
2024 - Jose Martinez 2023 - Howard Pechter 2202 - Josh Alexander 2021 - Nikki Lian 2020 - Loretta Cabuyadao 2019 - Omar Salah 2018 - Michael Nolan 2017 - Alex Gandel 2016 - Dan Jaeger 2015– Mike Smith 2014– Terry Marvin 2013 - Mike Alterman 2012 - Barbara Frova 2011 - Curt Witeby 2010 - Karen Troop 2009 - Scott Santino 2008 - Dee Dee Cavanaugh 2007 - Harry VanDyck 2006 - Deb Holler 2005 - Tom Saulnier 2004 - Sally Grant 2003 - Tim Shannon 2002 – Shari Schultz 2001 – Brian Gabler 2000 – Mike McCaffrey 1999 – Darrell Coletto 1998 – Brian Troop 1997 – Dr. Lowell Novy 1996 – George Holmes 1995 – Susan Fleischman 1994 – David McCormick 1993 – Burt von Bieberstein 1992 – Dr. Otto Austel 1991 – Bill Swink 1990 – Andy Macek 1989 – R.J. “Dick” Riggs 1988 – Judy Mikels 1987 – William Morris, Jr 1986 – Dick Rhoads 1984 – Jim Lowry |
Business of the Year
2024 - The Acorn Newspapers 2023 - WM 2022 - Logix Federal Credit Union 2021 - Rose Family Funeral Home and Cremation 2020 - LightGabler 2019 - Simi Valley Chevrolet 2018 - The Junkyard Cafe 2017 - CalState Site Services 2016 - Swink’s Towing 2015 - Platinum Sports Center 2014 - City Auto Body Automotive 2013- Simi Valley Ford 2012 - Arxis Financial 2011 - Lost Canyons Golf Club 2010 - TRC Medical, LLC 2009 - Best Western Posada Royale Hotel & Suites 2008 - Simi Valley Hospital 2007 - California Oaks Bank 2006 – McDonald’s—Tapo Street 2005 – Santa Barbara Bank 2004 – Mid Valley Properties 2003 – GI Industries 2002 – Countrywide Financial 2001 – Urban Strategies 2000 – Pacific Beverage 1999 – Print Masters 1998 – First Western Bank 1997 – Jacks Shoes 1996 – Guardian Products 1995 – Whittaker Corporation 1994 – Farmers Insurance 1993 – Ecology Landscape & Nursery 1992 – Micom Communications |
Strathearn Lifetime Achievement
2024 - Dr. Steve Pietrolungo 2023 - Maggie Kestly 2022 - Dr. Jason Peplinski 2021 - Dr. Jonathan Kurohara 2020 - Marie Bennett 2019 - Debbie Thomas 2018 - Larry Hibbler 2017 - Gary White 2016 - Jill Haney 2015 - Deb Holler 2014 - Jim Lowry 2013 - Daryl Kleintob 2012 - Celine “Billie” Gillibrand 2011 - Tim Shannon 2010 - Greg Stratton 2009 - Elaine Freeman 2008 - Dr. Frank Witman 2007 - Bob Huber 2006 - Dave McCormick 2005 - Wayne Schultz 2004 - Fred Bauermeister 2003 - Virginia Nelson 2002 - Neil & Pat Havens |
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Volunteer of the Year
2024 - Joseph Metcalfe 2023 - Curtis Brown 2022 - Bill Klepper 2021 - Mike Kort 2020 - Karen Hoyle 2019 - Leigh Seaton 2018 - Karen Finmark 2017 - Barbara Glodfelty |
Non-Profit of the Year
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Legacy Award
2024 - Elaine Freeman 2021 - Fred Bauermeister 2019 - Bob Huber 2016 - Steve Sojka 2011- Paul Miller 2009 - Dr. Keith Richman 2006 - Alcoa Fastening Systems/Alcoa Foundation 2004 - Unocal |