AWARDS By Jordan Severns
L
ocal businesses strengthen our community in countless
Stockton Chamber Liaison Ambassador of the Year, and the Sam
ways. They give to local charities, bolster our economy,
and Cindy Overall Volunteer of the Year, respectively. For Cruz
perform community service, and provide fresh food and high-
and Nightengale, these are repeat awards indicative of many
quality services to the city of Stockton. On top of that, they
years of enthusiasm for and service to the Chamber. And for
create the kinds of personal touches that define the city and its
Adams, who only started working with the Welcome Committee
culture, as well as provide communal experiences you won’t
this last year, it’s a testament to his great energy and positive
find at a chain store, restaurant, or gym. It is for these reasons
attitude, which have already made him an invaluable member of
and others that the Stockton Chamber of Commerce holds its
the committee.
annual Business Awards Luncheon, honoring the individuals and
All three recipients shared a similar sentiment, that the most
companies that make Stockton special.
rewarding part of the work was the people they met doing it. “It
The 34th annual luncheon, held on June 6 at the Hilton at
is great to get to know the members this way,” said Cruz. “We are
11:30 a.m., recognizes both businesspeople and chamber
like-minded businesspeople who care about the community and
members for their role in empowering our community, and for
about helping each other.”
accomplishments such as increasing environmental awareness,
But of course, what good is the Chamber without the
encouraging healthy living, and continuing to grow the
wonderful people and businesses it supports? People like
relationship between the Chamber and our local businesses.
Alice DeBerry of Haggerty Construction, who won Business
For their efforts in welcoming new members to the Chamber,
Employee of the Year for her excellent ability to adapt to the
volunteering at Chamber events, and otherwise fostering
needs of any given job, as well as her drive to help others.
togetherness in the Stockton business community, Bruce Adams
“What I think is great about working in Stockton is all of
of the Stockton Chorale, Susan Cruz of Smile Business Products,
the wonderful people and families in this community,” said
and Roy Nightengale of 105-9 The Bull have been named the
DeBerry. “At Haggerty, we assist clients by advising, building,
Stockton Chamber Welcome Squad Ambassador of the Year,
and restoring their homes and businesses. I love working for
10 PORT CALL
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce