Chamber to celebrate award winners Feb. 9


SURPRISE!—Above, Josh Alexander, fifth from right, who operates the Chick-fil-A on Sycamore Drive, is the 2022 Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Businessperson of the Year. He and five other recipients will be recognized at the 2022 Salute to Excellence Awards on Feb. 9. Chamber leaders paid surprise visits to the winners recently. At right, Laura Malinowski, executive director of Sarah’s House, reacts to the news that her organization was named Nonprofit of the Year. Photos courtesy of Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce

SURPRISE!—Above, Josh Alexander, fifth from right, who operates the Chick-fil-A on Sycamore Drive, is the 2022 Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Businessperson of the Year. He and five other recipients will be recognized at the 2022 Salute to Excellence Awards on Feb. 9. Chamber leaders paid surprise visits to the winners recently. Photos courtesy of Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce

The Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce has selected the recipients for its 2022 Salute to Excellence Awards.

The winners will be honored during a gala celebration at 5:30 p.m. Thurs., Feb. 9 at The Vineyards in Simi Valley.

The recipients are:

• Business of the Year: Logix Federal Credit Union.

• Businessperson of the Year: Josh Alexander of Chick-fil-A.

• Strathearn Lifetime Achievement: Jason Peplinski of the Simi Valley Unified School District.

• Nonprofit Organization of the Year: Sarah’s House Maternity Homes.

• Community Volunteer of the Year: Bill Klepper.

• Emerging Leader of the Year: Maryann Svaglinac of Tierra Rejada Golf Club.

Representatives from the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce board of directors, along with Kathi Van Etten, Chamber president/CEO, carried celebratory balloons as they delivered the news in person to the honorees in a series of surprise visits.

The 2023 Salute to Excellence theme is “A Magical Evening.” The Chamber will celebrate the honorees’ contributions to the community with a magic show where everyone can participate.

Laura Malinowski, executive director of Sarah’s House, reacts to the news that her organization was named Nonprofit of the Year.

Laura Malinowski, executive director of Sarah’s House, reacts to the news that her organization was named Nonprofit of the Year.

To purchase event tickets or to place a congratulatory ad in the tribute book, call the Simi Valley Chamber at (805) 526-3900 or send an email to info@simichamber.org.