Feb. 1, 2010 ---

The San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce’s 105th Annual Dinner was a big hit late January with 410 of the county’s movers and shakers in attendance.

This annual dinner gala is a celebration of the past year’s accomplishments, installation of new officers and directors, and the announcement of the Citizen of the Year Award. This year, the Chamber officially released its new Economic Vision at the gala.

The San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Dinner is the longest running event of its kind in the county. It was hosted by the Chamber at the Embassy Suites Hotel on Jan. 23, and the 2009 Citizen of the Year Award was sponsored by Kevin Main Jewelry.

If you missed it, here’s a recap of the ceremony:

Master of Ceremonies Paul Ready introduced the guest speakers and kept the program running smoothly.

Garth provided a staff perspective on events. Then, the Chamber’s 2009 Board Chairperson Tom Lebens presented a look back at 2009. Lebens was honored by a song specially written for him by Susan Waag of Waag & Co. to the tune of Ricky Martin’s “Livin’ La Vida Loca.” Special guest singers were members of the 2009 Executive Committee.

Economic Vision Task Force Chairperson Jeff Buckingham presented the Chamber’s Economic Vision document, and the Chamber’s 2010 Board Chairperson John Ewan provided a look at what we can expect in 2010.

Former City Manager John Dunn was honored with the 2009 Citizen of the Year Award by the Chamber. The award was presented by sponsors Kathy and Kevin Main of Kevin Main Jewelry, as well as 2008 Citizen of the Year Bob Wacker.

The Chamber would like to offer a special thanks to the following businesses, individuals and organizations for their help in making the Annual Dinner such a tremendous success:

• Embassy Suites Hotel
• iii Design
• Kramer Entertainment
• Mike Larson Photography & Photo booth
• Dennis Young Photography
• Talley Vineyards & Farms
• Baileyana Winery
• Claiborne & Churchill Winery
• EOS Estate Wines
• Meridian Vineyards
• Nipa Cellars
• Sprigs n’ Things Floral Design
• Susan Waag of Waag & Co.
• The 2010 Annual Dinner Committee (Kristin Johnson – Chairperson, Kathi Main, Charlene Rosales, Ali Semon, Bob Stets, Ron Yukelson)
• The Economic Vision Task Force