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Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce 114th Annual Community Awards Honorees On Thursday, October 28th, the Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce announced the recipients of the 114th Community awards 2021 Man and Woman of the Year, Outstanding City Employee of The Year, Volunteer of the Year, Redondo Beach Chamber Ambassador of the Year, Non-Profit Business of the Year and the Chairman’s Award. This year’s recipients have demonstrated commitment to the Redondo Beach community, civic endeavors, and improved the quality of life through volunteerism. The 2021 recipient of Man of the Year is Mike Stark. Our man of the year is a reserve commander for the Redondo Beach Police Department and has been volunteering for 49 years. He has volunteered at hundreds of community activities & events and has given selflessly with passion for decades to make Redondo Beach the best it can be for residents and businesses. Our Man of the Year is also a member of Redondo Beach Rotary, and several other community organizations. Our Man of the Year has a Bachelor of Science from California State University, Long Beach, and executive certi?cations in Supply Chain Management from the University of Tennessee and MIT. He was a senior executive in the supply chain/logistics industry for over 30 years. Most recently, he was President of HomeDeliveryLink, a nationwide home delivery company servicing the appliance and furniture industry. Our Man of the Year has co-authored two books; one on the history of the Redondo Beach Police Department and the other on the history of Vons Grocery Company. He and his wife, Tracy are the parents of four adult children and several grandchildren. Congratulations to Mike Stark! The 2021 Woman of the Year is Tonya McKenzie, Sand & Shores PR Our Woman of the specializes in working with civic, law enforcement and non-profit organizations by helping them master their message and increase awareness. She is an expert in written and verbal communications. The Woman of the Year is a terrific resource for your social and business events, bringing out the best in each participant, speaker, and even the host. While she is very fun and social, she is also a child advocate and staunch supporter of Children’s rights. She established several unique youth wellness programs and served on the youth Council for Contra Costa County Supervisor Federal Glover. Our Woman of the Year is an author, Public Relations expert, Leadership Professional, Founder of a non-profit, a wife, a mom to four children and recently appointed as one of the Los Angeles County Commissioners. She is a graduate of California State University, Northridge with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. She also chartered a graduate chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc in Northern California She also serves on the Redondo Beach Chamber Board and she is the Former president of our partner organization NRBBA. She devotes herself 110% percent to anything she commits to, she fully utilizes 24 hours of each day. Where she finds the time to accomplish so much is still a mystery. Congratulations Commissioner Mrs. Tonya McKenzie! The 2021 Volunteer of the Year is Deena Knight, Daily Breeze This year’s recipient is a long time Chamber member and supporter, and is very active in the Chamber. This person comes to support just about every ribbon cutting ceremony, every Chamber networking event and even community events. We can count on this person to help out at events when needed, reach out to Chamber members when needed, and make everyone feel welcome. The Volunteer of the Year is often seen in many places in Redondo Beach, but is not a home grown Californian. However, has been a 18-year resident of Redondo Beach. The Volunteer of the Year has 18 years of experience in print and digital media sales and is active in several South Bay Chambers of Commerce and local community non-profit groups. She is also a part-time singer and personal trainer, and plays on the beach whenever possible! Our Volunteer loves cooking and is known to share culinary creations with her friends. During the month of October, you will see her wear pink every day in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Congratulations, Ms. Deena Knight. The 2021 Redondo Beach Chamber Ambassadors of The Year are Jeanie Alessandrini Edward Jones and Stephanie Boyd, S.T.O.R.E. by Steph The mission of a Chamber Ambassador is to ensure that the membership is being served. This exclusive group of business leaders believe in the Chamber’s mission, support their community and provide assistance for many of the Chamber’s activities and events. They have made a commitment to volunteer their time and efforts toward developing and maintaining a feeling of goodwill and understanding between the Chamber and business, government, and the community at large. Ambassadors are the public relations and retention assistants to the Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce. During lock-down, all of our Ambassadors stepped up to the challenge of reaching out to, and engaging members who were going through rough times, all via telephone or zoom. And keep in mind, our Ambassadors were also going through their own business disruptions and learning curves. Our Ambassadors have helped us retain new Chamber members by contacting them and encouraging their active participation in Chamber programs and events – in person or via zoom. This Year, we have two amazing ambassadors that have really stood out. Between the two of them the Chamber has always been wonderfully represented! Both of our Ambassadors of the Year have not only participated in numerous ribbon cuttings, have made countless telephone calls, and delivered many anniversary gifts but they have the gift themselves, of making members feel welcome, and helping to increase awareness of Chamber services at every step of the way. Our first Ambassador of the Year spent many years in the hospitality industry, and she has the perfect personality for being an engaging and welcoming Chamber Ambassador. She now owns and runs a thriving personal organizing company, and is (obviously) organized in her personal life. She is busy with her family and her business, yet she always steps up when asked. (for example, MC-ing at events and taking on volunteer assignments). In addition to her volunteer Ambassador duties with our Chamber, she is a very active member in other organizations, including ICD (Institute for Challenging Disorganization) and NAPO (National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals). As a small business owner, she is very keen on using the services of other Chamber members when possible. A true “shop local” attitude! Our other Ambassador of the year is a financial advisor who has been in been in practice for over 20 years. This person is not only an Ambassador, but is also a member of 2 additional Chamber committees. This person thinks outside the box and has supported the Member Services Committee by sharing trends and ideas for enhancements to our programs and events. She is also a member of the Hermosa Beach Kiwanis Club, board member of the El Camino College Scholarship Foundation and Finance Committee, a liaison of the annual Walk To End Alzheimer's, a member of Ride for Autism, and the Hermosa Beach Historical Society. We are pleased to have this opportunity to recognize these two Ambassador’s selfless dedication to helping the Redondo Beach Chamber. Both are deserving recipients of this year's Ambassador of the Year Award. I would like to introduce the 2021 Ambassadors of the Year, Stephanie Boyd and Jeanie Alessandrini! The 2021 Non-Profit Business of the Year is The Cancer Support Community The 2021 Non-Profit Business of the Year has provided support to the Redondo Beach Community for over 30 years. This organization has provided the gold standard of emotional and social support to cancer patients and their loved ones. They have served more than 25,000 families, completely free of charge. The Non-Profit Business of the Year serves the entire South Bay, Long Beach and Orange County areas. This organization began as a way to empower cancer patients. The services were based upon the “Patient Active” concept whereby cancer patients adopt a set of actions, behaviors and attitudes to improve the quality of their lives, which could enhance the possibility of recovery. Over the years they have expanded into providing free onsite services to children impacted by cancer with its Kids Community program designed for children ages 5-12 with a parent or loved one with cancer. They also began providing free groups for teens and young adults affected by cancer. With these additions now they are able to provide free support services to the entire family impacted by cancer. This organization currently provides more than 200 support programs per month to cancer patients and their families. Services include networking groups, support group programs, informational brochures, stress reduction and healthy lifestyle activities, plus educational lectures and workshops on nutrition and treatments. These groups are facilitated by licensed mental health professionals. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, The Non-Profit Business of The Year quickly worked to transition all of its free programs to the virtual Zoom platform so as to safely continue providing support at a time that is especially stressful for those who are already dealing with increased anxiety of a cancer diagnosis in the family. Since going virtual in March 2020, they have offered 1,427 support groups with 10,207 visits, 769 healthy lifestyle classes with 7,431 visits, 1,245 individual counseling sessions (the equivalent of $186,000 in free therapy provided by licensed MFTs) and has seen 550 newly diagnosed participants and their families. The Non-Profit Business of the Year has a large presence in the local community and collaborates with several community partners including the Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce, Beach Cities Health District, Redondo Beach Pier Association, and local hospitals in the South Bay. These partnerships and collaborations are critical to fulfillment of our Non-Profit Business’s mission to support cancer patients and their loved ones. They partner on well-known events such as Free Yoga at the Redondo Beach Pier, the Tour de Pier, and Birdies for Breast Cancer. In addition to continued involvement in many local community events, they work closely with other healthcare partners. Due to their long-standing committed partnerships and overwhelming positive feedback from its participants, The Non-Profit Business of the Year continues to receive hundreds of referrals each year from its local healthcare partnerships. Please help us congratulate the Non-Profit Business of the Year 2021 The Cancer Support Community - Redondo Beach. The 2021 Chairman’s Award goes to Joe Hoefgen, City Manager This year’s Chairman’s Award goes to a man who began his career in the City of Redondo Beach in September of 2011. He has spent decades of service in public administration. He was appointed to his current position in 2015. He previously served Redondo Beach as Community Services Director and then Interim City Manager. He was Assistant City Manager of Del Mar from 1992 to 2007 and City Manager of Palos Verdes Estates from 2007 to 2011. He has also worked for the City of Encinitas, as well cities in Kansas and Texas. He has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Emporia State University and Master of Public Administration Degree from the University of Kansas. He serves on the Board of the Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce, the Redondo Beach Round Table, and has volunteered with many civic and non-profit organizations over the years. During his time with the City, he has faced many challenges but puts in whatever effort and time to ensure that the job is done right. He never forgets his role in the organization and is always willing to help and guide others as needed. He has spent many Tuesday nights in long, and sometimes very “lively”, Council meetings and is always available when needed. His commitment to the City of Redondo Beach is commendable. He is married to his wife Audrey, and has two adult children, Michelle and Michael. He is set to retire next month, and before he goes, we want to be sure he knows how very much appreciated he is in our community. Please congratulate our 2021 Chairman’s Award winner, City Manager Joe Hoefgen!
Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce 114th Annual Community Awards Honorees
On Thursday, October 28th, the Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce announced the recipients of the 114th Community awards 2021 Man and Woman of the Year, Outstanding City Employee of The Year, Volunteer of the Year, Redondo Beach Chamber Ambassador of the Year, Non-Profit Business of the Year and the Chairman’s Award.
This year’s recipients have demonstrated commitment to the Redondo Beach community, civic endeavors, and improved the quality of life through volunteerism.
The 2021 recipient of Man of the Year is Mike Stark.
Our man of the year is a reserve commander for the Redondo Beach Police Department and has been volunteering for 49 years.
He has volunteered at hundreds of community activities & events and has given selflessly with passion for decades to make Redondo Beach the best it can be for residents and businesses.
Our Man of the Year is also a member of Redondo Beach Rotary, and several other community organizations.
Our Man of the Year has a Bachelor of Science from California State University, Long Beach, and executive certi?cations in Supply Chain Management from the University of Tennessee and MIT.
He was a senior executive in the supply chain/logistics industry for over 30 years. Most recently, he was President of HomeDeliveryLink, a nationwide home delivery company servicing the appliance and furniture industry.
Our Man of the Year has co-authored two books; one on the history of the Redondo Beach Police Department and the other on the history of Vons Grocery Company.
He and his wife, Tracy are the parents of four adult children and several grandchildren.
Congratulations to Mike Stark!
The 2021 Woman of the Year is Tonya McKenzie, Sand & Shores PR
Our Woman of the specializes in working with civic, law enforcement and non-profit organizations by helping them master their message and increase awareness. She is an expert in written and verbal communications.
The Woman of the Year is a terrific resource for your social and business events, bringing out the best in each participant, speaker, and even the host.
While she is very fun and social, she is also a child advocate and staunch supporter of Children’s rights. She established several unique youth wellness programs and served on the youth Council for Contra Costa County Supervisor Federal Glover.
Our Woman of the Year is an author, Public Relations expert, Leadership Professional, Founder of a non-profit, a wife, a mom to four children and recently appointed as one of the Los Angeles County Commissioners. She is a graduate of California State University, Northridge with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. She also chartered a graduate chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc in Northern California
She also serves on the Redondo Beach Chamber Board and she is the Former president of our partner organization NRBBA. She devotes herself 110% percent to anything she commits to, she fully utilizes 24 hours of each day. Where she finds the time to accomplish so much is still a mystery.
Congratulations Commissioner Mrs. Tonya McKenzie!
The 2021 Volunteer of the Year is Deena Knight, Daily Breeze
This year’s recipient is a long time Chamber member and supporter, and is very active in the Chamber. This person comes to support just about every ribbon cutting ceremony, every Chamber networking event and even community events. We can count on this person to help out at events when needed, reach out to Chamber members when needed, and make everyone feel welcome.
The Volunteer of the Year is often seen in many places in Redondo Beach, but is not a home grown Californian. However, has been a 18-year resident of Redondo Beach.
The Volunteer of the Year has 18 years of experience in print and digital media sales and is active in several South Bay Chambers of Commerce and local community non-profit groups.
She is also a part-time singer and personal trainer, and plays on the beach whenever possible! Our Volunteer loves cooking and is known to share culinary creations with her friends. During the month of October, you will see her wear pink every day in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Congratulations, Ms. Deena Knight.
The 2021 Redondo Beach Chamber Ambassadors of The Year are Jeanie Alessandrini Edward Jones and Stephanie Boyd, S.T.O.R.E. by Steph
The mission of a Chamber Ambassador is to ensure that the membership is being served. This exclusive group of business leaders believe in the Chamber’s mission, support their community and provide assistance for many of the Chamber’s activities and events. They have made a commitment to volunteer their time and efforts toward developing and maintaining a feeling of goodwill and understanding between the Chamber and business, government, and the community at large.
Ambassadors are the public relations and retention assistants to the Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce. During lock-down, all of our Ambassadors stepped up to the challenge of reaching out to, and engaging members who were going through rough times, all via telephone or zoom. And keep in mind, our Ambassadors were also going through their own business disruptions and learning curves.
Our Ambassadors have helped us retain new Chamber members by contacting them and encouraging their active participation in Chamber programs and events – in person or via zoom.
This Year, we have two amazing ambassadors that have really stood out.
Between the two of them the Chamber has always been wonderfully represented!
Both of our Ambassadors of the Year have not only participated in numerous ribbon cuttings, have made countless telephone calls, and delivered many anniversary gifts but they have the gift themselves, of making members feel welcome, and helping to increase awareness of Chamber services at every step of the way.
Our first Ambassador of the Year spent many years in the hospitality industry, and she has the perfect personality for being an engaging and welcoming Chamber Ambassador. She now owns and runs a thriving personal organizing company, and is (obviously) organized in her personal life. She is busy with her family and her business, yet she always steps up when asked. (for example, MC-ing at events and taking on volunteer assignments).
In addition to her volunteer Ambassador duties with our Chamber, she is a very active member in other organizations, including ICD (Institute for Challenging Disorganization) and NAPO (National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals).
As a small business owner, she is very keen on using the services of other Chamber members when possible. A true “shop local” attitude!
Our other Ambassador of the year is a financial advisor who has been in been in practice for over 20 years.
This person is not only an Ambassador, but is also a member of 2 additional Chamber committees. This person thinks outside the box and has supported the Member Services Committee by sharing trends and ideas for enhancements to our programs and events.
She is also a member of the Hermosa Beach Kiwanis Club, board member of the El Camino College Scholarship Foundation and Finance Committee, a liaison of the annual Walk To End Alzheimer's, a member of Ride for Autism, and the Hermosa Beach Historical Society.
We are pleased to have this opportunity to recognize these two Ambassador’s selfless dedication to helping the Redondo Beach Chamber. Both are deserving recipients of this year's Ambassador of the Year Award.
I would like to introduce the 2021 Ambassadors of the Year, Stephanie Boyd and Jeanie Alessandrini!
The 2021 Non-Profit Business of the Year is The Cancer Support Community
The 2021 Non-Profit Business of the Year has provided support to the Redondo Beach Community for over 30 years.
This organization has provided the gold standard of emotional and social support to cancer patients and their loved ones. They have served more than 25,000 families, completely free of charge. The Non-Profit Business of the Year serves the entire South Bay, Long Beach and Orange County areas.
This organization began as a way to empower cancer patients. The services were based upon the “Patient Active” concept whereby cancer patients adopt a set of actions, behaviors and attitudes to improve the quality of their lives, which could enhance the possibility of recovery.
Over the years they have expanded into providing free onsite services to children impacted by cancer with its Kids Community program designed for children ages 5-12 with a parent or loved one with cancer.
They also began providing free groups for teens and young adults affected by cancer. With these additions now they are able to provide free support services to the entire family impacted by cancer.
This organization currently provides more than 200 support programs per month to cancer patients and their families. Services include networking groups, support group programs, informational brochures, stress reduction and healthy lifestyle activities, plus educational lectures and workshops on nutrition and treatments. These groups are facilitated by licensed mental health professionals.
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, The Non-Profit Business of The Year quickly worked to transition all of its free programs to the virtual Zoom platform so as to safely continue providing support at a time that is especially stressful for those who are already dealing with increased anxiety of a cancer diagnosis in the family. Since going virtual in March 2020, they have offered 1,427 support groups with 10,207 visits, 769 healthy lifestyle classes with 7,431 visits, 1,245 individual counseling sessions (the equivalent of $186,000 in free therapy provided by licensed MFTs) and has seen 550 newly diagnosed participants and their families.
The Non-Profit Business of the Year has a large presence in the local community and collaborates with several community partners including the Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce, Beach Cities Health District, Redondo Beach Pier Association, and local hospitals in the South Bay.
These partnerships and collaborations are critical to fulfillment of our Non-Profit Business’s mission to support cancer patients and their loved ones. They partner on well-known events such as Free Yoga at the Redondo Beach Pier, the Tour de Pier, and Birdies for Breast Cancer. In addition to continued involvement in many local community events, they work closely with other healthcare partners. Due to their long-standing committed partnerships and overwhelming positive feedback from its participants, The Non-Profit Business of the Year continues to receive hundreds of referrals each year from its local healthcare partnerships.
Please help us congratulate the Non-Profit Business of the Year 2021 The Cancer Support Community - Redondo Beach.
The 2021 Chairman’s Award goes to Joe Hoefgen, City Manager
This year’s Chairman’s Award goes to a man who began his career in the City of Redondo Beach in September of 2011.
He has spent decades of service in public administration. He was appointed to his current position in 2015. He previously served Redondo Beach as Community Services Director and then Interim City Manager. He was Assistant City Manager of Del Mar from 1992 to 2007 and City Manager of Palos Verdes Estates from 2007 to 2011. He has also worked for the City of Encinitas, as well cities in Kansas and Texas.
He has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Emporia State University and Master of Public Administration Degree from the University of Kansas.
He serves on the Board of the Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce, the Redondo Beach Round Table, and has volunteered with many civic and non-profit organizations over the years.
During his time with the City, he has faced many challenges but puts in whatever effort and time to ensure that the job is done right. He never forgets his role in the organization and is always willing to help and guide others as needed. He has spent many Tuesday nights in long, and sometimes very “lively”, Council meetings and is always available when needed. His commitment to the City of Redondo Beach is commendable.
He is married to his wife Audrey, and has two adult children, Michelle and Michael. He is set to retire next month, and before he goes, we want to be sure he knows how very much appreciated he is in our community.
Please congratulate our 2021 Chairman’s Award winner, City Manager Joe Hoefgen!