Large Business Category 

DCH Tustin Acura – represented by Dick Hsu, General Manager

DCH Tustin Acura is one of 27 automotive dealerships owned and operated by DCH Auto Group, one of the largest automotive dealer corporations in the US.

Located in the Tustin Auto Center, DCH Tustin Acura recently celebrated it’s 25th Anniversary, and thanks to over 30,000 satisfiedcustomers, they are currently the #1 Volume Acura Dealer in California and the Western United States!  They are 8 time winners of Acura’s Highest Honor…the “Dealership of Distinction Award”, and 6 time winners of the “Dealer of Excellence Award” by JD Power.

DCH Tustin Acura has been a member of the Tustin Chamber for 25 years, and contributes to the community through Tustin Community Foundation, Tustin PD, Boys and Girls Club and Orange County Rescue Mission to name a few.  They also have helped several of our Tustin Unified High Schools by developinbg SADD chapters (Students Against Destructive Decisions), and have offered student leadership training and mentoring programs and teen/parent safe driving seminars!

 

Small Business Category

Francis Chiropractic – represented by Dr. Arthur Francis

Francis Chiropractic offers the community chiropractic health care, nutritional counseling, exercise instruction, injury rehabilitation, massage therapy and adjunctive physical therapy.

For over 23 years their mission has been to help as many people enjoy a healthy life, without the adherent side effects of drugs or surgery through natural chiropractic care and healthy living. Francis Chiropractic has been an active Chamber member since 1990, serving on the board of directors for 7 years, 3 of them in service to the Executive Committee, and has served on dozens of event committees and in various volunteer positions.  They have supported every chamber business expo for the past 20 years, and have contributed to the Police Officer of the Month Program, every month, for 15 years.

Dr Francis’ commitment to the community also includes involvement with the Tustin Historical Society for over 20 years, and volunteering as a youth coach for over 16 years. His Chiropractic Credentials and Business Ethics Awards are far too many to mention in this brief amount of time, however I would like to say that his Platinum Award by GMC Academy in 2007 and his Outstanding Humanitarian Award summed it up when they recognized Dr. Arthur Francis for his “Relentless Devotion to the Chiropractic Profession and welfare of his patients and the community”.

 

Non-Profit Category

The Tustin Community Foundation – represented by Erin Neilsen

The Tustin Community Foundation’s main purpose is to promote and advance philanthropy in the greater Tustin area. By partnering with its donors, the foundation supports non-profit organizations and public institutions that effectively address this community needs.

The Tustin Community Foundation was recently named a “Certified Green Non-profit” and a “Verified Non-Profit” by several organizations including The Foundation Center.  In a very brief period of time, over the past 4 years, they have awarded over $130,000 in grants and awards to over 65 Tustin Area Non-profit organizations such as American Legion, Assistance League of Tustin, Big Bros/ Big sisters, Divine Choices, Human Options, Special Olympics…and the list goes on and on and on.

The Foundation hosts dozens of programs and fundraisers that aid this community such as low-cost CPR and first aid training, free teen safe driving seminars, free disaster preparedness classes with the Tustin PD.  On a daily basis, and from the time of it’s reorganization in 2006, the Tustin community foundation strives to have strong ethics, good environmental stewardship, support the Tustin business community and to be a great example to other area non-profit organizations and local schools.  Their Guiding Principals have allowed them to achieve the goal:  to have the ability to contribute much needed funds to a wide variety of programs and organizations throughout greater Tustin.  TCF is very honored to be considered for this award.

2011 Nominees

Large Business

The District at Tustin Legacy / Vestar – represented by Kim Daskas, Marketing Director

The District is a 1 million square foot regional shopping center featuring lifestyle and entertainment components that have changed the landscape in the Tustin community.  Featuring over 80 retail stores & restaurants, the District also offers entertainment venues highlighted by outdoor fireplaces, fountains, giant video walls, a performance stage, lush landscaping & more.  The District has a strong presence in the community through support of the Tustin Library, Tustin Chamber, Tustin Community Foundation.  The District and its retailer partners are committed to serving the City of Tustin its community through its umbrella core values:  Integrity, Hard Work, Innovation, Initiative, Fiscal Responsibility and Social Responsibility.  Their commitment to improving our community goes way beyond bricks and mortar!  The District at Tustin Legacy and its parent company Vestar, has truly created a unique destination with a “sense of place”,and will undoubtedly continue it’s strong presence here in Orange County for years to come!

Small Business

Bentley’s Salon & Day Spa – represented by Lyn Sully

Lyn Sully has served this community for over 28 years.  Her community involvement, business standards & excellent customer service have gained her much respect and appreciation through the years.  Her biggest connection with her salon and say-spa clients is that she listens to their needs and follows through.  Her consistency, and their trust in her is the basis of her word-of mouth marketing success.  Since joining in 2009, Lyn sully’s constant dedication to the Tustin Chamber of Commerce and the Ambassador Program have made her an invaluable asset to our efforts.  She has received the Ambassador of the Month Award 3-times this year! (No wonder she was the obvious choice for 2011 Award for “Ambassador of the Year”.)

Nieuport 17 Restaurant

Newport 17 Restaurant, currently owned and operated by Bill Bettis and Cameron Irons, has been Tustin’s premier location for Steaks, Seafood, and Cocktails for over 40 years. Named after a fighter aircraft from WWI, this aviation-themed restaurant features fine cuisine, unique décor, and an intimate cocktail lounge with live entertainment.  They were rated #1 in Service for LA&OC’s OpenTable restaurant review site in 2010. Whether you are looking for a romantic dinner for two or a fun night out with a group, Nieuport 17 offers delicious food and top-notch service that can’t be beat. Nieuport 17 has been serving the Tustin Community since 1969 and has been a Chamber member for 1 year.

OC Pack & Mail Plus – Represented by Bernadette Lazara

OC Pack & Mail Plus is Tustin independent packing and shipping store with an array of services that help other small business owners, freelancers, and independent contractors lower overhead costs and reduce operating expenses.  With a fully functioning virtual office and co-working space available for your use, OC Pack & Mail offers wireless internet, printers, copiers, fax services, computer rental, projectors and more.  Their full service packing and shipping center has everything you need to get those business and packages delivered on time and within budget.  Since joining the Tustin Chamber in 2009 Bernadette Lazara, owner of OC Pack & Mail has volunteered at many chamber events, served on committees, and serves currently in the Ambassador Program welcoming new
businesses to the community and making them aware of the chamber.  Bernadette was the “Ambassador of the Month in October of 2010!

Anthony Wang Photography – represented by Tony Wang

Anthony Wang Photography has been in business for over 20 years specializing in wedding and portrait photography, corporate events, location and destination photography.  His photographs have been published in various media outlets, national magazines, newpapers, advertising campaigns, calatogs and more.  Since joining the chamber a year ago, Tony has attended most events and functions, photographing them at no charge.  He has been a great asset to the Chamber by helping us document our special events and ribbon cuttings for marketing and historical purposes.  He loves to photograph school events and charity races and gives donations and in-kind services to several local schools as well as Tustin Acura’s SADD program. Tony Wang is all about strong ethics in business and in life.  He supports the Tustin community in every way that he can, and hopes his passion and commitment show in his photos!

The Tutoring Center – represented by David Vela

The Tutoring Center’s concept is the “Rotational Approach to Learning” combined with their indidualized One-to-One Instruction truly allows their students to develop skills that will last a lifetime.  In todays competitive academic environment, every child will require some form of academic assistance.  Their goal is to turn a child’s future from a day-to-day challenge into a life-long success story!  Since joining the Tustin Chamber in January 2010, they have enjoyed meeting other business owners who provide a mutual benefit of helping others.  They have consistently encouraged other businesses to get involved with the chamber.  The Tutoring Center has graciously offered scholarships to various community schools as well as offering assistance to students with academic needs through the Padre Foundation and Olive Crest Homes for Abused children.  The Tutoring Center was honored to be included with this year’s nominees!

Non Profit

The Boys & Girls Club of Tustin – Represented by Adaleen McHale

The Boys & Girls Club of Tustin has been serving this community since 1966.  They are a non-profit youth development agency that has been serving Tustin and its surrounding communities for over 45 years.  Their mission is to enable all youth, especially those that need it the most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.  They currently serve over 2000 youth annually ages 5 – 18 years by providing a wide variety of activities designed to promote a sense of usefulness, competence, belonging and empowerment in every child in the program.  They have been on the forefront of youth development over the years working especially with those from disadvantaged economic, social and family circumstances.  Their county-wide program PROJECT HOPE serves some of the neediest young people in all of Orange County.  In a world that has never seemed more threatening and devoid of promise for a disproportionate number of America’s children, The Boys and Girls Club provides a tangible measure of hope.  They are dedicated to ensuring that our community’s youth have greater access to quality programs and services that will help to enhance their lives and shape their futures.  The club offers what young people want most:  adults who will respect & listen to them, a safe environment where they can be themselves, have fun, and channel youthful energy into challenging pursuits!

Divine Choices – represented by Claire Heath, President and founder

Divine Choices is a California based public charitable purpose non-profit organization. The mission of Divine Choices is to provide sexual abuse prevention education to adults who care for and interact with children and to transform lives of childhood sexual abuse survivors. They facilitate award winning workshops such as “Stewards of Children” which teaches the 7-steps to protecting children, and “Breaking the Silence, Healing the Wounds” which is designed to transform the lives of sexual abuse survivors.  Divine Choices has been a member of the Tustin Chamber of Vommerce for 3 years and has continually supported the Tustin business community and has volunteered for various local events and presented programs in the City of Tustin.  The are the winners of several awards including the “Business to Business Award” from British Airways with an opportunity to present their programs in other countries.  They have also recently launched their “HUGS Program” which is “Help Us Grow Safely” … its a community based grass-roots awareness and prevention program designed to protect children through education of caregivers and parents.  Go “HUGS”!
Make a wish Foundation of Orange County & Inland Empire – represented by Sarah Pizzaruso
Since 1980, The Make a Wish foundation has been granting the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions through it’s wish-granting work.  The foundation’s mission reflects the life changing impact the Make a Wish experience has on its children, families, referral sources, donors, sponsors and entire communities. One of their thriving programs is the “Kids for Wish-Kids” program, designed to help kids and young adults under the age if 18 to get more involved with the foundation.  They help kids start their own clubs at school, helping to build leadership skills and create awareness of those in need all while helping them build a strong connection to their community. Pioneer Middle school is a shining example have raised $5000 this year alone, and have grated a wish for a child in need.  Their high business standards have earned Make a Wish much respect within the community as well as from their national office.