Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce Installation and Recognition Gala

Tehachapi – Jan. 24, 2015 a black and white theme set a classic stage for the Installation of the Greater Tehachapi Chamber Board of Directors and the honoring the 2015 Tehachapi Citizen of the Year, and 2015 Tehachapi Small and Large Business of the Year, at Villa La Paz at the National Chavez Center.

Master of Ceremonies Pete Sturn helped introduce the 2015 office inductees for the Chamber’s Board of Directors. Mayor Wiggins swore in Marty Pay of Marty Pay Framers Insurance, a previous chairman and director, as the Chairperson of the Board for the 2015 year. James (Jim) Wallace, of Weddings by Reverend Jim, and Tehachapi CANCER FOUNDATION, who has previously held a director’s position for three years, was sworn in as Chairperson Elect. Kathy Carey, who has been an active member of the Chamber through BVS Properties and on the Chamber Board for 9 years, was sworn in as Treasurer.

Susan Abrego of Tehachapi Cleaning Proz ,; Lorraine Berry who holds an individual (non-business owner) membership, Carl Gehricke of TBB, and Carolyn Wiles of Terra-Gen Power, LLC, were also sworn in as Directors of the Chamber Board.

“A little extra welcome to Susan, as she is our only new member to the board, but I am grateful to have such a wonderful set of people who are focused on the advancement and prosperity of this community and are willing to be leaders,” Ida Perkins, President of the Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce said.

Dorothy Morris, who was nominated by her daughter Lora Minton, was called up to the front of the room and awarded the 2015 Citizen of the Year award because she graciously gives so much of herself to her community through all of her volunteering.

“I don’t deserve this award, but thank you,” Morris, a 52-plus-year resident of Tehachapi humbly said.

The Small Business of the Year was awarded to Linda’s Cakes n’ Things. Linda, who was brought to tears at the honor of such an award said, “I am just following my lifelong passion. I love this town, I love cooking, and I love cooking for this town.”

Lastly, the 2015 Large Business of the Year was awarded to Scott’s Auto Body. Phil Richmond accepted the award.

“It is an honor to be able to award this to a company that has such a heart for our community,” Scrivner said.

“I took over the business from my dad, Scott [who started the business over 25 years ago]. I am glad to work here and raise my family here [in Tehachapi],” Richmond said.

“Phil is carrying on the legacy of his father,” Mayor Wiggins said with pride.

“It is an honor. I really didn’t see this coming,” Richmond added. “But I couldn’t do it alone,” he said, just before introducing his mother and five of his workers who attended the dinner with him.

“The evening was a wonderful success. I love the positive comments received from attendees and honorees, alike,” Perkins said. “But, we can’t forget that all of this was made possible by our gracious sponsors who are local businesses: Airstreams Renewables, Inc .; Creative Connections, Inc .; Kaiser Permanente; National Chavez Center; Southern California Edison; Tehachapi News; Terra-Gen Power, LLC; and The Loop newspaper.

Furthermore, I couldn’t have done this without Ambassadors, Tina Larson and Larry Barrett, Jim Wallace, Heather Parra, Carl Gehricke, and my wonderful hubby for helping with the set up and clean up this year.”

For information about the benefits of becoming a member of the Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce or nominating someone or a business for next year’s awards go to http://www.Tehachapi.com and/or call (661)822-4180.