Brawley Chamber of Commerce Honors recipients, at Annual Gala; Robert Trimm awarded the 2024 branding iron award

The Brawley Chamber of Commerce hosted a spectacular gala on Saturday evening, celebrating the exceptional contributions of individuals and organizations dedicated to enhancing the community. The event, held at the Velvet Venue in Brawley, commenced with guests being greeted at the door with a glass of champagne and a warm welcome, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening filled with joy, recognition, and camaraderie.

Furthermore some notable past branding iron award recipients were also in attendance, including Erasmo Gonzalez who received the award in 2018, Mary Miller who received their award in 2005 and Coni S. Stokely and received their award in 2022.

Evening Festivities and Culinary Delights

The evening kicked off with an intriguing twist as guests had the opportunity to have their fortunes read by a talented mystic, adding an element of mystery and fun. The culinary journey began with an exquisite appetizer: a refreshing mixed greens salad topped with juicy strawberries and drizzled with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, whetting the appetites of the attendees.

The main course featured a succulent, perfectly grilled steak served alongside creamy mashed potatoes, tender steamed asparagus, and a freshly baked breadstick that complemented the meal. The flavors were rich and satisfying, providing a delightful dining experience. Following the meal, the ambiance shifted to an artistic celebration with a mesmerizing jazz performance, featuring skilled musicians and graceful dancers who captivated the audience with their talents and energy.

Honoring Excellence: Branding Iron Award

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Branding Iron Award, a prestigious honor that has been a cornerstone of the community since its inception in 1976, when it was first awarded to Earl Harris. The award recognizes individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to the Brawley community through their dedication, volunteerism, and leadership.

As the guests waited in suspense Stephen Smith President of the Brawley Rotary club who presented the this year’s 2024 branding iron award stated “it is a privilege and a great honor To present this year’s branding award to Mr. Robert Trimm”

Robert Trimm, was celebrated for his lifelong commitment to serving the community. Trimm has been an integral part of numerous local organizations, including the Brawley Rotary Club, the Imperial Valley Vegetable Growers Association, and the Pioneers Memorial Hospital Foundation. His efforts have had a profound impact on various community programs and initiatives.

Trimm’s extensive involvement includes coaching Little League teams, supporting the Brawley Boys and Girls Club, and contributing to the Imperial Valley Food Bank. He has also been a key organizer of the Rotary Youth Leadership Award committee, helping to nurture and develop the next generation of community leaders. His work with the Brawley Feed the Need food distribution program has helped ensure that countless families have access to food and essential supplies during the holiday season.

In his heartfelt acceptance speech, Trimm expressed his deep appreciation for the recognition and reflected on the joy and fulfillment he derives from giving back to the community. “Wow, i’m humble, i’m thankful, i’m appreciative and a whole lot more and I look at this room and I see a lot of people that participate in this community and make this place the place it is the place you call home” he said. His words resonated with the audience, underscoring the importance of community spirit and the impact of collective efforts.

“I know I wasn’t the only one that walked out today and felt like it was a 150°” he joked “what am I doing here? Well I live here, my family’s here, my works here and the people that are in this room made this the community I wanna be in” he elaborated

Ambassador of the Year: Loretta Moore-Scott

The Ambassador of the Year Award was presented to Loretta Moore-Scott, recognizing her exceptional dedication and tireless volunteer work. Moore-Scott has been a cornerstone of the Chamber’s activities, often balancing her time between Chamber events and managing her own business. Her unwavering commitment, enthusiasm, and willingness to go above and beyond have been instrumental in the Chamber’s success.

Throughout the year, Moore-Scott has been a familiar and dependable presence at almost every Chamber event, always ready to lend a hand and contribute her time and energy. Her positive attitude and proactive approach have made a significant impact, helping to ensure the success of various initiatives and programs.

In her acceptance speech, Moore-Scott expressed her deep gratitude and love for her ambassador role. “Thank you so much. I work with a wonderful team, and I love being an ambassador. God bless everyone,” she said, her sincerity and joy evident to all. Her words highlighted the importance of teamwork and the sense of fulfillment that comes from being an active and engaged member of the community.

Denise J. Smith Award: Emmanuel Gonzalez

Emmanuel Gonzalez was honored with the prestigious Denise J. Smith Award, which recognizes a board member who has demonstrated extraordinary commitment, leadership, and contributions to the Chamber and its mission. Gonzalez has been a steadfast advocate for the Chamber, bringing strategic vision, collaboration, and a spirit of unity to every meeting and event.

Gonzalez’s contributions have been instrumental in guiding the Chamber towards achieving its goals and fostering a culture of inclusivity and cooperation. His leadership has helped to strengthen the Chamber’s programs and initiatives, ensuring that they effectively address the needs of the community.

In his acceptance speech, Gonzalez expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve and the rewarding experience of being part of the board. “Being part of this board has been a rewarding experience, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve. I look forward to continuing to work with such a dedicated and passionate team,” he said. His words reflected his commitment to the Chamber and his belief in the power of collective effort to drive positive change.

Emmanuel Gonzalez giving speech for his award

Nonprofit of the Year: Dancing for a Dream

The Nonprofit of the Year Award was presented to Dancing for a Dream, an exceptional organization dedicated to providing medical assistance to individuals in need within Imperial County. The organization’s mission focuses on increasing awareness of the growing demand for medical support and ensuring that those with limited resources have access to the care they need.

Stars for a Cause is known for its compassionate approach and its commitment to treating every patient with the care and respect they deserve. The organization raises funds to support medical expenses for patients who would otherwise be unable to afford the necessary care. Each year, they provide vital support to several patients, helping to improve their quality of life and alleviate the financial burden of medical expenses.

Angie Peña, representing Stars for a Cause, accepted the award on behalf of the organization. In her speech, she highlighted the community’s ongoing support and the importance of their mission. “We are blessed to have a community that stands by us, making it possible to continue our work and support those who need it most. Despite the financial challenges many face due to inflation, we have been very fortunate to have full support for our events and initiatives,” she said. Peña’s words underscored the critical role that community support plays in the success of their mission and the profound impact their work has on the lives of those they serve.

Business of the Year: Legacy MD Medical Center

Legacy MD Medical Center was honored with the Business of the Year Award for its outstanding medical services and unwavering commitment to improving healthcare accessibility in the community. The center is renowned for its patient-centered approach, offering flexible scheduling options, including same-day appointments and extended hours, to ensure that healthcare is convenient and accessible to all residents.

In addition to its current offerings, Legacy MD Medical Center is in the process of constructing a state-of-the-art facility in El Centro. This new facility will house a 24-hour urgent care center, a cutting-edge radiology department equipped with advanced imaging technology such as X-rays, MRI, CT scans, and mammograms, and a comprehensive suite of medical services designed to meet the diverse needs of the community.

Dr. Tien Tan Vo, accepting the award on behalf of Legacy MD Medical Center, expressed profound gratitude for the community’s support and reiterated the center’s dedication to prioritizing patient care. “We created Legacy MD Medical Center with the purpose of serving the community. Our motto is ‘For the Family,’ and we always put the needs of our patients first. We never say no to anyone in need and strive to provide the best possible care. Thank you for your support,” he said. Dr. Vo’s words highlighted the center’s commitment to excellence and ongoing efforts to improve healthcare outcomes for all residents.

Special Recognitions and Farewells

The Chamber also took a moment to recognize and bid farewell to the outgoing President Christine Perez Board President April Robles. Both Perez and Robles have been instrumental in the Chamber’s success, dedicating countless hours to various initiatives and programs. Their departure was met with a mix of sadness and gratitude as they reflected on their time with the Chamber and the impact they had made.

Christine Perez, in her farewell speech, expressed her heartfelt thanks for the opportunity to serve and emphasized the strong sense of community and teamwork within the Chamber. “We are a family. We laugh together, we cry together, and we always come together to make a difference for our community. I am deeply grateful for the memories and the incredible journey we have shared,” she said. Her words were a testament to the close-knit, supportive environment that the Chamber fosters and the collective achievements they have accomplished.

April Robles echoed similar sentiments, expressing her appreciation for the support from the Chamber staff, board members, and the community. “Thank you to all the Chamber staff and members for allowing me to be part of this incredible journey. I will cherish the memories and the impact we’ve made together. It has been an honor to serve, and I am excited for the future of the Chamber,” she remarked. Robles’ speech highlighted the positive impact of her leadership and the lasting legacy she leaves behind.